The Birthday of the Prophet Joseph Smith

Maybe it's just me, but I think Joseph Smith being born on December 23,1805 was no coincidence.  I personally love being able to remember him two days before Christmas Day - the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.  Both - for me in my life are HUGE events.  Both people are on my top 4 list for importance in my life.

Joseph Smith - the 14 year old boy who saw God the Father, and His son Jesus Christ.  Which, as we know, was the beginning of this last dispensation.  What a wonderful man Joseph Smith was.  I love Joseph Smith for being strong enough to restore the true church and to testify of Christ while being persecuted by many evil people.  For sacrificing time with his beloved wife, Emma, to administer to many.  For being guided by a loving Heavenly Father in translating the Gold Plates into what is now The Book of Mormon.

Joseph Smith is probably my greatest hero.  I have, for most of my life, a deep desire to know him better.  To understand his life.  To learn his teachings.  To find out for myself that he is a true prophet of God.  I am so thankful for the knowledge I have of him and everything that he did. I learn more about him each day and I love it!  I am so thankful for this man who gave so much of himself so that all of us today could have the Book of Mormon.  To have the restored true church of Jesus Christ.  To have the divine power of the Holy Priesthood.  To have temple marriages that are forever.  To have the Word of Wisdom.  I could go on and on.

I hope you will take some time today, or anytime, to learn more about this man.  I testify to you that he is a Prophet of God.  I am so thankful for him and for his countless acts of kindness and example.

To learn more about Joseph Smith, click here.

Praise to the Man (one of my favorite hymns), click here.

Joseph Smith, Prophet of the Restoration movie (my favorite!), click here.

Coconut Cream Pie Recipe

I found on Pinterest a recipe for Coconut Banana Cream Pie.  I like bananas - just not a fave in anything - I much prefer just a plain banana with a little green still on it.

I was craving a dessert last night so I went to my Pinterest boards and found something that sounded delicious - and a recipe I had everything for.  This is what I made.

I, of course, altered the recipe just a tad.  Let me tell you - this is one of the BEST Coconut Cream Pies I have ever had.  I especially love the crust made from coconut.  I am so glad I have leftovers to enjoy the next few days.

Here is my FULL version of the recipe.  See notes at the bottom for helpful hints.
(I actually halved the recipe and made it in a bread pan.)

COCONUT CREAM PIE

Crust:
1/2 C butter, melted (don't use margarine)
3 C coconut
*Melt butter in a sauce pan over medium heat.  Stir in coconut and continue stirring until coconut browns, about 5 minutes or so.  Don't skimp on this step - you DO want your coconut to be browned.  Spread and lightly-firmly press into a lightly buttered pie pan or an 8x8 square pan.  Cool in fridge while you are making filling.

Pie Filling (in parts):

Mix step #1:
4 egg yolks
1/4 C sugar
3 T cornstarch
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 C flour
1 C half and half
*Mix egg yolks,sugar, cornstarch, salt and flour.  Gradually stir in half and half.  Set aside.

Mix step #2:
2 C half and half
1/2 C sugar
*Stirring constantly bring just barely to a boil over medium heat in a sauce pan.  Slowly stir in egg mixture and bring back to a light boil and stir while mixture thickens.  It will look like thick cake batter when it is ready.  Stir constantly!

Remove from heat and add:
2 T vanilla (imitation)
* Place plastic wrap on top of cream (press down onto cream to prevent a skin from forming).  Cool in fridge about 20 minutes.

When filling is cool, pour into cooled coconut pie crust.  Cover and cool for 2 hours before eating.

Mix step #3
When ready to eat - whip together:
1 C whipping cream
1/3 C powdered Sugar
1/2 C coconut
*Whip together cream and sugar to almost whipped.  Add coconut and whip the rest of the way.
Spread on pie.  Store in fridge, covered.

NOTES:
1.  I did the coconut as stated in the recipe, but next time I am going to do it this way: Roast coconut in your oven under the broiler.  Just spread in a 9x13 pan.  WATCH CAREFULLY!  Once this starts to brown, it will burn within seconds if you don't pay attention.  Stir browned coconut into melted butter.
2.  Don't have half-and-half?  You can use milk - 2% or whole is best.  Or if you have cream, use half cream, half milk.
3.  I didn't put banana slices on the crust before pouring in cream.  I wanted this just a coconut cream pie.
4.  The recipe didn't add coconut to the whipped cream.  I added coconut because I wanted the extra coconut.
5.  The recipe called for a couple drops of yellow food coloring to add to the cream filling.  I didn't add this. I think it looks better a cloudy white than a bright yellow.
6.  It says this will serve 6-8 people.  My half recipe in a bread pan will have at least 6 servings in it because it is very rich.

General Relief Society Meeting 2012

 The view from our seats in the "Terrace"

The General Relief Society Meeting was fabulous.  Hearing from the newly called RS General Presidency was fun.  I am one of those people who actually enjoy change.  Oh - I will miss Julie Beck tremendously!!  But I'm excited for what will come with this new presidency.

A fun picture I tried - took thru binoculars

Jasmine and I went to the broadcast in the Conference Center.  She is still in young women, will be 18 in November - and plans to stay in YW until she graduates, but I figured - it wouldn't hurt.  She loved it.  While I was there - seeing how much Jaz enjoyed herself - I thought - wouldn't this be a fun tradition (if you are in or close to Utah) to take your Laurels (if you are serving in YW) to the broadcast each year?  Spend the day in Salt Lake with them.  Wonder around the city, and temple square.  We didn't have tickets.  We went stand-by ... sort of.  We went and stood on the corner of the Conference Center and someone came and asked if we needed tickets - and gave us some.    I have gone stand-by every other year and have always gotten in - to the YW broadcast, too.  So, taking your Laurels (especially the ones who are Seniors) would be a fun way to introduce them to RS with a totally fun day in Salt Lake, and in the presence of the Prophet.

Jaz and I at the broadcast

You can listen or watch the broadcast again - or for the first time - HERE.

I love General Conference Weekend!!

Items needed for Philippines

I have a friend who is serving with her husband in the Philippines for the Church.  He serves in the Area Presidency there.  She is working with a program that helps individuals get the medical help they need.

Here is her email about what she is involved with and the items she needs:

I have become involved with a program here similar to the Ronald McDonald house.  Kids come and spend a long time with one parent as they get mulitiple surgeries for things like club feet, cleft palates, or crossed eyes.  There are also older patients who come for cataracts.  This was set up by a former American Doctor who was a mission president and is run by his former sister missionaries.  It is a great program.  Sister Grace Teh, the Area President's wife, was one of his missionaries and ran the foundation for years.  Members of our American branch do stuff over there every week.

They are in need of projects to keep the adults busy as they wait and wait and wait.  I just finished a quilt project with them and they LOVED it.  I was astounded at what a hit it was.  They caught the residents up at 2:00 am sewing because they were having so much fun.  I brought a bunch of "JUNK" here with me that I've been using for projects.  I had a ton of old batting and old weird material and the like.  We made 25 lap quilts and it cost me about $20.00 to purchase enough pins, needles, and a little batting to finish off what we needed.  Biggest bang out of $20.00 that I've ever seen in my life.  These people own very little and they were amazed that I let them "keep" that quilt.

I was wondering if any of you have stuff sitting around that you would just as soon be rid of.  Here is what would be useful:

* batting

* fabric

* sheets

*thread

* needles

* pins

* cotton crochet thread

* knitting needles

*used Christmas cards

* scrapbook paper, cardstock

* crayons

* colored pencils

* old coloring books/ even if some of the pages are colored

* puppets

* Any kind of craft stuff like ribbon, buttons, stencils, scrapbooking dodads............stuff like that.

If you have any of these type of items, and are willing to donate it to this WONDERFUL cause - can you bring it to me?  You can drop it by my house, or if you are not in the Central Utah area - you can ship it to me.  I need all of the items by WEDNESDAY, SEPT 26th - as she will be needing them by Sept 30th.

Ship it to - or drop it by my home:

Vickie Hacking

931 E 1960 N

Lehi, UT 84043

If you have any questions about this, please email me ( cvhacking@yahoo.com )!  Lets help these sweet ladies in the Philippines learn skills, and receive some much needed items.

Thank you for donating!!

Cookie Oreo Brownie Delight

I found this idea on Pinterest.  I thought it looked delicious!  So, I went to Costco, bought me a big 'ole box of Oreos and made it.  I did tweak it a little, as I do most recipes I use, but not much.  The original recipe called for store bought cookie dough - eew!!  So I made my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe (but used only half - and froze the rest for future quick oven fresh cookies).  It also said to use a brownie mix - again, I don't use these unless I am camping.  So I made my favorite brownie recipe and used that.

Here is how to make it (with my yummy homemade recipes for them!)

First - Spread chocolate chip cookie dough into a greased 8x8 square pan.
Second - Layer Oreo Cookies over the chocolate chip cookie dough (you'll need 16 for an 8x8 sq pan)
Third - Pour the brownie batter over the Oreo's and carefully spread to cover completely.
Fourth - Cook in a 350 F oven for 30-40 minutes.  I cooked mine for 35 and it was perfect.

Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe:
(This is the recipe amounts you need - I already halved it for you)
1/2 cup + 2 T shortening
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 T vanilla (imitation) *if using real vanilla use 3/4 tsp*
1 tsp water
2 eggs (or 1 whole egg + 1 egg white)
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 tsp baking soda
3/4 tsp salt
1 cup chocolate chips

Mix shortening, sugars, vanilla, water and eggs until well blended.  Add dry ingredients and mix well.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Spread into greased 8x8 square pan.   Put Oreo cookies on top of cookie dough.

Brownie recipe
(Again - I halved the recipe for you - so use the amounts shown for this recipe)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1 T vanilla (imitation) *if using real vanilla use 1/2 tsp*
2 T cocoa powder
1/2 cup flour
1/8 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt


Mix melted butter, sugar, egg, and vanilla until blended.  Add dry ingredients and ONLY MIX until flour is absorbed.  Pour and spread batter over Oreo cookies, which are on top of the chocolate chip cookie dough.


Cook all of this now in a 350 F preheated oven for 30-40 minutes (35 min is usually best).  Yum!

Oreo's on top of chocolate chip cookie dough:

Brownie batter on top of Oreo's:

Brownie batter spread all over Oreo's - ready to bake:

Finished yummyness:

Pinterest - DUD!

So - I love Pinterest.  I find some very interesting, fun, cool ideas and recipes there.  I - unlike many - actually get off of the computer and DO the things I find online that look delicious or fun to do.  Well, last night I tried this one:  http://pinterest.com/pin/106397609917191146/    It was simply to cut open a glow stick, pour the "glow stuff" into a small jar of water and it will glow.  The blog this idea came from said their's glowed for 2 days.  Ya right!  I tried it - popped my glow sticks, carefully poured the glowing chemicals into water and took it into a dark closet to see if it was glowing.   It was!  I was thrilled....until the kids got home so I could show them how awesome I was (they came home about 30 minutes after I made this) and nothing.  The glow had already diminished.  I was so disappointed - as were they.
I would not recommend anyone try this - or anything that says pour the "glowing stuff" from a glow stick into anything.  Number 1 - there is glass inside of glow sticks, in case you didn't know.  This stuff is sharp (no, I didn't hurt myself on the glass because at least I did know it was there before doing this experiment).  And number 2 - once diluted in water, it looses its glow.
I have seen online (including on Pinterest) to put glow stick chemicals in bubbles and dada - glow in the dark bubble.  I highly doubt that works either. 

Homemade Oil Lamps - that work!

I just ran across a website that has instructions on how to make clay oil lamps (think 10 virgins) that you can actually light and use.  So cool!  Check it out here.

Why I do What I do

I get asked quite often why I do what I do - talking about my YW website and the products I create and sell for my livelihood.  I have several reasons - the first one being is that I simply LOVE the YW program.  Another is it provides income for my family.  But another reason, which is a little more personal, is I do it because I feel very inspired and guided in many of the things I create.

I have been wanting to do a drawstring backpack for this year's mutual theme.  I hadn't really done it because of lack of time. About 2 weeks ago, I was thinking about it again.  That same afternoon I got an email from a YW leader in Florida looking for something to give her girls at Girls Camp (which is next week).  She told me it was too bad I didn't sell "those drawstring backpacks that are so popular".  I sort of got choked up because I was just thinking about making some of those.  I quickly jumped into action - first because I thought "well, I've got a buyer, now if only I had the product".  I searched the internet to find somewhere to have these made.  I ended up contacting a company here in Utah I have had contact with in the past and got some ordered.   I let her know I had some coming and she placed her order for 18 of them.  The next day this is what I received from her via email:
"OK I will order 18 and just have someone stop by my house to pick them up while we are at Camp. I'll use them for an end of the week goodie.  I am taking a group of "inner-city" girls  (8-9 of the group) who are so appreciative of any and everything.  This will be over the top for them. For some, it will probably be the best back pack they have and they will use it for school.

It is amazing how different it is to prepare for girls who have very little, but have an abundance of the spirit. They teach me so much.

So excited.

Shauna H., FL

That my friends, is why I do what I do.

http://www.lds-yw.com 

June Cooking Class - Thursday, June 14th

*Due to busy schedules, this cooking class has been cancelled.  They will resume in September*

Remember to bring something that *you* love to take to BBQ's - this can be anything - salad, meat marinated in your favorite marinade (we'll have our grill ready for some grillin'!), dessert, drink...whatever you love to take or eat at a BBQ.  Also bring a full page copy of the recipe to share (about 10-15 copies).

Please RSVP to me so I know about how many to expect.  If you don't RSVP - come anyways!!

You can email me with any questions!  Be sure to make/bring your favorite BBQ dish.  
Vickie Hacking - cvhacking@yahoo.com

**If you want a flier to print out, email me. 

This Morning's Hike

This morning on our hike (Hailey came with me today) we saw hummingbirds.  We see them often where we hike, but today it was just fun to take a picture of one of the cute little things.  Such amazing little creatures.  After we got a picture of it, it flew straight up into the air, then straight back down at something.  It's just interesting how nature always is amazing me.    Also - we made it to the top of the trail - Hailey's first time - she did great (there is a shiny rock in the wall that the daily hikers touch to signify they reached the top and can now head back down the mountain).

BYU Women's Conference Service Project

Yesterday I was able to take part in the BYU Women's Conference Service Project.  A sister in my ward was partly over the project - so I was able to really be a part of the "behind the scenes" that not many get to see/or hear about.  This year they did school backpacks - which are staying right here in Utah.  They are going to 8 school districts from Provo up to Ogden - my school district (Alpine) included.

Being a part of it this year really touched my heart.  Not only did we do something for children right in my backyard, but for children who really need it.  She shared three stories of children who would be getting these backpacks, and I can guess that all the other children (35,000 others) who get them will have similar stories.  Want to hear them?  They literally brought tears to my eyes knowing that these kids live right here along the Wasatch Front and are in such need of help.

One story she shared was one day a little boy came to school and told his teacher that his house had burned down that night before.  The teacher - shocked of course - did some calling around and indeed found out that his house burned down, and that his "house" had been a chicken coop.  A chicken coop!  Because this is all his parents could afford.  Here in the Salt Lake City area.  A chicken coop!  I just can't believe it.   Don't like your house?  You should love it and be so grateful you have it.

The other story she shared was about another little boy who couldn't see his classroom chalkboard - ever!  His parents didn't have enough money to get him the eye care he needed.  Apparently, his eye sight has been bad his entire life.  Utah has a mobile vision screening truck that goes around to the schools and checks the students vision.  When they checked his, he obviously needed glasses.  Somehow this mobile truck service provided him with his very first pair of glasses - at no cost to him.  That next day at school when he heard a familiar "sound" he asked his teacher if he could go outside and see what this sound was that he had heard all his life.  When they got outside - it was simply an airplane flying over his school.  This little boy had always heard this sound, but never was able to see what was making it until this moment.  Kids like these live among us.

The third story she shared was about a student who would take home homework, and always return the next day with the same blank homework.  Soon the teacher asked why he never did his work, and he told her that he didn't have a pencil at home to use to do his homework with.

The empty boxes that would soon be filled with school supplies

One stack (of 24 stacks) of backpacks that would soon be filled

 The paper that would soon fill those backpacks

The pencils/erasers/pencil sharpeners that would soon fill those backpacks

 The women at "my station" who so willingly came to help with this project during Women's Conference.

Together we filled 1400 backpacks - just at this station.

At this service project we filled 35,000 backpacks for students in dire need right here in Utah.  I am so proud to have been able to help with the project!   I wish there was more I could do.

Video of Eclipse at City Creek Center

Here is a video I took from when we saw Eclipse in Salt Lake.

Hunter and the Wax Museum

Hunter - and the entire 3rd grade - did their annual Wax Museum.  Hunter portrayed King Tut.   He drew and/or colored all the pictures for his poster.   He was so adorable!

YW Broadcast and Eclipse Singers!

Saturday was the Young Women Broadcast for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  My girls and I go up every year.  We usually do not have tickets - we just go standby.

We got to Salt Lake pretty early on Saturday so we would have time to check out the new City Creek Center that just opened 2 days before in downtown SLC.   While we were strolling thru, checking it out, we see this group of guys all in black with microphones, looking like they were about to perform.  Well, it didn't take us but 2 seconds to realize it was Eclipse!  These guys are household names in our home.  Even Hunter loves them.  We were thrilled.  And more thrilled that the crowd hadn't really started to gather yet, so we got a front row view.   We enjoyed their performance and meeting them.  It was a great start to the day.   CLICK HERE TO SEE VIDEO.

After we were done at City Creek, we headed over to Gateway to eat.  Then we headed back to Temple Square to get in the standby line for the YW Broadcast.  When we got there - it was so long.  We didn't think we'd get in.  They gave us a green card and told us to go sit in the Tabernacle until it was time to go over to the Conference Center.  We were still nervous we wouldn't get in.  But.....we did.  Barely.  For how many times I have gone standby - there have ALWAYS been empty seats by the time the broadcast starts and ends.  This time - I don't think there were 20 empty seats.  It was very well attended in person this year - which makes me happy.  We then stopped at Kneaders in Lehi for dessert on our way home.  It was a great day out with my girls - and we can't wait until next year!

Walking around temple square (yes, Hailey changed into her skirt later)

On the top floor of the Joseph Smith Memorial Building

Hailey crossing her fingers hoping we get in.  As for Jaz - I'm not quite sure what she was doing.

We got tickets - in line to get into the Conference Center.  We love the torch banners they have hanging up each year.  Each torch banner has the YW motto in a different language.

We made it in!!  Balcony seats, but we were just happy to be in!

Wilderness Wednesday

I have a love/hate relationship with exercise.  I love how I feel after I workout.  I hate working out.  I finally got smart and discovered what I REALLY like to do - I absolutely love to hike.  Love, love, love it!!!  So, I have made it a goal to "workout" a few times a week.  How?  By going on hikes.  I have been pretty good so far this year.  The cold weather has kept me indoors a few times I've wanted to go, but I am on a pretty good roll right now.  I am so excited for the summer heat to get here because I have so many hikes I want to do this summer.
Yesterday for my day's workout, we hiked up above Lehi/Highland.  It was a beautiful day.  We can't wait until the trail to Timp Cave opens so we can hike it a couple times a week.  Wilderness Wednesday - get out and play on Wednesdays!!

We - meaning..... I always drag Carl along....there are wild animals and people out there!! I personally can't wait for Carl to get his gun.  I will be more confident to hike in the Tetons once he has it.  Until then - I won't set a foot on hiking trails where there may be a bear.

Scott and his family

My older brother Scott and his wife, Melissa were expecting their 5th child.  Early on in the pregnancy they found out it had Trisomy 18, which is a genetic disorder.  Babies with this disorder rarely make it to birth, and if they do, only live to be a few months old.  Their child didn't make it to birth.  Yesterday they held a private graveside service for little Jimmer.  I was not able to travel to TX for the event, but know that my thoughts are with them during this trying time in their lives.

Recipe - Swiss Steak

I had my family over for dinner yesterday and served Swiss Steak.  This is one of my favorite recipes now and when I was growing up - and it is so easy!

This recipe is cooked in a Crock pot.  If you don't have one - invest in one.  I cook in mine at least once a week.  This is the one I have.

Swiss Steak
Round steak (you will need as much as people you are serving.  Each person will eat about a 4-5 inch round piece.)
Stewed tomatoes

While preparing meat - go ahead and turn your Crock pot onto high and let is sort of heat up a little before putting meat in.

1.  Cut steak into 4-5 inch round pieces.  Sometimes you can find round steak already in pieces this size, or you will find it one big piece.  If the pieces are already cut into this size, you may want to cut the pieces in half so they are not as thick.  You only want them about 1/4 inch thick.
2.  Tenderize steak using a meat tenderizer - poke all over steak pieces, both sides.  This is the kind I use.
3.  Dredge in flour with salt and pepper
4.  Place in a skillet with a little oil.  Brown until light brown on both sides (you may be tempted to skip this step, but don't.  It is really a necessary step).
5.  Place browned meat into crock pot (I spray the inside of my Crock pot with a little olive oil to help with cleanup before putting in any food.)
6.  Pour cans of stewed tomatoes over meat.  For 10 people, I had about 12 pieces of meat, and I used 3 cans of tomatoes. (If you don't have stewed tomatoes, use canned diced tomatoes and sprinkle in a little oregano, basil and garlic powder)
7.  Cook on high for 4-5 hours.  You can also cook on low for 7-8 hours.
**I almost NEVER cook on low.  I always cook my food on high, but I am home all day so I can keep an eye on it.  If you are gone during the day, I recommend cooking on low so you don't over cook and dry out your meats.
Serve with mashed potatoes (the tomatoes make the gravy).

2012 Freestyle International

We went to the 2012 Visa Freestyle International competition which was held at Deer Valley this year.  This is the competition circuit for the Olympic athletes that compete in these events.  We took Hailey and her friend Cambree the first night (aerials) and just Hailey the night of the moguls.   Here are the pictures from the night of the moguls.  

On the ski lift going up with Deer Valley condos behind us

In front of the mogul hill

We had so much fun.  The Aerials were more fun to watch, but the moguls are just cool.

Rock-Paper-Scissors-Lizard-Spock

For those who wanted to know:

Scissors cut paper
Paper covers rock
Rock crushes lizard
Lizard poisons Spock
Spock smashes scissors
Scissors decapitate lizard
Lizard eats paper
Paper disproves Spock
Spock vaporizes rock
and as it always has.....Rock crushes scissors!

For those who want to view it again, click here.

Indoor Hopscotch

What a fun idea!  I'm thinking of using felt squares or some kind of material I may already have.  I know Hai and Hun would like this! I got the idea from Family Fun.

Valentine's Box

Tonight Hunter wanted to get his Valentine's Day box all ready to take to school.  I asked him what he wanted to do and he explained vaguely what he wanted.  I said okay.  He found a box, asked where the purple paper was, and away we went.  I had NO influence on this at all.  I simply did what he told me to and put stuff where he needed.  I did help with the logistics of a few things - like how to make it look like it had legs, without having to actually hold it up with the flimsy foil legs.  But he apparently he had it all thought out in his head.  The valentine's go in the top of the robot's head.

Swim Team Pictures

For the Lehi High School Swim Team.

To order your pictures of the swim team this year, please email Carl Hacking BEFORE Wednesday, Feb 8th with your order.  We will be printing them on Thursday, Feb 9th

Sizes available:
5"x7" = $5.00
8"x10" = $8.00

Send email to: cvhacking@yahoo.com

We need the following information:
1.  Swimmer's name
2.  Which picture you want (choose from TEAM, SENIORS, or CAPTAINS)
3.  Which size you want of that picture.

In the email subject line, please put: SWIM TEAM PICTURE ORDER
*We will let you know how to pay after you email us.

If you plan to order, please do so before the deadline.  Thanks!

TEAM:

SENIORS:

CAPTAINS: