Women & Children in Crisis

I received an email from the Women & Children in Crisis Center. United Way of Utah County had given them my name as a possible board member. I have not received an official invitation yet but am really exited to serve on their board.

Disney Tree

Christmas Village

David has put up the Christmas Village and the Disney Tree downstairs. The village looks so adorable and he even created Pooh Corner. I love it! Feels like Christmas. Yesterday was the First of Advent. We forgot to get out the wreath and candle.

Thanksgiving is for the Birds

We had a great and relaxing Thansgiving. As there were only five of us we decided to not cook a huge meal but all our favorites, including Rotkohl (so yummy!). We of course had deviled eggs and green olives. While we were cooking we noticed a ton of birds in the back yard at the feeder. The photo doesn't show all of them because they kept flying away when I took the picture.

Carrots from the Garden

We struggle every year in getting things to grow. Sometimes we have luck and whatever we have planted grows really well. There were a couple of plant beds where the seeds didn't sprout. In one we just dumped a variety pack of flowers that was left over from something. Well, to our surprise they were not wild flowers but carrots and they grew really well. My mom harvested them and we enjoyed them roasted on Thanksgiving. The one we thought looked like Piglet.

Easy Yummy Apple Dessert

I made this for a dinner. It was really easy and yummy. Here is the recipe:
1 pkg 20 oz. Pillsbury refrig. sugar cookie dough
1 pkg 8 oz. cream cheese (softened)
1/4 c creamy peanut butter
1/2 c brown sugar packed
1/2 t vanilla extract
2-3 Granny Smith apples
1 can Sprite (optional)
1 bottle squeezable caramel ice cream topping
1/2 c pecans, cashews, or peanuts

Bake the dough in a round 9" cake pan. Mix together the cream cheese, brown sugar, peanut butter and vanilla until smooth. After the cookie has cooled apply the creamy mixture to the cookie. Slice the apples thin and put on top of the creamy mixture. Apply the nuts followed by the caramel sauce. Use only the desired amount of caramel topping. If you are not eating the dessert right away, soak the apples in sprite to avoid browning.

Disney Pic's

Kate'

Kate Avalie Swickard- Funeral

Those who were unable to attend can view the funeral at www.jenkins-soffe.com and click on her obituary. I went up to see Kate on Friday, October 29th as we knew she was passing and only had a few days left to live. I took some video of her for my brother Michael and he sacrificed so much time to help care for her. Also my mother, who sacrificed the last 11 years to help take care of Kate. She was there from the beginning at there at the end. Both Michael and my mom fulfilled their missions in doing everything they could to ease Kate's suffering in life. The funeral services went well as Kate was beautifully dressed in a white dress that Michael and I had purchased for her. Noelle Lind and her friends sang "My Heavenly Father Loves Me" and her sister Michelle played the piano. They did a beautiful job and brought the Spirit into the program. Also, Bishop Findlay was so wonderful to us and there for us every day and although I just got to know him this last week felt such a kinship with him. Also, Bishop Avery from my parents ward was so kind to come over and visit with the family multiple times. There were many others who came and we felt so blessed and so grateful for the members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and our membership in that church. Members have been there all along and served Kate and my family so it was no surprise that they came at the end and offered their support. All done willingly and without cost or a fee. As Bishop Findley said, you learn to love those you serve and people learned to love Kate because of their service to her.

Kate Avalie Swickard Oct 25, 1999 - Nov 1, 2010

My niece, Kate passed away Monday, November 1, 2010 at 11:58 a.m. She was going to be Alice in Wonderland this year for Halloween but she began slowly declining in the last week and was unable to celebrate the holiday this year.
We are comforted by our faith that we are all children of our Heavenly Father and that she has returned home after a sinless life but one filled with a lot of personal suffering. She has earned her reward in Heaven and blessed many lives.
A viewing will be from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, November 5th at Jenkins Soffe Funeral Chapel located at 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy, South Jordan, UT 84095. On Saturday morning an open casket will be from 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. and the funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home.
Kate will be buried at the Orem City Cemetary in a small ceremony for family and close friends.