"Nothing in Particular"

For some reason, I had this story about Helen Keller (who was both blind and deaf) from a past young women's lesson come to mind this morning and wanted to share it. Makes me wonder what joys we are missing out on as we walk through life and forget to take the time to notice the blessings and gifts, the tender mercies, from our Heavenly Father that are constantly before us.

President David O. McKay once told an experience of Helen Keller’s. He said:

“Have you ever read Helen Keller’s comment on a girl who had just taken a walk in the woods, who in answer to Helen’s question, ‘What did you observe?’ replied, ‘Nothing in particular.’

“ ‘How is it possible,’ Helen asked herself, ‘to walk for an hour through the woods and see nothing worthy of note? I, who cannot see, find hundreds of things to interest me through mere touch. I feel the delicate symmetry of a leaf. I pass my hands lovingly about the smooth skin of a silver birch, or the rough shaggy bark of a pine. In the spring I touch the branches of trees hopefully in search of a bud, the first sign of awakening Nature after her winter’s sleep. Occasionally, if I am very fortunate, I place my hand gently on a small tree and feel the happy quiver of a bird in full song.

“ ‘At times my heart cries out with longing to see all these things with physical eyes, but if I can get so much pleasure from mere touch, how much more beauty must be revealed by sight. And I have imagined what I should most like to see if I were granted the use of my eyes—even for just three days!’ ” (Treasures of Life [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1962], pp. 394–95).

"New" Car!

Our car broke down a while ago and we have been so frustrated trying to find a new car that fits our budget and is something we could enjoy. On Friday we finally found the winner! We bought a 2003 Mazda Tribute and so far we absolutely love it. It's almost like new and we were so blessed to find it for a great price. All I can say is that we are grateful for answers to prayers!

Pictures!

I promise I won't always post a lot in one day, but otherwise there wouldn't be anything for people to read on a brand new blog. With money from graduation gifts I decided to buy a new camera. Taking pictures is one of my favorite hobbies and I have always dreamed of having a good camera. I absolutely love my new camera and am excited to learn how to use it better. Here are some pictures of my first attempt to use the camera around the yard (without knowing how to use any of the fancy features...that will come in time). You can click on the pictures to make them bigger.

Macaroni Grill Bread

Okay, so we all know how much I love to COOK....I love it almost as much as I love to EAT! I enjoy finding random recipes online and trying them out. Our most recent adventure was making chicken alfredo pizza (very yummy) with rosemary bread like the bread they make at Macaroni Grill. I thoroughly enjoyed it and thought I'd share the recipe because it was delicious!

Macaroni Grill Bread Recipe

Ingredients:

1 T. Dry Yeast
1 T. Sugar
1 Cup warm water (105 - 115 degrees)
2 1/2 Cup white flour
1 t. salt
2 T fresh rosemary, chopped
1 T. canola oil, peanut oil or olive oil
nonstick cooking spray
2 T. butter

Place yeast, sugar and water in large bowl or food processor and allow mixture to become bubbly. Mix in 2 cups of flour and the salt. Add one tablespoon of the fresh chopped rosemary. Knead for about 10 minutes by hand or in food processor about 30 seconds until smooth and elastic. Add flour if necessary. Oil a bowl, put dough in it and cover with a towel. Let dough rise in a warm place for one hour until doubled. Punch down dough and divide in half. Let dough rest about 5 – 10 minutes. Spray baking pan or cookie sheet with cooking spray. Shape the dough into 2 small rounded oval loaves. Melt margarine or butter. Brush over the top of the loaves. Sprinkle remaining 1 tablespoon of rosemary over the loaves and press lightly into the surface. Let loaves rise again until doubled, about 45 minutes. Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Lightly sprinkle coarse salt over the loaves. Bake for 20 - 25 minutes, until lightly browned. This makes 2 loaves. YOU MUST USE FRESH ROSEMARY! You can dip it in olive oil and balsamic vinegar like they do at the restaurant.

Giving it a Shot!

So this whole setting up a blog thing is completely new for me, but I enjoy reading other people's blogs so I thought perhaps someone out there might enjoy reading mine. This is all an experiment and if it works, then I'll set up a Hancock Family blog for Dustin and I one of these days. For now, this is my blog to share the things that make me happy!