Isreal

Jeff recently got a new toy- a six color silk screen press. Him and his brother have a t-shirt printing business called "Isreal." Jeff hasn't had much time to make shirts lately, but he was able to make some shirts tonight. Making silk screens and putting them on clothing has been one of Jeff's favorite hobbies. He starts off with a design on paper and then puts the image on to a transparency and then burns the image on to a screen and then puts the screen on the t-shirt and voila! Ok, so there are a lot more steps to it... but that's the basics. He has been having a lot of fun and if anyone wants something put on a t-shirt let him know, he would love to do it.

Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving I made my first turkey. It went so well and tasted very yummy (according to Jeff and a few brave taste testers- aka my family and Jeff's parents!). I brined the turkey in apple cider and it came out moist. I also made some pretty "sweet" sweet potatoes and my mom's famous "funeral potatoes." I found a recipe for a pumpkin dessert that had lots of butter, a cake mix and tons of sugar- what could be better than that? But despite all the delicious food, Thanksgiving is really about giving thanks. We have so much to be thankful for, the list could go on for days but here are just a few of the most important...

Our Savior, the gospel, temples, dedicated family, fun friends, the home where we live, education, good jobs, medicine, medical research and health insurance.

Reflections of Christ

Jeff and I went to the Stake Center next to the Sacramento Temple tonight to see an art exhibit entitled "Reflections of Christ." The video speaks for itself- it was such a humbling experience. I know that my Redeemer lives.

Birthday Update

Jeff and I and my parents all went to Oakland on Friday night and spent the night and then went to the temple in the morning. The temple was beautiful but it was cold and rainy so we didn't take the time to take many pics but we had a great time.

On Saturday we went to Jeff's parents house and his mom gave me my birthday present- a trip to New York!! We are leaving Dec. 5 and staying for a couple days! I couldn't believe it when she told me. I have always wanted to go to New York and especially in December with all the Christmas lights and the shopping- wow! It will be fun and pics will definitley be coming after the trip.

Thanks to all of you who left me special birthday messages or called me- it made me feel so special!

**UPDATE: Trip postponed until March 2009 due to crazy schedules and holidays!

Shanna's 23rd Birthday

I had a fun day today. I got a huge bag of cookies on my desk when I got to work, I got to leave work a little early, I got to spend time with Jeff and my family, I got an adorable Coach purse and a really cute kitchen board to write on that says "Home is where I laugh the most and love the best", and my parents are taking us to Oakland tomorrow night and we are spending the night and going to the Oakland temple on Saturday since I have never been. I am sure "well loved" (aka SPOILED)! It was so nice to be able to spend my special day with my favorite people.

Happy Election day! Get out there and get your vote on! YES ON 8!!

JFK on Mormons

I love to hear political leaders speak of the great faith and accomplishments of the Mormons. Here is a speech given in the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah on September 26 1963
You can find it at archive.org search JFK on Mormons

Favorite Fall Food

This is one of my favorite recipes to make in the fall when it is blustery and wet outside. It is so easy to make in the Crockpot. Enjoy!

White Chili Recipe from Dawn Teerlink

4 cans Great Northern Beans
3 cups Chicken Broth
1 Cube of Chicken Boullion
1 tbsp. Garlic Powder
2 Medium Chopped Onions
2 cans Green Chilies-4 oz. size (I usually only put 1 can in)
1 tbsp. Oregano
2 tbsp. Cummin
1/2 tsp. Cayenne Pepper
4 cups Cooked Shredded Chicken
1 Large Carton of Sour Cream
2 cans White Corn

Chop onions and saute in butter on stove. Add all spices to onions. Put in Crockpot and add remaining ingredients. Cook on High for 3-4 hours or low 8-10 hours.