PETTY FAMILY

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Another Year Older

This is not Sabrina, but Mar-Kay writing this. I can be sneaky too! I just wanted to post a few photos of her early childhood. I think it will help her take her mind off of turning one year older today.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SABRINA

My life would be nothing without you!

Saturday, August 8, 2009

What an Amazing Day!

We had an incredible Anniversary today. I was able to keep it all a secret from Mar-Kay which was amazing in itself. It all started at 4:00 AM when I kicked Mar-Kay out of bed. I know that sounds a little early, but that is the time we got up on our wedding day to prepare and I had a full day planned. After getting ready we left for the Temple in Mesa. It was another perfect moment in time as we served there. After that we went to the Visitor Center where we enjoyed the Mormon Tabernacle Choir display. Mar-Kay even conducted the famous choir. :) We also thoroughly enjoyed the Joseph Smith movie and practically cried throughout the entire film.

After stopping for a few pictures at the temple and visitor center, we started back to Tucson. I had previously asked my older children to open our "family restaurant." As a youth growing up, my parents owned a restaurant and I spent many evenings after school and Saturdays in the kitchen cooking. As a mother with teenagers, I designed a "family restaurant" that we open upon request in our home. Everyone has a part to perform from waiter, to cook, to dishwasher. We open whenever one of our children desires to have an exceptional date. We have a special menu and even decorate a room to provide the perfect atmosphere, plus we serve only the finest food. As a family we have had many wonderful memories working in our restaurant, however this is the first time Mar-Kay and I were the recipients. It was great being on the receiving end. I may never cook again!

Aimee and Tyrone's Chicken Alfredo

Nora's Chocolate Trifle

The food was delicious, but the most important part of the evening was being able to share our special day with our children. Brianna and her family were not able to make it, this is their last weekend together before Rob ships off for the Army. A special thank you to EVERYONE who was involved in making our day so special. You mean everything to us.

With all of life's demands, we don't often get to spend an entire day together, which made our time together even more extraordinary. It has been an unforgettable day!

A Perfect Moment in Time

Have you ever experienced a

perfect moment in time?

To me a perfect moment in time is one where time seems to just stand still. It is so powerful that it is almost as if you can live in that moment forever. As I reflect on my life, I realize that I have experienced many such "perfect moments in time." One particular moment that I treasure took place 29 years ago today in the Mesa Arizona Temple. It is the day I married my eternal companion. I remember vividly that "moment in time" and often reflect on the impact it has had on my life.

I will cherish this

"perfect moment in time" forever.

Happy 29th Anniversary Mar-Kay!

Friday, August 7, 2009

Pinto Bean Fudge

Several people have requested my recipe for bean fudge and so here it is. It is one of the only ways I can get Kendrick to eat beans, but I don't really think it counts because of all the sugar.

Puree in a food processor:

1 1/2 cups warm pinto beans, drained

Melt:

3/4 cup butter in microwave.

Stir into the butter:

1 Cup cocoa
1 Cup chocolate chips

Return to microwave for a few seconds until the chocolate chips are melted. Do not over cook or the chocolate will burn.

Stir the chocolate mixture into the beans and blend well.

Add:

1 Tablespoon vanilla

Gradually mix in:

2 Pounds of powdered sugar

Stir in:

1 Cup chopped pecans (Optional)

Spread in a buttered 9x13 pan. Refrigerate and enjoy.

I prepare this recipe in my food processor.

Sisters

My youngest sister and I both celebrate our birthdays just days apart in August. I remember well the day she was born. My mother woke me up from my deep sleep in the wee hours of the morning. I was eleven years old at the time. She helped me to walk into the living room and sat me down in a chair. I was given explicit instructions that I was to stay awake and take care of my younger brothers and sisters needs when they awoke. She was on her way to the hospital. It was with great anticipation that morning that I awaited the news. You see, we were a family of 3 boys and 3 girls. This baby was to break the tie, and of course I wanted a sister. I remember the screaming and the jumping up and down when Dad called to tell us that we had a sister. The boys were defeated, the girls would reign. It was triumphant news.

When Natasha was a few months old, she was moved into my bedroom. I enjoyed her immensely and through the years the bond between sisters grew. When the time came for me to leave home for college I tearfully bid her goodbye. As the years flew by our lives got busy and we have spent very little time together.

I love the age in which we live with all of the modern technology at our disposal. I started a blog six months ago and invited my sister to join in the fun. That very day, Natasha began a blog of her own, Behind the White Picket Fence. I am excited to say that I have reconnected with my sister through the wonderful world of blogging! I am sad for the years we have missed together, but grateful for the bond that has been rekindled through our blogs.