I got the

Belgian Sugar Pearls in the mail and tried them Sunday.  I think I'm in waffle love.

I made these little mini waffles for the family party and took some to the last day of yoga.

My yoga teacher, Elizabeth, is no longer going to be teaching.  She has used her basement as her studio, and she needs to allow more space for her family.  I may try some other studios, but she has been an amazing instructor.

Here is the link to the waffle recipe I used:

http://www.chef-in-training.com/2014/12/liege-waffles-waffle-love-copy-cat/

I just told

Gary that I was sorry I was so "testy" tonight.  He said he hadn't noticed and apologized for not noticing.

I am sure there is a lesson in that, but I'm too tired to figure it out.

Last day of Staycation

 I feel very blessed.  

Here are the 3 wisemen (as they called themselves).

Here are the 3 wisemen and the 2 (?).  I'm not sure what we decided we were.

Tonight we invited the whole families.  It makes my heart happy when we gather together like this.

We met our

New grandbaby tonight.   He/she doesn't have a name yet because we don't know if it is a boy or girl.  They have to do genetic testing to find out.

The proud parents are Natalie and Trent. 

It took right to me because of my necklace.  It reminded me of Annie when she was a baby.  She would always eat my necklaces too.  

I need to

document this for posterity.

The other night I opened the back door and found Gary's keys that he had left in the doorknob when he came home.  That might not seem like a big deal, but the family knows how paranoid he is about giving his keys to anyone.  You might as well ask him to cut off his right arm.

Yet, here they are, left in the door for anyone to steal.   Like I said, I just need to document it.  

Through the years

we have had some fun vacations with my siblings and spouses.  San Francisco, Lake Tahoe, Victoria, Jackson Hole, Sunriver, St. George, Park City, and Star Valley, to name a few.  Because of various health issues, we have chosen to have a staycation here in Utah this time.

Today was the first day.  We sat around and visited here and Gary and Lynn's, went to downtown Provo to see the progress on the City Center Temple, and had a great meal in the Riverwoods.  Tomorrow includes golfing (for those who still can and want to), shopping (for those who could golf, but don't want to), and resting at Charlene's (for those who don't want to do either but will enjoy watching football on T.V.)  Then we will have dinner at Charlene's.

What it comes down to, though, it really doesn't matter where we are.  We just love being together and are happy that we can spend time together.

Dad

I was cleaning out a corner in the bedroom.  It reminded me of Dad. 

At my request, when Gary was going away to Snow College, Dad made him this chest to keep snacks in.  At the time it didn't have the round top on it, but at my request again, he made the round topper so it could be used like this. 

Yeasted Waffles

Below is the recipe for the yeasted waffles.  I actually just let them rise for about 4 hours and they turned out great.

However, because of Angie's comment, I couldn't resist exploring the copycat recipes for Waffle Love.   Very interesting!  So interesting that I ordered some of the Belgian Pearl Sugar so I could try out the real thing.  I've always wondered how they made that sweet coating, and it must be from these little gems.  Thanks, Angie, I'll let you know how it goes and give you some of the sugar pearls.

Until I've tried the ones with the belgian pearl sugar, this yeasted recipe is really good and probably contains a few less calories.

Recipe: Overnight Yeasted Waffles (Copied from The Kitchn website)
Makes about 8 Belgian-style waffle squares or 16 standard waffle squares; recipe can be doubled.  Note: Use a very large mixing bowl to make this recipe as the batter will double in size as it rises.

Night Before (or at least 4 hours before)
1/2 cup warm water
1 tablespoon active-dry yeast
1/2 cup melted butter
2 cups whole or 2% milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
3 cups all-purpose flour

The Next Day:
2 beaten eggs
1/2 teaspoon baking soda

Combine the yeast and the water in a large mixing bowl and let stand for a few minutes. Stir to make sure the yeast dissolves into the water. Melt the butter over low heat or in the microwave. Combine the butter with the milk, salt, and
sugar (if using). Test with your finger to make sure the mixture has cooled to luke warm, then stir it into the dissolved yeast mixture. Add the flour and stir until a thick, shaggy dough is formed and there is no more visible flour.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it sit on the counter overnight. The batter will double or triple in bulk as it rises. The next morning, beat the eggs together and add them to the batter along with the baking soda. Using a whisk or hand blender, beat the eggs and baking soda into the batter until completely combined.  Make the waffles according to your waffle maker's instructions, cooking until the waffles are golden-brown. Cooking time will vary with your waffle maker, but it is typically 4 to 6 minutes.  Waffles are best if served immediately, but re-heat well in the toaster. Leftovers can be kept refrigerated for up to a week.
Leftover waffles can also be frozen for up to 3 months and toasted straight out of the freezer.

Yum.

Yeasted waffles with buttermilk syrup

and peach pie filling on the side.

We took a

Drive up the canyon with Natalie and Trent tonight.  It seems a little early for the leaves to be vibrant and the traditiinal "Granny's" was closed.   But it was a beautiful evening to eat outside and visit.

Hyrum Grant Bishop

turned 15 years old today.  Misty sent pictures of his party and cake.  As you can see, his megawatt smile lights up a room.

Following is the transcription from his interview this Christmas time.

Favorite color:  Orange or Blue

Favorite Food:  Love food!! Monkey bread

Favorite Candy:  Any sort of Reeses

What would your perfect day look like?   Zipline, coming home and shooting guns

Favorite Sport:  Baseball, basketball, football.

Memorable event last year:  When we surprised them with a visit

Favorite Subject:  Social Studies

Grateful for:  Family and everything I have

Favorite animal:  Snow Leopard

Where would you like to be in 10 years:  In college playing baseball at BYU.

How many children would you like:  A boy and a girl

Where would you like to live:  On a farm in Missouri

What would you like to be:  A sports therapist.

Favorite Friends:  All 1st cousins and Michael Price (because he has standards)
                             Wishes he had friends that were Mormon.

Hyrum playing with Luci as I interview him.

As you can see, there is never a dull moment when Hyrum is around.

WE LOVE YOU, HYRUM

AND FEEL BLESSED TO BE YOUR GRANDPARENTS

The garden

Is ready to put to bed.  But there will still be plenty of coral and teal to brighten it up.