The Gorham Hotel

Today I found The Gorham Hotel, now called The Blakely at 136 West 55th Street. Dad used to stay here on his many years on of traveling to NYC. (He also stayed at The Shabby Abby too.)His trips were long- 2 weeks at a time. We missed him greatly. I remember once I tried to hide in the back of the white hatch-back 210 Dautsin when he was getting ready to go to NYC for a trip. I crurled up in a ball thinking that if I hid in there and they made it to the airport that maybe he'd be able to take me with. My plan was foiled as soon as Dad pit his luggage in the trunk.

This week I've thought a lot about Dad and compared me to him. I've thought about his sacrafices he made for me. I've been greatful for his support and concern for me. As I've been here I've certainly felt lonely and can't imagine doing trips like this for 18 years- no show or specator site compensates for your wife and your children. Dad thanks!

-- Posted from my iPhone

Central Park

Cats!

Thanks!

Big Girl Hope

Fall Family Picture

For the last 5 years we have taken a family picture just after raking up the leaves in our backyard. Now I can't pass up taking a family picture when we rake the leaves. It is fun and we do adore the season. So here is 2009's installment. We're look'in good!

As usual this may end up being our Christmas card picture as well.

Fall Pictures

Well, I haven't been on here in ages, but a few weeks ago my sister Annalyn took some pictures of the girls down at the Engh pumpkin patch, and I thought I would post them. Annalyn takes fabulous pictures, don't you think?

Pumpkin Carving!

We did our pumpkin carving a couple days late due to some sickness, but we did hav fun doing it nonetheless. We all were able to carve a pumpkin. (People who don't do a pumpkin a person in the house are BORING!) It was lots of fun. I think that in the end we ended up with some good selections. Anne had been planning her triangle pumpkin face for weeks. Jane wanted something that was 'slightly scary, but not too scary'. Kate wanted something that scared the crap out of you. And Hope didn't really care, but wanted to roll hers around like a ball on the ground and was annoyed that was aginst the rules. Liz did a traditional jack-o-latern. And last but not least I ventured out there and did a letter carving- my first. Boo!

Anne's doesn't have just a top 10

October 23, 2009

Dear Ms. Malan’s 2^nd Grade Class,

We are Anne’s Mom and Dad and we’d like to tell you about our favorite gal Anne Minnick. In fact lets review her greatest qualities—a top 10, if you will. We will give them in no particular order:

Number 372-She loves to listen and obey

Number 4,132,321-Anne laughs so hard sometimes she can’t breathe when she is tickled

Number 36-She sings beautifully (especially when she is silly)

Number 9,221-Anne’s nick name is Little Anne

Number 745-She can dance! This girl has got the moves…

Number 3-Anne genuinely loves everyone she meets and will defend you always

Number 1,003,768,021-She LOVES reading good fun books

Number 890-Anne skis

Number 333-She knows how to cook and clean and doesn’t mind doing it

Number 1-Anne is loved so much by her family and we want her to know that she can never be replaced. She is our Anne-girl and we can’t just think of 10 reasons that we love her there are only ‘infinity’!

Love always,

Dad, Mom, Jane, Kate, and Hope Minnick

The Warning & Brooksley Born

I just watched this and I feel that it is very well said and laid out. Additionally, Brooksley Born is my new hero.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/warning/

Our favorite autumn tree

Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet

Elder Hales, yesterday in our Stake Conference, requested that we all review in our Family Home Evenings this week this talk by President Ezra Taft Benson it is ‘Fourteen Fundamentals in Following the Prophet’. I found it this morning and wanted to pass it along. Enjoy!

 

http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=cc52b4f40c9db010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&vgnextoid=f318118dd536c010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

 

Best regards,

 

Doug Minnick

1446 Capella Way

Sandy, UT 84093

T. 801-562-8525

C. 801-835-9770

doug@minnickfamily.com

 

Halloween Phantom

 

Here is yet another example of Lizzy's good cooking. We got the Halloween Phantom and Liz made several plates of these to give out. While delivering them it was funny- we got caught twice trying to doorbell ditch and leave the goodies becuase of deartest Little Kate yelling, "Why are we running?" and, "Why do I need to be quiet?"

Sun Flower Heads

Provident Living: Gardening and Pruning Workshop

At the begining of this month we had a Provident Living Workshop at our house on Gardening and Pruning. It was nice. We were able to host about 25 people. We did a short tuitorial on gardening--Doug & Liz style. I showed them how we have taken areas that were once just grass and converted them quickly into veggie gardens. It was fun. Then I also so them how I tore out all of the ground cover, myrtle-vinca, out of our herb and rose hedge garden and how we are converting it into a veggie garden in 2010. I tilled the whole thing just for the example to show--it was a lot of work, but I'll be happy it is partically done in spring.

My brother Jimmy came and did a demo on how to prune your fruit trees. He was a gem for doing it. I think that he got about 100 questions and 99 rebuttles from some of the older 'experts' in the crowd. Liz also was able to note all of the things that we've canned. We created a display to show it off and a handout with all of our recepes. It was fun all in all. It got me to work and that was worth it.

We have been blessed. With two periods in the last 4 years being unemployed for 4 months or longer we have certainly realized the value of savings, storage, and being provident.

Hilarious-- Home Teaching Numbers

Please watch this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGPjI0lB3FE

The Witching Hour - 4 AM

Today I am trying to start to do the early wake ups again. I enjoy the 4 AM hour so much. When I am able to wake, read, work out at the gym, shower, and start helping the girls get ready by 6:30 I feel so much better about the day. I've been sleeping in... until 5:15 as of late and then rushing off, yet today I'm trying to start again. By end of day I'm certainly dragging, yet what I am missing- some prime time TV?

The quiet hours have helped me in the past several months process information, digest where I am with God, and understand what I need to achieve all without getting stressed. Sometimes I think that my idea of 'early to rise' is a little too early, but it truly is the hour when it is my own. Then I hit the gym by 5 AM and it is to the grind. I've been enjoying the gym more as of late as I'm not a tromping elephant so much anymore. The 30 lbs I've lost over the summer have been a nice divestiture. Here is to 40 more. :)

I mourn my loss, my tan

Yesterday I awoke to get ready for the day and suddenly began realizing my deepest depression in winter... What you ask? The loss of my tan. I love summer and the Vitamin D it provides. Liz and I so enjoyed the summer in the backyard. I certainly had some free lunch time to soak up some sun this year and did so. The girls on Saturdays would play in the pool forever and they needed a watch dog- a service I was totally willing to provide no matter the temperature. I love the heat. Frankly when it is above 100 degrees I feel as if it is an accomplishment to stay out there and soak in the beneficial rays. Yet now the 'sun has set not long ago' and we are back to no ray-days. I would mock a hymn yet I know that I would be eventually damned for this. Not to mention how many people are thinking as they read this "Doug the harmful rays are... so harmful". I know. I'll be wrinkled and blotched in my 40's.

The Rain

This morning Lizzy needed a good rest so she slept in. On weekends I always feel that we need to get out of the house. I felt that if I made a quick breakfast the girls would be able to eat it on a walk. I made Mickey and Minnie Cheese Sandwiches. (This is a classic in our house.) We grabbed our rain coats and were out the door. (I thought that for certain we'd be fine. I actually didn't want to take the coats and I had everyone dressed in flip flops. Anne suggested that we grab the girls rain boots. So we did.) We got a street down and it started to hail, then heavy rain. The girls where laughing their heads off and so as it poured we started to play in the rain. It was great for everyone. Hope didn't even cry once. She was fascinated with the whole deal. Kate even fell flat on her face three times and didn't even cry- she got up and continued in the rain. The gutters were the best. Our street has a hill to it so nothing collects there. Also they divert the rain away from our street so we don't even get a big flow of water. We had to go to the bottom of the hill and splash around there. We were all in our pajamas still. Mine were about to fall off- I had to keep on hiking them back up. After a good hour the rain stopped and the drains were 'stealing' our water that we were playing in. We had to go inside. We snapped the picture and went to the bath to freshen up for General Conference.

The speakers were well in tune. I felt so well fed. The last two days have been helpful to me. Certainly some spoke to me and my needs better. I appreciated these talks and want to remember them:

-Elder Scott

-Elder Bednar, 'Consistency and Testimony'

-Elder Uchthdorf, Priesthood Session

-President Monson, Priesthood Session, 'Anger'

-Elder Perry, 'Manti Temple'

-Elder Holland, 'The Book of Mormon'

Saturday and Sundays conference were excellent. Our little family was able to go to the family room and watch all 4 session together. It was delightful. Anne, Jane, and Kate were able to involve themselves in the Conference through an activity packet and Liz and I were able to just listen. Hope, most remarkably, was happy and just crawled around. All in all it was a delight to be able to know that we weren't torturing our children and they had an enjoyable time. Anne every time someone mentioned baptism or the Gift of the Holy Ghost would light up like you wouldn't believe as she is preparing for her baptism in August 2010.

Saturday night it was nice to go with my brothers to the Priesthood Session. It was good to have their company with their boys to. It is amazing my nephews are almost all grown. I can't believe it. They are hilarious boys. Their antics and personalities are so funny and pleasant. Each one is a great kid. I also got to sit next to Dad for most of the night which was great. I appreciate seeing and hearing him. He is so genuinely concerned for so many people he doesn't know where to start with his help- he gets overwhelmed easily and I love that about him. Danny was started shaking much worse than normal- he missed a dose of his medication. It isn't getting better and they are doubling and tripling his medication. Frankly it is hard to see, yet he deals with it so patiently. They are saying now that it may be a seizure in which he is conscious when he convulses like that. Thankfully I was able to drive him and his two oldest, Santiago and Corbin, home. We had a good talk. He is constantly in my prayers.

Day by day I feel that I am more thankful for that which I have. Really and truly I see my blessings and my trials and I'm fine with them. I'm thankful for this perspective and pray I keep it. I also hope I can help others better.

'Singing in the rain....'

Just before Conference started we went on a walk. Liz was taking a nap and I figured I'd treat her to a longer one. We got out and about and the rain came down! We couldn't believe it. It was hailing.... Soon after it stopped but the rain sure didn't. We started to play in the gutters which was simply amazing. Anne, Jane, and Kate were troopers- they just kept on going through them. We were muddy and dirty and it felt wonderful. Hope just laughed at us and wanted to play in the water. (Much to some peoples shigrin I let her.) We ran up and down the streets of our whole neighborhood. It was PRICELESS!

The Ice Cream Trucks Last Visit

Its official (I hope, kind of) that summer is over. The Ice Cream Truck came for its last visit on our streets. Liz and I heard the music and couldn't resist letting the girls get one last treat- even though it was like 50 degrees. They enjoyed them. Frankly I was looking at the selection and thought for the first time in my life that there wasn't a thing that I wanted from the Ice Cream Man. (I've hit old age officially!)

Cabin

We went to the cabin with Dad and Lauradean. It was a nice short trip. We had fun sleeping in, walking to Shoulder Creek, and just hanging out with the family. It was easy going. The girls feel in love with the mules in the back and enjoyed just bee-bopping around.

Grandma Nelson's Chili Sauce

This is my Grandma Nelson's Chili Sauce recipe. Chili Sauce is really yummy on top of a roast (dry or moist). I just would cook the roast and then allow people to spoon some on cold. I've never mixed it into the sauce to marinate it with it. I'm going to be trying this in Meat Loaf in a week or so (when we've got enough hamburger). It is a really yummy sauce that my Mom and I used to make every year along side with salsa. I've modified the recipe so that it stays chunky. Typically it gets really watery when it is pressured cooked too much. You can do whatever canning method you prefer but I prefer pressure cooking. Remember being generous= Chunky sauce.

Grandma Nelson's Chili Sauce
4 qts tomatoes
2 cups chopped onion (be generous)
1 cup chopped sweet red pepper (be generous)
1-2 cups chopped green peppers (be very generous)
2 Tsb. salt
2-3 hot peppers (Serrano, Jalapenos, Fresnos. I've used all three!)
1 cup sugar

1 tsp. Cinnamon
1 tsp. All Spice (I don't add this)
1/2 tsp. ground cloves
2 1/2 cups vinegar

Cook thoroughly onions, peppers, and hot peppers in fry pan. Core tomatoes and slice into quarters. In pan combine all ingredients. (You can cook all of the ingredients at this point, but as I use a pressure cooker and have pre-cooked the onions, peppers, and hot peppers I don't cook it as a mixture.) Pack bottles. If using a pressure cooker cook under 15 lbs pressure for 10 minutes.

Use on top of roasts, meat loaf, or as a sweet marinate for other meat dishes.

-Doug (Nelson) Minnick

Friday Night Babysitting

On Friday night we had a the Beesley kids over. We used to trade baby-sitting back and forth and we are starting it once again. It is a really nice time for the kids to play together. It can get crazy, but never out of control. We like to have them over. Friday night consisted of playing games in the backyard, pizza for everyone, and also watching 102 Dalmatians. It was a good time. There wasn't even any crying if I'm remembering correctly. Anne, Jane, and Kate sure love being with their cousins. It was a god time by all.

Labor Day

Labor Day was a fun holiday for us. We decided to hang out close to home, mostly, and do some fun things with our clan. We started off with a good long bike ride heading down to Falcon Park. There we played frizbee, tennis, soccer, and lounged around. We then made the climb up the hill and came on home. It was nice to get outside with the girls. The weather was lovely and perfect for a nice long ride. We made it home and ate some lunch and then the sprinklers were turned on in the back to make for some water fun. It was nice to enjoy the sun. (Perhaps the last of it this season as the weather is now cooling down.) Anne and Jane took some crazy good pictures and we are going to let them explore photography a little more. They are doing a good job. We then got all showered and changed and Liz decided it would be nice to go to our favorite place to hang out- Temple Square. We love it there. It is so nice, quiet, and beautiful. We took some fun shots there as well. We went up and saw the Christ-us and enjoyed the reading there.
All in all it was a quiet and calm day. Anne and Janey topped off the day with some pizza and crazy bread. (They love Little Caesars more than many- we are working on moving them to The Pie or something else. It is the 'Pizza, Pizza' line that gets them.) We finished by reading some more out of The BFG.
I love hanging out with our little clan. They make life a delight!

Last Concert in the Park in Heber tonight

We went to Heber for the last Concert in the Park and it was really nice. We love to go to these with Brian. He is so fun to invite us. We've been to several and have enjoyed them thoroughly. They have some really good bands and excellent vendors around there that participate. We had Mexican food tonight that was sent from heaven. There was tacos with carne asada or barbacoca topped with cilantro, onion, pico, and hot sauce. We all were in heaven. Then we got some fry bread with honey butter.
The music was great. We really enjoyed it. The weather was perfect.
Thanks Brian for the invite!

Anne's 7th Birthday

Anne turned 7 and we can hardly believe it. She is so cute. The celebrations actually were two days long. (Her birthday was on Sunday- so we let it spill onto Monday as well for playing!) It was lots of fun. We were able to have all of her favorite meals- nachos, sausage sandwiches, roast and potatoes, and a few others. Then the backyard became a blow up play land. We were able to blow up her pool and also some jump-o-lenes that we got from one of our neighbors. It was all topped off with games of ping pong in the garage. Anne got some very cool things that she has been waiting for. Fabelhaven is a big deal. She has already almost finished the first book and its only been about a week. Next she was able to get a scrapbook. She has been dying to start scrap booking her pictures. Then she got some $$ from Aunts and Uncles and a teddy bear that she loves. Oh and one last request- a chocolate cake with pudding as the frosting.

All in all I think that this was a good day for Anne. She sure enjoyed herself. We love her and are proud of all she accomplishes. She is a true blessing to have in our family.

Steve Dansie

STEVE DANSIE
Steve Lee Dansie (Doc) Steve Lee Dansie (Doc) was a man larger than life with a huge heart. He had an endless array of knowledge and talents. Everyone who knew him depended on him in some way. He was deeply passionate about family, sincerely loyal to his lifelong friends and neighbors, and his love and respect for the outdoors was unsurpassed.Doc passed away in a tragic plane accident along with his brother-in-law Kevin Chambers on August 7, 2009 while experiencing one of his many loves, flying. Born to Marlin LeRoy Dansie and Shirley B. (Smith) Bacca, November 1, 1950. Doc married Susan Kelene Chambers on Friday, September 13, 1985. They shared a devoted, compassionate, and perpetual bond. Their family reached beyond traditional boundaries. Steve and Suzzie were a team, no matter the task, whether it was raising the kids or sewing dresses. Doc and Suzzie's favorite date was taking a fully loaded dump truck to the dump. Machinist by trade, Demolition Man by choice, his work and infinite skill is apparent throughout Utah, displayed in homes, buildings and landscapes. Doc was a deeply spiritual man, finding strength and solace in the wilderness. Steve's children and grandchild are his honor, legacy, and pinnacle of achievement. Through his example they learned the dignity and resourcefulness that can come from having little and to respect and savor their successes. Nathan George Dansie and partner Nicholena Peters; Brandon Lee Dansie, wife Jamie Dansie and grandson Luke Van Dansie; Patric John Reynolds; Shannon Kelene Reynolds. In addition, Steve is survived by mother, Shirley B. Bacca; Beverly Dansie. Sisters, Suzanne Miller and husband Jerry; Michelle Bacca; Jody Goff; Pam Rasmussen; Patrice Moser. Brothers, Steve Rasmussen; Scott Rasmussen. Mother-in-law, Margaret Nelson Chambers; Toni Chambers; Lisa Chambers; Pati Oldroyd and husband Mitch; Dennis Chambers and wife Kellie, and many, many nieces and nephews who he adored. Predeceased by father, Marlin LeRoy Dansie, Avelino Bacca, Stanley H. Chambers, and S. Kevin Chambers. Graveside services Sunday August 16, 2009, 10:00 a.m., Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy, UT. Please join us immediately following graveside services for a Celebration of Doc's work and life at the Judge Building, 8 East Broadway (300 S.) 2nd Flr, SLC, UT. In lieu of flowers please send donations to High Uintah Preservation Council, PO Box 72, Hyrum, UT 84319. Special thanks to Rosemary V. Griffin and Amanda Wells for their love and support during this difficult time.

Kevin Chambers

STANLEY CHAMBERS
Stanley Kevin Chambers 5/31/1952 ~ 8/7/2009 To Learn - ReadTo Know - Write To Master - Teach Stanley Kevin Chambers, amazing husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, brother-law, cousin and friend died August 7, 2009 in an airplane accident, Franklin Co., Idaho with brother-in-law, Steve Dansie on their way to a family outing. Kevin was born May 31, 1952 to Stanley Herbert Chambers (Deceased) and Margaret Nelson Chambers in Clovis, New Mexico. He married his eternal companion and soul mate, Toni Sylvester in the Oakland California LDS temple August 10, 1974. He was an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many capacities, including a full-time mission to North Carolina/Virginia from 1971 to 1973. He taught Sunday School and the Gospel Doctrine. He pursued his love of knowledge, education and teaching by first earning his Bachelor of Arts in English from Brigham Young University continuing with a Masters of Arts in Education from Utah State University and earning his Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership from Brigham Young University. He was a teacher both inside and outside the classroom having taught for 29 years in both California and Utah and was a District Teacher/Mentor before retiring in 2007. His laughter, stories and hugs will be missed by his wife, Toni and their children Annie (Jeff) Hatala. Jennifer (Randy) Harris, Kelly (Neil) Sherman, Jeff (Heather) Chambers adoring grandchildren Lexi, Sydney, Madison, Hunter Libby, Camille, Charles Chambers, Teddy, Kevin Baxter and Oliver Kevin as well as his siblings Susan (Steven, deceased), Lisa Chambers Pati (Mitch) Oldroyd and Dennis (Kellie) Chambers. A visitation will be held for friends and family Saturday, August 15, 2009 from 9:45 - 10:45 with services following from 10:45 to 11:45 at the Huntsville Chapel, 277 S. 7400 E., Huntsville, UT. Burial will be at the Huntsville Cemetery. Flowers may be sent to: Myers Mortuary, 845 Washington Blvd., Ogden, UT 84404,www.MyersMortuary.com Life is a Chance Love is Infinity Grace is Reality

Presidents Benson and Monson

Thoughts? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ehD390q9G3k


-- Post From My iPhone