More Photos of Branson

Since I haven't figured out how to resize photos using IPhoto on my Mac I thought I'd post a few here instead. Hope you like them.

Missing the Cabin Dedication

Wayne just doesn't feel well enough to travel so far and back in such a short time. He's been sleeping all day long here in Branson and gets up just in time to get ready for the show. I'm hoping that after he gets the abscesses removed that he'll start feeling better. He isn't going to able to have it done until we have a break in August because it's going to take some time to get everything taken care of and the show much go on. I guess he'll have to live on antibiotics, etc. until then.

I was surprised that Merrill even mentioned that Mary was sick so I think Merrill and Mary should be the ones to decide what they want to share with everyone over the world wide web. I don't want to infringe on their privacy, but I'm sure your concern and prayers will pull them through.

There is an 8:00 show here on Saturday night. Jimmy and Jay will probably be leaving REALLY early on Sunday morning, driving to Springfield and then flying to Salt Lake City. There's probably a layover somewhere before they arrive. After landing in Salt Lake City they will then need to drive to Samaria/Malad, Idaho for the fireside that will begin at 7:00 pm on Sunday night. After the fireside they will be staying in the area overnight, attend the dedication Monday morning and drive back to Salt Lake City. They'll be flying back to Springfield on Monday afternoon and then drive back down to Branson. There may be some variations on the trip because I haven't seen their schedule, but there's a show starting at 8:00 pm here at the Music City Center on Tuesday night, so I know that at least one of them will have arrived by then. That's exhausting travel for a perfectly healthy person.

It's been fun seeing many friends from around the world here at the theater. Most of them have planned to attend the dedication of Mother Osmond's cabin too. What wonderful support The Osmonds have been given all these years! You're the best!!! Can't wait to hear all your comments and see photos of the fireside and cabin dedication. That way we'll still feel like we were part of the celebration.

I talked to Aunt Cora, Father Osmond's sister, last night and she's planning on attending the events. Her sweet daughter, Debbie, is planning on driving her so she can participate. She told me to tell Wayne that he should stay here in Branson and that his mother and father would want him to. I'm sure that made him feel a little better. I love Aunt Cora!

I loved the show last night!

For your information, Jimmy drove the car and Jay was in the right front seat on our drive to Branson. We've settled here at the Music City Center. We were welcomed by many people including Denny who was our next door neighbor when we lived in Branson years ago. Denny and his beautiful wife, Tammy had everything in our rooms just perfect! They made a special effort to make us feel like it was home. There was a beautiful gift basket with all kinds of different fruits, chocolate treats and kisses, water, air freshener, cups, paper plates, etc. How thoughtful! We immediately noticed their personal touch to our hotel room. Thank you so much Tammy and Denny for all that you do.

Our two Japanese friends, Chiyo and Noriko have been here visiting from Japan. They are such beautiful, sweet ladies. Wayne and I have been enjoying the candy that they gave us last night. Yummy! One kind really does melt in your mouth and the other is a delicious carmel. They also gave us a beautiful embroidered tablecloth with pink, silver and taupe flowers. Thank you so much! I'd like to tell you the names of the gifts but I don't read (or speak) Japanese. It was fun hearing Jimmy talk and sing to them in Japanese last night at the show. Chiyo and Noriko are also going to travel to the dedication of Mother Osmond's cabin in Idaho.

I love the theater. It is very intimate so the guys can go into the audience and meet many of the visitors. They also do an extemporaneous, casual segment at the beginning of the second half that is very effective because of the smaller size of the theater. There has only been very positive feedback on the theater and the show. There is also a balcony if you prefer to watch the show from there.


The photos on the blog are usually taken with my IPhone which isn't the best camera but it's always available and convenient. It's fun to just give you an idea of what I'm writing about. I'll add some more photos of the show on Wayne's website and if anyone would like to add additional photos to Wayne's website, please email them to wonkthedonk@gmail.com. We're still waiting for more submissions to add to our "Featured Friends" category.

"The Wii Fitters" report here!

Time to report your weekly exercise. I accomplished my weekly exercise goal. Some of the exercise was a little creative but every little bit helps. How is everyone else doing?

A Long Day

We all met down in the lobby of the Holiday Inn in Lawrenceburg, Indiana at 5:00 am this morning with all our luggage. The band was in one vehicle and the rest of us were following in another van. We assumed the band knew where they were going so we followed them on to the freeway going in the wrong direction. Jimmy figured that out immediately and Merrill verified it with his GPS. We all got off the freeway and back on again heading in the opposite direction.

There was no need to rush because the airplane was delayed going out of Cincinnati. We didn't take off until after 8:30 so we just barely made the connecting flight in Memphis that flew us into Springfield, MO. By the time we arrived in Branson around noon it felt like the day should be over. Can you guess who is driving and riding in the front right seat on our way to Branson?


Everyone is at sound check right now except me. I've been reading Amy's dissertation that she wrote for her doctorate degree. It's over 400 pages so it's going to take some time to read - especially with her vocabulary. It's way over my head. It definitely isn't an easy read. The show opens tonight at 8:00 pm.

I must say that hanging out with the Brothers is a hoot! They are hilarious! Merrill's a tease and I still can't tell when he's kidding. Yesterday after hearing there was a tornado watch, he sighted three on our drive to the hotel. There they were - three tall smoke stacks with grey smoke billowing out.

I've also been impressed with how they are all such gentlemen. They'll lift my suitcases, open the door and wait for me to go through first, etc. Being the only woman traveling with these guys may not be too bad after all. They sure are a lot more fun than I remember them being in the 70's when I used to tour all the time with the family. Maybe they've lightened up a bit and finally learned how to relax a little more or maybe I have?

"An Apple a Day Bunch" Report

Please report on how you are doing with your diet goals. I really messed up this week and couldn't resist the Vanilla Wafers and Wheat Thins that Wayne gave me. He say's I'll "sluff" it right off. It's only been 3 days since I binged so I've probably gained this week but we'll see tomorrow. I couldn't bring Sandra any encouraging words to Lawrenceburg with me since I really goofed up this week.

"Wonky's Book Worms"

How is your reading going? Wayne and I have 3 chapters left to read for this week which we'll read tonight and then we start Deuteronomy Chapter 32 and read through Joshua Chapter 11 for next week. Deuteronomy has a lot of repetition concerning the laws and commandments so it shows how important it is to keep all the commandments. What insights have you received from your reading this week?

Lawrenceburg Trip

We arrived in Cincinnati, Ohio as scheduled last night. While Jay, Wayne and I were waiting for Jimmy and Merrill's flight to arrive we chatted with Donna and Susie. Susie had driven from home to Cincinnati and was there picking up Donna at the airport. They offered to give us a ride to the hotel but we had been given specific instructions to wait for Merrill and Jimmy.

Merrill and Jimmy arrived just a few minutes later, got their luggage and we were off to rent a car. Because of weather the band was delayed and would be coming in around 9:00 pm. We took a shuttle to the rental company, rented a big car and ventured out to find the hotel.

Jimmy drove and Merrill sat in the front with his GPS. Jimmy's actually a really good driver which impressed me. We were kidding Merrill about his GPS taking us to the middle of a corn field the last time we used it. We started out pretty good but after awhile it seems like we had traveled a little too far. Then Merrill's GPS said that it was another 88 miles so we knew something wasn't right.

We got off the next exit and called the hotel to find out the directions from where we were then located. We'd gone a little too far and had traveled into Kentucky. We visited three states on this little road trip - Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana. Sandra of Georgia and Susie were waiting our arrival at the hotel. We should have taken Susie and Donna's offer to follow them from the airport to the hotel or followed the map that Terri had given us. But then we would have missed Kentucky.

There was a tornado watch but all we have experienced so far is a lot of rain. It reminds us of Branson. The beautiful green scenery and the heavy rain. We don't have rain storms in Utah like they do here or in Branson. Just think tomorrow we'll be in Branson.

Wayne's getting ready to go over to sound check. The venue is only about 5 minutes from our hotel. Hope it's a successful show. Thanks to all those that have traveled to support the Osmonds and are coming to the show tonight.

Scenic view taken from the hotel room window with my IPhone. Don't you love the screen?

Sitting at Airport

Just sitting here in the Kansas City airport waiting for a flight to Cincinnati, Ohio. They must be doing some remodeling because if we walk out into the main airport where all the shops and restaurants are we'll have to go through security again. It's not worth the effort. We've got two carry-on suitcases and Wayne's big clothes bag with all his show clothes in it to carry around.

Jay was on the flight with us but I don't see him sitting here at the gate so he must have gone out of the secured area. Maybe he is meeting Jimmy and Merrill somewhere in the airport since they left on a different flight out of Salt Lake City this morning. Not sure why we are on two different flights. Maybe the travel agent figures if a plane goes down only half of us will be wiped out so the shows can still go on in Branson. Ha!

Yesterday Wayne and I went down to Provo to Joe's graduation. He graduated with a masters degree in accounting from Brigham Young University. It was held at the Marriott Center and Jay Willard Marriott Jr. spoke at the graduation. It was really nice. Joe's worked so hard and we're really proud of him. If you look below in the photo he's the one in black that just received his diploma next to the professor in red. He's such a great guy. Wayne and Joe do their bonding exercises together regularly by going back and forth with John Wayne impersonations. They're hiliarous!


Amy picked out some new duds for Wayne when we were down in California on the last trip. Everywhere he goes his family mentions how much they like his new Levis and shirt. It's pretty funny that they all notice. Maybe they're using positive reinforcement to get him out of his "We Be Jamin'" tie-dyed T-shirt.

Do I know sign language?

I don't know hardly any sign language. When we first got married Wayne taught me the alphabet and I watched Sesame Street with the kids, but I doubt that I can remember anything. My kids know more sign language than I do.

Justin didn't learn how to sign until he went on his deaf speaking mission to England. Their signing is different from American sign language. Many deaf people learn to read lips now instead or before learning to sign. Most use a combination of the two. Mary spent so much time working with Justin that it was unbelievable. Justin really appreciates all her hard work now and gives her credit for his successful, amazing life. I had a discussion with Justin not too long ago about this and he is glad that he was never taught sign language growing up because he lives in a hearing world a lot easier than some of the deaf people that he knows. He doesn't think that he would have the job that he does now if he had started out using sign language.

Tom and Virl learned sign language but they can also read lips really well. I haven't ever felt like I couldn't communicate with them even though I don't know sign language. Tom depends and uses sign language a lot more than Virl because he is profoundly deaf. I've wondered if it would be harder to have your hearing and then lose it or just never knowing the difference and being born with a hearing loss? The hearing aids are improving so much all the time that it is so wonderful.


Stephanie, my sister's daughter, cuts and styles our hair. I've totally loved going to someone that I know so well. She's always been really talented. She used to do all her friends hair for prom, etc. It's also fun to be able to keep up with what's going on with her family. She's so sweet and such a beauty! This photo was taken of Stephanie and Sarah right after Noah was born. It was Noah's first trip to the mall.

We're excited to be going to Branson too! The Brothers are performing at a different theater, The Music Center, so it will be fun to be in a different location. It's located at the other end of Highway 76 so it'll be fun to have a little different scenery. The theater is right across from Applebee's so I'm sure we'll be making a few visits there this trip. I could take a walk up to the Branson Mall and back for exercise. I'm looking forward to seeing Connie and everyone else that can visit!

Visiting Teaching

Rebecca is right, the TV series was called "Bonanza!" Senior moments are already here! Wayne has two abscesses up high in two of his root canals in two different upper molars. The abscesses are in the exact molar on both sides of his mouth plus he has another molar that is cracked. He needs them taken care of before too long, but we're supposed to leave early on Saturday morning and there's not enough time to get it all taken care of before we leave. Wayne's been to a regular dentist twice who told him both times that there wasn't anything wrong with his teeth, gave him antibiotics and told him it was probably a sinus infection.

The ear, nose, throat doctor this week gave Wayne a stronger antibiotic which has helped. Steve said that the dentist's X-rays that he took probably didn't show all the roots on his molars. Since we're leaving really early Saturday morning he's going to have to wait until we get back in 6 weeks to have all the work done. It's going to take some time to get everything handled. Because Wayne had radiation after his brain cancer operation, he has been told that he's going to have a lot of problems with his teeth. Years ago they would extract all the patient's teeth before they would ever start radiation.

Today we went up to South Ogden to get haircuts from our niece who only takes close friends and family as clients right now. She's really good but has a large family to take care of so she only works one afternoon a week. They're in the process of building a new house right now which includes a room for her to work on hair at home. They'll probably move into their new home sometime this summer when it is completed. They're really excited!

I'm leaving to go visiting teaching right now, so I'll check in later to read your comments. Thanks for your help and advise while I'm learning how to use the MacBook.

A Day in Provo

Wayne and I spent most of the day in Provo. We stopped to pick up the hard copy of our taxes in Orem and then went over to Steve's endodontic office in Provo to check it out. I loved all the dark cherry woodwork and cupboards. It's a really classy office! Sharon and Cindy were in the office working and they are awesome! They've been there the past several weeks helping Steve in the transition and he hopes that they'll stay forever.


Checking Wayne's X-rays


I decided to jump into the chair and have my teeth checked too.



We went over and said "Hello" to Jimmy and Michelle. Jimmy's trying to help Steve find a home for his family to live when he brings them out to Utah at the end of the month. I wonder if they are tired of Hoss living with them? Jimmy nicked-named Steve, Hoss, when he was a toddler after the Hoss on the TV series, Bonanza. Steve had a patient come into the office for a root canal the other day that surprised him by calling him "Hoss." Steve didn't have to wonder who referred this patient to him for a root canal.

We had fun checking out a couple of homes that Steve, Jimmy and Michelle discovered. Wayne and I really appreciate all the support and help that Jimmy, Michelle and their family have given Steve the past several weeks. They have helped Steve so much. If you need a root canal done, let me know, because I know an exceptional endodontist for you!

Getting Ready to Leave Again!

Wayne and I started getting ready to leave today instead of waiting until the day before we leave, like we usually do. We're going to Indiana on Saturday and the shows are starting in Branson on Monday night. Today I've been trying to get through all the mail before we leave, doing laundry, etc. Wayne's been getting supplies for his magic trick, etc. It's really nice to have Joe and Michelle living here so we don't have to worry about our house while we're gone.

This weekend I spent some time adding a few photos to Wayne's website. If you login, you can see a view more photos of our family. I'll be adding to the galleries when I have more time in Branson. It's fun for me to look back and view them too.

I'm trying to get used to the Macbook, but there are still quite a few things I've discovered that I don't know how to do yet. Also there are some photo galleries on sites and software that I've found aren't compatible. I love how it's a lot faster to get started on the Mac - especially on the Internet. Does anyone know how to change the format of photos from TIFF to JPEG on the Macbook? I downloaded my first photo to Wayne's website last night using the Macbook. I felt like that was really an accomplishment considering all my photo albums have come up missing that I had in Iphoto. I'm sure there on the computer somewhere. I'm planning on spending a lot of time in Branson learning more.

Technology can be really frustrating. It seems like I just learn how to do something and then they update or change the programs, etc. I probably should take a few lessons because I've mostly just been learning on my own which takes a lot of time. By the time I finally figure out how to do something - I usually remember it though. Maybe there's an Apple Store in Branson where I can take a few lessons? If not, I'm sure I can study the instructions and find a few videos to view.

What family history software do you suggest I use with the MAC?

"The Wii Fitters" report here!

I exercised 5 times this week on the Wii Fit. I think that I'm going to miss it when we leave on Saturday to go to Indiana and then Branson. How is everyone else doing on their exercise plan?

"An Apple a Day Bunch" Report Here!

I lost a pound this week. Yea! Even though I wasn't very good at keeping track of what I ate this week I still ate about the same foods and amounts and didn't eat any desserts.

Time to Report - "Wonky's Book Worms"

Wayne and I just finished our reading for this week. Wayne commented on how important it is to obey all the commandments of God strictly. All these laws remind Wayne of a father that gives his children a lot of rules to follow. That is one of the reasons that they were called the CHILDREN of Israel because they couldn't think for themselves and had to have everything dictated to them. The Lord knew that when the people possessed the land which he had promised to give them that they would want to have a king like the other nations. He gave them instructions before they ever entered the promised land to make sure that the king was someone that the Lord chose from among them. The Lord wanted to make sure that their King would keep all the commandments so he instructed him to copy the law down so he would have his own personal scriptures. Being able to read the scriptures every day would help the King remember and keep the all the commandments of God and remain humble. He wasn't supposed to set himself above anyone else or take riches unto himself. I can apply this to my life by reading the scriptures daily so I won't forget the commandments that the Lord has given me to follow. I should never put myself above another because we are all special in the eyes of the Lord. If I have abundance I should be willing to share with those that do not. Are there lessons that you learned from your reading this week? We'd love you to share your insights with us. Next week we will be reading Deuteronomy Chapter 18 through Chapter 31.

What is Relief Society?

"The Relief Society is the official adult women's organization of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is an essential part of the structure of the Church. The organization provides opportunities for association, leadership, compassionate service and education."

The motto "Charity Never Faileth" expresses the commitment of Relief Society members to love and nurture one another and to minister graciously to the needs of Church members and others. The binding sense of sisterhood that characterizes the Relief Society is founded upon the women's common faith and enhanced by the lessons, activities, and interpersonal involvements that constitute the Relief Society program." (Taken from the "Encyclopedia of Mormonism," Vol. 3, edited by Daniel H. Ludlow, Macmillan Publishing Company, New York, 1992)

Every Sunday there is a lesson based on a spiritual theme with optional activities you can choose to participate in during the month. Activities are based on the varied interests of the women in the area such as homemaking skills, home management, welfare service projects, individual and family development, etc. Many women that aren't members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints enjoy attending these activities with their neighbors.

In our ward over the years we have had such a wide variety of activities to choose from. Everything from how to bake bread, manage our money, expert tips on raising children, housecleaning techniques, humanitarian projects, quilting and sewing, exercise, health, first-aid, how to write an autobiography, home decorating ideas, arts and crafts, etc. I could go on and on. We've had classes and lectures on about every topic that women would be interested in learning more about. For those of you that have participated in Relief Society, what have been some of your favorite activities?

What Are Visiting Teachers?

Since Carolyne mentioned visiting teachers, I thought I'd tell you a little about them. I've never felt the home teachers or visiting teachers were intrusive because the visits aren't forced. I can tell the home teachers or visiting teachers exactly what I want them to know, but in certain emergencies such as illness or a death it's really nice to have a little additional help for the family.

I remember being really ill after Michelle was born and the Relief Society sisters bringing in dinner for a few nights to my other four little hungry children. With Wayne out of town at the time, I can't tell you how much I appreciated the help. That was probably the first time in my life that I really needed, wanted and appreciated the Relief Society sisters. I have always tried to be very self sufficient and have lived around family that has always stepped in to help. When I was so sick that I couldn't get up off of the couch and there were 4 little children running around wild, I finally learned to accept help from those outside my family. For many of us it can be harder to accept help than to offer service.


The largest organization of women in the world is called the Relief Society which includes all the women of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. On Sundays at church the men all meet together for almost an hour for priesthood meeting, while the women all meet together in a different room as the Relief Society. There is a Relief Society President who organizes the sisters into pairs (called visiting teachers) and assigns them a few other ladies to visit regularly. These ladies have become some of my very best friends.

The purpose of visiting teaching is to promote sisterhood, present inspirational messages and note instances of need wherein the temporal and spiritual resources of the Church might be helpful. The visiting teachers are assigned specific women and their families to keep in contact with once a month and to assist them when needed. In certain cases the visiting teachers may need to report confidentially to the Relief Society president any instances of illness or other needs so that the Relief Society president and ward bishop can confidentially arrange for any needed assistance from Church resources to help remedy the situation.

The visiting teachers are friendly visitors carrying inspirational messages to all the sisters - lifting, strengthening, supporting, loving and extending essential service and compassion to them. More frequent contact is made with women and families that exhibit special needs such as single parents, the divorced, the widowed, the aged and those that are faced with illness, death or other difficulties. With support like this no one should ever feel alone, desperate or unloved.

What are Home Teachers?

Two male priesthood holders of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are assigned to visit approximately 3 homes of members every month. They report back on the needs and welfare of their assigned families in regularly scheduled interviews with their priesthood leaders. There are 3 basic guidelines for the home teachers to follow.

1. They are encouraged to get to know the people they are called to teach so they can meet the family's temporal and spiritual needs.

2. The home teachers deliver a short spiritual monthly message and where possible, they pray with family members at the conclusion of the visit.

3. Home teachers visit each family by appointment at least once a month and make additional visits as needed. They render service by strengthening and encouraging families, assisting families during family emergencies, informing families of Church activities, arranging transportation if needed, providing recognition for achievements, etc.

Home teachers serve as resources and share the burden of support to help the bishop of the ward. They are concerned with the whole family as a group and also each individual in the family. Effective home teachers make significant contributions to members' lives and find ways to help and serve their families.

It is such a comfort to know that Wayne and I can contact our home teachers for any kind of help and assistance and we have many times in the past. They have always responded willingly to give us the support and assistance that we have needed.

Wayne is a kid at heart!

Carolyne is right when she said, "Wayne is a kid at heart." I used to think that it was because he was always practicing and working as a kid, so he needed to go through the "kid stage" later in life. Now I've decided that he just loves to have a good time. My observation is that most of the Osmonds are like that! They work hard but they play hard too.

Wayne is really intelligent and loves to try and learn new things. He has always had such a desire to learn on his own which was a new idea for me after coming out of the public school system. I used to think that maybe the public school system puts an end to our love of learning. Now that I don't have to learn anything, I've realized that I do love to learn new things myself. I've decided that Wayne is just actually really gifted. I'm sure that you already know that, but he still surprises me all the time with what he comes up with - especially when you don't think that he is listening. He's hilarious and fun loving too.

I hope you haven't been worried that Wayne has been ill because he hasn't been playing Scrabble on Facebook much lately. I need to get Scrabble on Facebook going for him again. For some reason Facebook won't let him play Scrabble on our computer at home. He hasn't been able to play on his IPhone either. I'm going to check all this out tonight after the home teachers leave. Our home teachers are really great guys and Wayne seems to really enjoy talking with them every month. They share many of the same interests. Some of the time I have no idea what they are discussing.

I heard that Jason, Jay's son, is being released from his mission around April 21, 2010. I'm sure Jay and Kandilyn can hardly wait to have him home. His report in Sacrament meeting will be in May.

The "Oasis of the Seas" Cruise

We had a fabulous time on the Oasis cruise. The cruise was almost exactly like the one we took in January. We embarked the ship at St. Thomas. That same evening The Brothers did 2 shows in a row at 8:30 pm and 10:30 pm. During the night we cruised to St. John and The Brothers did another show at 7:30 pm that evening after we left the port. We then had a day on sea followed by a stop in Nassau, Bahamas before sailing back to Florida where we disembarked the ship on Saturday morning and flew back to Salt Lake City.

Wayne really wanted to ride the carousel last time we were on the ship but we weren't ever in that area when the ride was running.


We didn't get a chance on the last trip to see the dancing water show set to music so we made sure we enjoyed the show on this cruise. Marcus enjoyed riding the zip line on the ship. Merrill and Troy met friends in the Bahamas and enjoyed their day with them. We all enjoyed the buffets!

"The Wii Fitters" report here for the week

This afternoon I got back to using the Wii again which was fun. Since we've been traveling lately I usually walk for exercise. This week I did walk at least 30 minutes, 5 times. I thought you might like to see the running track that goes around the whole cruise ship. If you walk or run 2 1/4 times around the track it is a mile. They have painted pictures of people running on some of the inside walls. There are also some cute signs posted along the way to motivate you.



One group of signs above the track read:

ONE LAP TO GO
OR MAYBE THREE
TONIGHT'S DESSERT

While walking I watched another cruise ship in the distance.

"An Apple a Day Bunch" Report Here!

I lost a pound when I was on the cruise, so to celebrate I enjoyed delicious cooked Cinnamon Apples tonight with Joe, Michelle and Wayne.

Joe's sister Emily has a masters degree in diatetics and has a website that some of you might be interested in looking at. The majority of her recipes on the website are low in fat and very healthy. Some of you mentioned that you were interested in recipes for healthy living. Michelle made this delicious Cinnamon Apple treat for us from one of her recipes.

Michelle wanted to learn how to cook healthy foods, so at Christmas time Emily wrote up a 30 day meal plan to help get her started. Last night Michelle made El Paso Pilif which is very nutricious and also delicious. If you're interested it trying more nutricious and delicious recipes feel free to visit Emily's website. http://mynextrecipe.com

Tonight Michelle made "Slow Cooker Glazed Cinnamon Apples" which she commented went right along with our "An Apple a Day Bunch." I love cinnamon! Everything from cinnamon rolls, bread, Hot Tomales, jaw breakers and gum. This recipe was yummy. You can also find this recipe also on Emily's website under desserts.

Slow Cooker Glazed Cinnamon Apples

6 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and cut in eight wedges
jaw 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup packed light brown sugar
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 tablespoons butter, melted
Directions

1. Wash hands.
2. Place apples in cooker; drizzle with lemon juice.
3. Mix sugars, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg in medium bowl and sprinkle over apples; stir gently to coat apples. Drizzle with butter.
4. Cook on Low for 3 hours OR on high for 2 hours until apples are done.

"Wonky's Book Worms"

Wayne and I completed our reading tonight for the week. We will be reading Deuteronomy Chapters 4 through Chapters 17 for next week. Reading and studying the children of Israel have helped me realize even more emphatically how important it is to always put the Lord first in our lives before everything else. If I let anything else become more important than worshiping the Lord then that object or activity has become my idol. What parts of your reading this week can you apply to your life?

We just arrived at the Windward Passage Hotel in St. Thomas!

It's been a long traveling day and we just arrived here in St. Thomas safely. Jay, Marcus, Merrill, Troy, Wayne and I traveled together. We flew to Dallas, then Miami, and then to St. Thomas. It's pretty remarkable how the flights of all three legs were on time so we were able to stay on schedule. Merrill and Troy traveled very light. They didn't check any luggage. Merrill had his cowboy boots and show clothes packed with all his regular clothes and items in a carry-on bag. Looks like I need to take some packing lessons from them.

My cute neighbor let me borrow another book to read on the cruise. It's called "A Train to Potevka," by Mike Ramsdell. He is an American intelligence agent that grew up in Bear River, Utah. His career specialty has been in Russian/Soviet counterintelligence. He took me on an incredible winter's journey across the Great Mother Russia along the 6,000-mile Trans-Siberian Railway. I've read about 2/3 of the book and have really enjoyed the reading.

I've always enjoyed mystery and detective books. In elementary school I wanted to read every Nancy Drew book I could get my hands on. Has anyone else read this book? If so, what do you think about it?

Leaving for a cruise tomorrow at 6:00 am

We just got back from Reno late this afternoon and are leaving on a cruise tomorrow morning at 6:00 am to fly to St. Thomas. Does that mean that we need to be at the airport at 4:00 am? I need to check American airlines to see what time they open. On one early cruise we sat there waiting for the counter to open for about an hour. It's not too fun that early in the morning. We will be staying over night in a hotel in St. Thomas and embark the largest cruise ship in the world, Oasis of the Seas, the following morning.

Troy is traveling with Merrill and Marcus is accompanying Jay on this cruise, so it sounds like a lot of fun is in store. With Internet access being very expensive on a cruise, I may not be able to blog as much this week, but remember to keep up on your reading, diet and fitness. I'm going to try. I will also look forward to reading all your comments when we get back on Saturday night.

Keep smiling and remember, wherever you go - there you are! Wayne's jokes are rubbing off on me.

Happy Easter Everyone!

I hope everyone has a wonderful day! If you would like to hear some inspirational messages, go to LDS.org on your computer at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm Mountain Standard Time to watch and listen live. Isn't technology wonderful! Everyone with Internet access around the world can enjoy these conference talks together at the same time!

Many years ago I read "Color Me Beautiful" by Carol Jackson and "The Color Code" written by Dr. Taylor Hartman. I'm not sure the original books are still available, but there are newer revisions written by the same authors and variations of the same ideas written by many other authors. If you put the title of the book into a search engine, there is a free personality test that you can take and many websites that give you information on how to determine what colors help you look your best. Have fun discovering more about you!

"The Wii Fitters" report here for the week

How is your exercise program going? I've been walking this week and will complete my minimum of 5 days for at least 30 minutes tonight, but should be using the gym equipment and swimming pool here at the hotel. It is really nice. Have you discovered any new techniques or fun ways to exercise that you can share with us. We all want to hear your success stories.

"An Apple a Day Bunch" Report Here!

Since Wayne and I are flying home from Reno tomorrow afternoon and will need to be at the airport for the cruise really early Monday morning, I though I'd post a place to report on the progress of our weight. Today I weighed in a little early and weighed exactly the same as last week. After weighing in Wayne and I decided to have our Easter dinner at the Steak house here at the casino. I really blew it tonight with the chocolate cake and ice cream. Hopefully, I can be really careful this week so I can lose a pound but with being on the cruise I'll be happy if I don't gain any weight. Reporting to you all has really helped me stay on track and I've been losing on the average about a pound for every week. How is everyone else doing with their weight loss? A support group and writing down everything I eat really helps me stay on track.

When we went to the buffets here at the casino the past 2 days I filled my whole plate up with fresh greens and then added vegetables, fruits and a little fish. I ordered a glass of fat free milk to drink. For dessert I had sugar free jello both days. I've been drinking some diet drinks and water the rest of the day. That will basically be my diet on the ship too, so hopefully I won't gain any weight.

Any new ideas for weight control from anyone? How are you doing? Don't forget to weigh in. Let us hear from you!

"Wonky's Book Worms"

Wayne and I just finished reading Numbers chapter 24. After reading what the Lord did to the guy that was picking up sticks on the Sabbath, Wayne stated that he needed to be more careful about what he does on the Sabbath Day. It has been interesting to see how fast the children of Israel forget the Lord and start complaining. I'm going to be more careful about murmuring to show the Lord that I have faith in him and know he is in control of everything. The scriptures are such a wonderful blessing. How is your reading coming? Next week we will be reading Numbers chapter 25 through Deuteronomy chapter 2. I love to read your comments.

Merrill's Fever Was an April Fool's Joke

Merrill posted on twitter that he had a fever so we were all feeling sorry for him. It was all an April Fool's joke! He posted it a day before, so everyone believed him. I wonder if he knew it was a day too soon? I heard through the grapevine that he did a few other pranks and someone almost called the police. Since he posted that he was sick the day before April Fool's Day I never considered it might be an April Fool's joke. He won't trick me again next year! I wonder if Michael short-sheeted Alan and Suzanne's bed again this year?

When Amy was around 16 years old I thought it would be a fun mother-daughter activity to be color-coded. There was a consultant that evaluated everything from what neck lines looked the best on you to what type of shoes and color of nylons you should wear to look your best. She compiled a thick personal book telling us about all our best options along with giving us pages of small fabric swatches of some of our best colors. The consultant even had her own make-up line that focused on the seasons and you could purchase everything based on your season.

Since Amy's best friend and mother had enjoyed the activity together, it didn't occur to me that she wouldn't thoroughly enjoy the sessions with the consultant. Amy loves people and I don't think she had ever met anyone that she didn't totally click with up to this time in her life. There was something about the consultant that she didn't care for and thought the whole thing was too much, but could probably tell that I was enjoying the whole experience so she went along with me without saying too much.

We were both considered Winters, so I went ahead and bought both our individualized books, two sets of color cards, 2 sets of make-up and the whole works. Sarah is six years younger but was more interested than Amy in the whole idea, wanted to be involved, so we let her join us on one session and she was told that she had a Summer coloring and I bought her the color palatte cards that had her colors so she could pick out clothes to look her very best.

It was a good thing that Amy and I were in the same color palette because I don't think that she ever used any of the make-up or even looked at the individualized book that was made especially for her. She gave me all her products and I had two of everything. I enjoyed using the products for years.

Later Amy was color-coded again and they told her that her skin was more warm than cool, even though her hair and eyes were cool. That confirmed her opinion that the consultant didn't know what she was talking about at all. Since then I've discovered that it's a little boring to stay within confined boundaries and branched out using warm colors for make-up after Amy took me to the department store for my birthday a couple of years ago to buy me some new make-up.

Have you read the other book that helps you discover what color of personality you have? Wayne is a strong yellow personality which really fits him. The suggested occupations for his yellow personality included entertainer and pilot. I'm a definite blue personality and had the very lowest points in the yellow area. This proves opposites do attract! Life would be pretty boring living with another strong blue personality, even though Wayne's second highest points were in the blue category.

The Wayne Osmond Show Tonight!

At dress rehearsal the band decided that it was "The Wayne Osmond Show" tonight. The other brothers were too late and Merrill skipped it altogether because he's been ill. The band is going to stand in for the other brothers if Wayne needs them, because no one will ever notice!


April Fools!

Most of the hotels with casinos let us stay in a really nice room, along with giving us a certain amount that we can spend on food each day that is complimentary. In the 70's the Casinos always let us stay in their very best suites and everything was complimentary. We could go eat at any of their restaurants or order anything and everything we wanted and have it brought up to our room. It's probably good there is a limit now, because I can't eat now what I could in the 70's. Wayne and I would have shrimp, french onion soup, Fillet Mignon, ice cream, etc. every night after the shows.


It sounds like I'm hungry, but we just got back to our room from the Mexican buffet here at the hotel and I'm anything but hungry. Neither one of us had Mexican food to eat but their pineapple, cantelope and honey dew was exceptionally good. I wasn't going to indulge in a dessert until Wayne brought several to the table. I gave in and tried a Mexican chocolate brownie which tasted just like an American brownie.

Wayne just started getting ready for the 8:00 show and out of the blue said, "I want a Fillet Mignon." He has no idea what I am writing about right now. This room must bring back memories of the past. This is the same hotel that Bertha and Tina, the elephants, performed right before them in the 1960's and they had to slide around, dancing in Bertha's mess. Bertha has since passed away and Tina was given to a zoo in Texas.