Sentiments by Sophia

winding down

We had a pretty quiet calm weekend.  The biggest excitement of our weekend was two barbecues and seeing Pirates 4 with the Bs.

The kids didn't like the movie near as much as the others because they missed Will Turner and Elizabeth.  (I have to admit, I missed Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley myself.)  They can't wait for the fifth movie so that they can see the Black Pearl again.  I liked it much better than 2 or 3, but the first will always be my favorite. 

OH MY HECK!  I just about died when the gal at the ticket booth said, "$40" for five tickets at 10AM!  I had no idea that it was in 3-D.  We'll be seeing our movies not in 3-D from now on.  I've never been a big 3-D fan, but for ten extra dollars, I knowthat I don't like them!  Miki was too cute with her little 3-D glasses on. She loved popcorn but even more, she loved the Junior Mints!

The biggest laugh of the weekend came from ZJ, who was playing with the 3-D glasses at home.  Here's the conversation:

ZJ: 3-D glasses are pretty cool.
Me: I don't get 3-D glasses. 
ZJ: What do you mean?
Me:  I just don't get how they work. 
ZJ (very matter of factly): You put them on.

Okey dokey, then, Zeej. 

So, this week, the end of school, garden almost done planting, the beginning of summer.  HOPEFULLY, we'll turn off our furnace soon!  Then, we can think about the pool.  It's the first year not to have put it up on Memorial Day weekend... just to look at it until the last week in June.  Doug's happy not to yet because he doesn't have to clean and vacuum it for the extra month when no one is swimming anyway.  The kids didn't even mention it over the weekend.  It still feels like winter!  Enough said.

The distance is nothing; it's only the first step that is difficult.

WET!

It's official.  Utah had it's wettest May on record, more than any year in the last 150 years.  I believe it completely.  It's rained most of the weekend.  As a matter of fact, it rained non-stop all night long on Friday night.  We'd promised the babes that we'd pop up the tent trailer and sleep in it this weekend, even though we were not going anyplace. The best part is to just walk in and be ready to "camp", since everything's already packed inside.  It simplifies everything so much! 

We had a great time...until...3AM when the propane tank was empty.  We didn't realize that it was out until we were all freezing!  It didn't stop us from finishing out the night, but, it was C-O-L-D!  Last night, since we don't shop on Sundays, the kids opted to sleep inside until we refill the propane tanks.  I doubt we'll forget that "campout" anytime soon. 

The rain woke me up at 4:45 this morning and it is still pouring.  Quayd and Doug are out with the scouts putting the flags up in our neighborhood this morning.  It's actually snowing in many parts of Utah this morning, I'm hearing on the news.

Today, we're going to see Pirates 4. We watched the first three movies this weekend.  I am completely convinced that I've never seen the third movie.  Although we own them all three and the babes insist that we saw it at the theater too. I did not remember even one scene in the entire movie.  It's been fun to "build up" to the movie today!  I was mocked for wanting to watch it with subtitles.  It's a whole different story when you can understand what they are saying.  Too bad they don't run subtitles at the theater.  I won't know what happened until I can read along with it in DVD.

Other than that, we hope for a break in the weather to grill some steaks this afternoon.  We have cooked on the grill in the rain all weekend.  We did get most of the garden planted in a break too.  Now, we'll pray that we don't have a hard frost until September!

In other news, Doug has been informed that his work schedule is changing to four ten hour days a week instead of five eight hour days.  This change will take place in the middle of the summer, so it will be a hard adjustment at that time,  but it will be awesome to have him home an extra day every week!  He's not excited about getting up at 4 to go to work at all.  More than that, going to bed at 8:30!  It will be an interesting transition.  But, I do love the thought of three day weekends every week!

It's raining, it's 37 degrees out, it's snowing on the benches, the furnace is running, but, we are planning on a great day!  Have a wonderful and safe Memorial Day! 

 Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass,
it’s about learning to dance in the rain.

Everything I need to know, I learned from Noah's Ark .

 

ONE:  Don't miss the boat.
TWO:  Remember that we are all in the same boat!
THREE:  Plan ahead.  It wasn't raining when Noah built the Ark.  
FOUR:  Stay fit.  When you're 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big.
FIVE:  Don't listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done.
SIX:  Build your future on high ground.
SEVEN:  For safety's sake, travel in pairs.
EIGHT:  Speed isn't always an advantage.  The snails were on board with the cheetahs.
NINE:  When you're stressed, float awhile.
TEN:  Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals.
ELEVEN:  No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow waiting.

Signs of Summer

 Signs of summer at our house:

• Eating dinner at 8
• Going to bed even later than normal
• Sleeping in
• Towels, Towels everywhere
• The sound of neighbors
• The TV is off
• The sounds of water splashing, Marco Polo and more splashing
• Pool toys tossed all over the lawn around the pool
• The smell of chlorine
• The swamp cooler running at full blast
• Towels, towels everywhere
• The frequent purchase of shaving cream for my legs
• Breakfast dishes on the deck table
• The sound of the springs on the trampoline even late at night
• The scent of sun screen on everyone in the house
• Cottonwood trees shedding their cotton until it looks like it’s snowing
• The sound of the mosquito truck spraying latenight
• An increased use of bandaids for cuts & scrapes
• Late nights on the deck
• Towels, Towels everywhere
• The sound of irrigation sprinklers all night long
• The sound of crickets all night long
• The sound of the icemaker every few minutes
• The smell of grease from burgers, dogs and steaks on the grill
• Towels, Towels everywhere
• Grasshoppers in the garden
• Birds hovering in the cherry trees
• The sound of lawnmowers running early in the morning
• Blanket tents in the back yard
• Grass clippings trailing inside each entrance of the house
• Extra fingerprints on the deck door
• Did I mention Towels, Towels everywhere?

Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.

summer's on it's way!

Some Friday morning rambling...

1. Most important!  Dad finished his radiation treatments this morning!  They'll run tests in two months and see how things went.  He sounded weak but relieved.  I can't imagine.  I do love my dad!
2. I'm feeling a little better today.  This bug has hit our valley with a vengeance.  So many people with the flu.  This is not time for sickness!  This is time to get outside and enjoy!
3. My instant messenger disappeared two weeks ago. Then, the Media player.  Then, my anti-virus disappeared.  When I tried to find it, I had to reinstall it fourtimes, with tech support on the phone.  Nightmare!  My IM popped up once in the middle of the restarts.  Now, it's disappeared again.  Computers!  Can't live with them, can't shoot them!  GRRRR! 
4. On the local morning show a few days ago, they gave a good reminder after a death occurred because the 911 lines were busy from trivial calls. The police officer said that the only time we should everdial 911 is 1. To report a fire.  2.  To stop a crime.  3.  To request an ambulance.  For all other reasons, we should call dispatch.  Just a suggestion... post the dispatch number near your phone and program it into your cell phone.  This PSA was brought to you by me.  :)
5. Today, I have to be at ZJ's school twice for programs and activities.  This is the most relaxed end of the school year I've had since Liza was in elementary school.  Loving it!
6. Our big "beginning of summer" weekend plans include planting the garden, a Pirates of the Caribbean marathon with the kids and then seeing the new movie at the theater, church, a date and a few cook-outs.  I've never been a big fan of traveling on this or Labor Day weekend. 
7. After weeks of searching for a Scentsy dealer, I've actually met an awesome gal who's on top of her game.  Yesterday, she brought me all of her samples.  I guess I'm having a "book party".  Gracie and I went through the sample scents, dividing them into "not so much", likes, the loves, and must haves!  I was intrigued by the fact, that without comparing notes once, we had the identical choices, with the exception of two out of sixty.  Gracie loved that even our smellers are the same. Two!   I think it's because she's been raised around my favorite scents, but it was interesting too, that there were a few that smelled like bathroom cleaners to me.  Grace said, "This one smells like a bathroom."   That's really ironic. 
8. Speaking of Gracie, she called from school with upset stomach.  We decided that she had a touch of sunstroke from her all-day swim party the day before.  She is sooooo dark already!  We were amazed that she could brown up in one day, but she's July tanned already!  How would it be.
9. Lady Gaga.  Maybe it's my age. I don't get it.  I really don't mind her music.  I just don't like to watch her.  Maybe I need a wig and a pointy shoulder jacket, then I'd feel as free as her hair too.  Go figure.
10. It's the weekend!  Be safe!  Have fun!   Make memories!  That's what we plan to do!


It is what it is but it will become what you make it.

oprah and I

Since everyone's talking Oprah, I thought I'd share my own Oprah experience. First of all, I have to laughwhenever a celebrity look alike subject comes up in conversation, I am told that Oprah is mine.  Hmmmm... I take that as a compliment because she's  a lovely woman. 

Now... my Oprah story. We lived in Indiana for two years, four months and eight days.  It was not the best two years, four months and eight days of my life.  I just wanted to be home in Utah, close to friends and family. Period.  BUT.  One of the few highlights in my two years four months and eight days was when I went to see a taping of the Oprah show. 

We arrived early that summer morning, were seated and instructed on the little details before the show.  I was seated on the aisle of one of the comfy theater type chairs.  As we waited for the show to begin, a folding chair was placed in the aisle next to me.  In a few moments, a very sharp looking man was escorted to that seat by a Harpo staff member.  The man was then instructed that "Oprah will stand here and you will be here" and and and...  Obviously, he was not just a normal audience member like myself.

The show began with a video clip of Oprah's camera crew walking into a labor and delivery room.   Apparently, the Oprah staff had randomly visited the hospital the day before and the man seated next to me and his wife agreed to deliver their baby in the presence of the crew for this taping. Oprah began explaining that  just yesterday, this sweet baby was born into this family.  It only took seconds to realize that the man seated next to me was the newborn's father.  As the tape ended, Oprah walked up the aisle to the father.  And.  For the first segment of the show, there on the screen was the man on the aisle, Oprah standing there holding the mike as she interviewed him and because of the camera angle...me in between the two of them for the entire interview.  Surprise!  Hi, Mom!  After the first segment, Oprah went to her seat on her stage and joined a panel of three couples for the remainder of the show. 

The show was one that I'd hoped Oprah might have mentioned over this past few weeks of memorable moments because it was a one of a kind.  The topic of the show was not childbirth.  No.  This topic was one of those "out there" topics - men who would did not want to be intimate with their wives after having seen them in childbirth.  The man seated next to me was Oprah's example of  what and how a loving and wonderful husband should  be.  One particular couple on the panel were very different.  The man would not/said he could not be intimate with his wife because he was so "grossed out" by what he'd seen when she delivered their child. And he did  go on about it.  Mind you... he didn't mind at all having several extramarital relationships with other women after witnessing his wife's delivery, but he just couldn't stand the thought of being with his wife.  Can I just say.... eewwwww.  Creepy man.  (I'm certain that this was one of those shows that Oprah mentioned yesterday in her final show, that they only did for a time and realized that this wasn't where they wanted the show to go... can you say Mr. Springer?)

Throughout the show, many audience boos were sent in the villainous husband's direction.  His wife didn't seem to mind his attitude nearly as much as the audience did.   Many issues were discussed about marriage and childbirth.  At one point, weight gain after childbirth came up.  Just weeks before, Doug and I had counseled with friends who were having some marital struggles.  The husband in this couple had issues with the twentypounds she'd gained during their marriage.  They had six children!  I was touched when Doug came to the wife's rescue and said, "I think that if a woman gains twenty pounds because she's carried and delivered a man's children, that's a sacrifice she's made out of love for him and her family.  A husband should appreciate that sacrifice."  Shy me...I shared this comment with Oprah and she said, "That's a good man, you've got there, girlfriend.  Hang on to him!"  YAY!  I have Oprah's permission to stay with Doug forever!  (wink!)

Now, for the rest of the story.  Before we left the studio, we were told that the show would air on a certain day in August.  We anxiously awaited that day.  And waited.  And waited.  Every day with the VCR set to record, we waited.  Almost three weeks later than the announced date, Oprah began her show with a different little twist.  She had a black screen behind her and a straight on shoulder/head shot.  She began by explaining that in all of her years of journalism, she'd never been "duped" by a guest.  She then went on to tell the viewing audience that between the taping of this show and the scheduled airdate, her staff had been contacted and told that this couple, her one and only guests that she'd ever  to date, had made up the whole thing just to be able to have a first class vacation to Chicago and their fifteen minutes of fame on the Oprah Show.  She shared their names, where they were from, all the details and then said that they went after this couple to the full extent, making them pay for every dime spent and she exposed them for what they were on the air ~ frauds!  Then, the show rest of the show aired as normal. Ouch! 

Oprah hadn't yet begun giving away cars, but I do remember, that even though I loved the experience, I'd wished that it had been a show where Maya Angelou or Garth Brooks had been her guest!  Instead, I got the couple who cheated on Oprah!  Regardless, it was a fun experience.  Oprah mingled with her guests. She genuinely listened to them and appeared to care what they had to say. She is a remarkable woman.

Oprah's final show emphasized that we all should be the best that we can be, love and accept each other for what we are, love God and each other and validate each other for who we are, whatever our call in life may be. It was impressive, as always.  Thanks for the memories, Oprah!   Enough said!

The whole point of being alive is to evolve
into the complete person you were intended to be.   Oprah Winfrey

bugs and bullies, sunshine and stars, feet and a few other things

It's beautiful outside!  We finally have sunshine and I believe that my daughter Gracie is to blame.  She's prayed desperately that we'd have a good day today because it's her class swim day.  Her class outdoor parties have been rained out more often than not, all through her elementary school years.   So, she's been determined that this year, it would be bright and sunny.  According to the weather reports, it's the only day this week to expect pleasant weather.  So, thank you, Gracie! 

In the middle of dinner last night, I became violently sick to my stomach.  I was perfectly fine one minute and then WHAM!  Doug was certain that it had to be some sort of food poisoning.  I had a lonnnng night.  This morning, I'm fine but still a bit queasy.  I'm staying home rather than welcoming my visiting teachers, going visiting teaching myself later and having lunch with my old friends from North Logan at Olive Garden.  I'd tentatively planned for a Girls Night Out movie late tonight too.  What a sad day to get a bug! However, at the moment, movie popcorn doesn't even sound appealing!

Finale week on TV.  Our favorite. We loved watching Dancing with the Stars last night.  They were all winners to us!   American Idol finale tonight.  Again, both are winners!  Oprah's final shows have had me in tears each day this past few weeks.  Tomorrow, I'll call Direct TV and go on Pause for the summer.   This season, it's been DWTS, Idol, Biggest Loser, Castle and Survivor, of course.  We did catch a few episodes of Celebrity Apprentice.  Ugh.  I don't think that I've had the TV on HGTV all year. Hmm?  For us, that's plenty of tv.   A few months without TV is a good thing. 

Yesterday, I took Quayd into a podiatrist.  We learned that Quayd has extra bones in his feet.  He will be treated with orthotics. The doctor believes that he will most likely need surgery in the future to remove the extra bones and then some reconstruction.  Interesting.  We had no idea until we've recently noticed that he's walking differently, as his feet grow.   And apparently, Gracie has the same issues, only milder.  (He looked at her too, since she was there.)  By the way, this doctor, who I'd never even heard of, has to be one of the most beautiful human beings I've ever seen.  Think George Clooney and Donny Osmond combined.  And he was as friendly as he was good looking.  We really loved his sense of humor. It's always a plus to love a doctor that you're going to have to spend several years with!  Oh!  And Quayd had me rolling in laughter with his "foottalk", as he called it.  He told his "little buddies" that they would be just fine, that he'd be right there with them.  That boy!  He's a character!

Last night, Quayd and ZJ went to the  restroom at the grocery store.   While Quayd was in the Mens room, two"older" guys with tattoos and facial piercings started bullying him. Quayd locked the stall door and stayed inside. ZJ has finished first, next door, and could hear what was going on inside.   She said she didn't know what to do, so she just started calling out Quayd's name.    They apparently heard ZJ and left.  It frightened him, so, he waited a minute before coming out.  He handled it well, but Seriously? I wish I'd have seen them!  I let the assisstant manager know,  not that he needed to do anything, just so that they were aware.  He told me that this was a repeat incident.  So, he appreciated the heads up and was anxious to review the security video.  This is so out of character for our little community.  Not amused.

ZJ spent twenty minutes this morning trying to convince me that she needed to stay home from school today.  She's "so over fourth grade".  Okey dokey, then, Zeej.  BUT.  You're still going!  Three and a half more days.  Woohoooo!

Speaking of woohoooo!  Yesterday, I dropped by Wendy's for a bit.  We played a game of Hand and Foot.  At one point, I drew the right cards and said, "woohoooo!"  Miki repeated it!   She repeated several little sounds, so I said, "Love youuuuu."  She said, "Love you!"  It's so fun to watch her learning and growing!  Life is good!  Always full of surprises!   But, goooooood!

Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. 

even when it hurts

It's a very rainy Tuesday morning.  VERY.  Lovely, though!  The furnace continues to run.  I know that everyone you talks to hates the rain, but I'm enjoying it. You can't change the weather, so you may as well enjoy it. ;)

A serious matter, this morning. I don't get this personal on the blog often, but this morning, I'm feeling deeply about the matter at hand.  The babes birth father is in town for a funeral.  Their birth grandfather called on Sunday to ask if his son could come and see the babes.  I explained that a few days before, when we'd heard the news of the death in their family, Quayd's first words were, "Is [birthfather] coming for the funeral?"  When I told thim that I wasn't sure if he would or not, he said, firmly, "Mom, I don't want to see him." 

Quayd is thirteen years old.  He is the only one of the three babes who have any memory of their life before living with us. He turned four days before they came here permanently.  Quayd adamantly wants nothing to do with his birth father.  He has some deep-rooted emotions attached to his few memories.  Doug and I feel strongly that we should respect Quayd's feelings and wishes on this whole matter.   If and when he's ready, we'll respect that too.  The girls have no memories of life before our family, and, as with everything in their lives, they, pretty much, follow Quayd's direction on the matter.  I feel sad for the birth father.  But, when discussing it with Quayd last night, he said, "Mom, you tell us all the time, The choices we make today determine our happiness tomorrow.  So, [birthfather] chose.  And he determined his happiness."  (WOW!)

Now.  How do I argue with that?  And really.  Should I?  I don't think so.  The babes are happy and content in their lives.  Every contact (or attempt at contact) brings confusion, fear and hurt to them.  We will not disrupt their lives or allow others to do so.  I'm just so grateful that the babes are happy in their life today. Yet, my heart does go out to the birth father.  I can't even imagine. He's a good guy who made poor choices and now is living with those choices, just as Quayd said. Enough said about that.

Two of the babes are in middle school.  (They really aren't "babes" anymore.  We realize that, but it's our term for distinguishing the two "sets" of children in our family ~ the bigs and the babes.) I don't know anyone who wouldn't agree that middle school is just plain hard!  The worst years of growing up.   Gracie shared an experience from school, in which she had taken a stand for what she believes in.  (The Young Women in the LDS church are constantly encouraged to "Stand for Truth and Righteousness".)  Gracie had done so.  A girl had become very angry with her and called her a few names. Gracie learned/heard the "F" word for the first time in her life.  She said that this girl had called her an idiot and weird and threatened her.   She wasn't afraid, but more adamant that she wasn't going to not make a good choice just because someone was being mean or threatening. It just made her dig her heels in deeper.  It was a proud moment for us all.

Next, we discussed being "weird".  All three of the babes were present.  They all said that they'd rather be weird than "popular" if it meant the difference in making bad choices.  I was proud of them for their thoughts on the matter.  (You had to be there.  It was pretty amazing and mature.)

Every day, I cringe at the things our children have to face in the world and pray that they are strong and remember what they've been taught, even in our very conservative and safe community.  Some call our parenting style "sheltering" the children.  BUT.  With every fiber of my being, I'd rather shelter them and protect them and teach them about making good choices than expose them to things before they need to be.   Our oldest son, who has chosen a different lifestyle and resents a lot of how he was raised, claims that we brainwashed him with our beliefs. I disagree strongly.  It wasn't brainwashing.  It was teaching and encouraging.  Kelly and I had a talk about all of this a few weeks ago.  She agreed that if the worst thing that came of our raising them the way that we did, even taking all religion out of it, was that they were upstanding, responsible, hardworking and happiness-seeking people, it wasn't all that bad.  Enough said about that.

I guess I'm on a soapbox this morning.  I'm feeling for a man [birthfather]who's choices led him to an unexpected place in life today.  I'm protective of three children who I'd give my life for before I'd see them hurt.  I'm proud of the choices that they are making today. I'm also proud of an adult daughter (Liza) who's making amazing choices in life. I'm hopeful for my two oldest children, who still are searching for something, and hopefully will realize that they've had it all along.  This morning, I'm feeling the weight that comes with being a mother and reminded of the joy and pain that comes along with that calling in life.  And I wouldn't change it for the world.  Enough said.

Confidence is preparation.  Everything else is beyond your control. 

thoughts from the waiting room

I'm sitting in the waiting room in a hospital in SLC, while a friend has an outpatient procedure.  We left Logan at 4:45AM.   I'm going to blog, then close my eyes and take a short nap. As promised, a picture of my new haircut.  However.  This is the real deal... I took it at 4:15 this morning after four hours of sleep.  Please ignore the tired eyes!  It's 8:30 and they look worse now! ;) I don't get how some people look so great when they do the "hold the camera above your head and take a self-portrait"!  It never works for me, so I just did it the old fashioned way.  The second shot, Doug took yesterday.  I styled it better this morning, even if it was the middle of the night.  It's way shorter than  I'd planned but I like it.

Weekend update... On Friday afternoon, Carol and I met for a matinee.  Friday evening, Doug, Quayd and I watched a movie and just hung out at home, while the girls had a sleepover at Nana's.

Saturday, lots of yardwork and I studied my lesson one last time. 

Sunday, I taught my lesson and felt good about it.  We had a wonderful lesson on faith in Sunday School, then a missionary homecoming report in Sacrament Meeting. The missionary was one of the boys that Doug and I had taught in Sunday School when he was a quiet and shy sixteen year old.  WOW!  He's matured into a confident, outstanding young man.  Awesome! 

We went to Carol's for dinner and Castle. A fun and relaxing afternoon and evening after having spent so much time focusing on the lesson.

A few odds and ends about the weekend...

• Mom made dinner for Doug and the babes while I was at the movie with Carol, so I hadn't had dinner.  I was in the mood for a Subway sandwich later that night.  I paid $8.75 for a subway steak and cheese!  Are you kidding me?!   I was not amused because for $8.99, I could have enjoyed BBQ chicken at Texas Roadhouse.  That's just wrong!  Everything seems to be going up in price.
• Carol and I saw "Conspirator", the film about the woman who ran the boarding house that was frequented by the men who conspired to assassinate Abraham Lincoln.  It was a fascinating story.  The most interesting thing to me this morning was that we watched the entire movie and until the credits ran, we kept asking, "Who is that woman?"  It was Robyn Wright, the Princess Bride.  Amazing.  She is outstanding.  The movie is clean and decent, definitely interesting, but this is no movie to watch if you're looking for entertainment.  It's more of a very interesting history lesson.  I loved it!

A few observations in the waiting room of the hospital:

• I'm watching the hospital volunteer pour a glass of Pepsi over a large cup of ice.  Will that craving for Diet Coke ever go away?  It's been since six months.
• I'm surprised at how people entertain themselves while waiting.  A Kindle reader.  Three laptops.  Two iPhones.  A very older gentleman who's yelling into his cellphone.  (Sort of humorous.  He's obviously an old farmer.)  Several people writing.  Lots of people eating.  Only two magazine readers.  One newspaper.  Times have changed. 
• The older man is entertaining.  Evryone keeps looking at him as he talks so loudly.  He just hung up and said to his "person", "Isn't that something!  We're sitting here clear down in Salt Lake City and he calls me from Idaho!?"  He then proceeded to tell us all that the gravel company didn't charge him since last fall.  Cute.  I love older people.
• The free concessions are quite a hit with most people.  I'll pass.
• I am coveting Kindle lady's red handbag.
• The volunteer lady is very busy telling people that their people are out of surgery and where to go.  This would be a good job to volunteer for.  Her Pepsi sure looks good.  ;)

This week: 

• Kids swim parties. 
• Hopefully a night in the pop-up camper.
• Hopefully, a game night.
• A long weekend to look forward to.
• A garden to be planted.

Nap time!

There are no failures - just experiences and your reactions to them.

Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Chocolate

Previously posted in June 2008

A man was walking down the beach and found a bottle floating in from the ocean.  He opened it and out popped a genie, who gave him three wishes. The man said, "I wish for a million dollars!"  Poof!  There was a million dollars. Then he wished, "I would love a red convertible!"   Poof!  There was a convertible. And then, he said, "I want to be irresistible to all women!"   Poof!  He turned into a box of chocolates.

I love chocolate, but, I confess that I'm not a die-hard chocolate fan.  I do love milk chocolate anything but I'd much prefer strawberry pie to  chocolate cake or a peach milkshake over a bowl of chocolate ice cream.  However, there are some chocolate desserts that just can't be beat!  Ever! All of the popular chocolate desserts are great, but, in my opinion, they don't come any better than these basic few ways to get a healthy dose of chocolate!

There's nothing like a great chocolate chip cookie!  BUT, I have issues.  My issue with chocolate chip cookies is that if you use butter, which Mr. GranolaMan, my husband, prefers in everything, they are paper thin with chocolate bumps in them.  So, shhhhh.  Don't tell Doug.  This is the only time that I use shortening anymore for anything other than greasing my pans.

My chocolate chip cookies:

3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup butter-flavored Crisco
2 1/2 cups flour
2 large eggs
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
1 cup flaked coconut
1 cup chopped nuts
1 1/2 cups milk chocolate chips or 1 cup of mini-chocolate chips

Mix and cream the sugar and wet ingredients.  Add the dry.  Bake about ten minutes at 375°. 

And then, there's the best, most moist and delicious chocolate cake recipe ever!  Some people call this the "Family Reunion Cake" because that's the one that always makes it to family gatherings.

Wacky Cake 

2 cups sugar
3 cups flour
2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. baking soda
2 cups cold water
1 Tbsp. vanilla
3/4 cup oil
2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
1/3 cup cocoa  OR 2 - 3 mashed bananas to plus the water to equal the above listed 2 cups OR shredded fresh zucchini plus water to equal the above listed 2 cups OR carrots and add spices to go with carrot cake.

You can literally mix this cake right in the ungreased 9x13 pan.  If you do it this way, mix the dry ingredients, make a well and add the mixed liquids.  (I just do it in a bowl with a mixer to make sure it's well mixed and not lumpy.) Bake at 350° for about 25-30 minutes or until done.  All those variations and it turns out delish every time...hmmmmm.... go figure!  But, the chocolate is the best!  I frost it with chocolate cream cheese frosting or sometimes, I'll add some peanut butter to that frosting, for a tasty change!  Anyway around it, this is chocolate at it's best!

S'mores

What's summer without S'mores, and often!?  The most simple outdoor treat imaginable but can also be made even more simply in the microwave.  One package of graham crackers.  A box of Hershey Bars, the regular original thin ones with no frills.  A bag of marshmallows and you are in business!   Some people choose to use Keebler Fudge Stripe cookies instead of graham crackers.  A bit more messy but oh my!  AND finally, the most amazing S'more ingredient ever.... instead of the Hershey Bar, use a Reeses Peanut Butter Cup!  Can you say "died and gone to Heaven"!?!?!?

Brownies

And for me, my personal favorite form of chocolate is Turtle Brownies by Duncan Hines, even though my own secret brownies are claimed to be the best ever!  I've been baking my secret brownie recipe since I came up with it in the early 80s, but they lost their appeal to me long ago.  I can bake them five times and maybe eat one.  When I crave chocolate, these tasty lovely babies are what I want.  Quick, simple, inexpensive.  (My own brownies cost almost $15 a pan to bake but cream cheese and a pound of butter are the main ingredients.  What could you expect?)  I've been craving chocolate all week.  Nothing did the trick!  Until last night!  Satisfaction achieved!  I'm good for another six months, I'm sure!    Enough said!

There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with CHOCOLATE!

friday thoughts

more rambling...

It rained all night long.  This morning, it started out breathtaking, making me want to sing!  Now, it's dark and grey and windy.  Lovely spring.  I really don't mind it at all!  I slept with the window open and listened to the rain fall while Doug shivered under my blankets wrapped over him.  :)

Last night, we had the privilege of attending a first grade performance of Jack and the Beanstalk.  Oh my gosh, it was cute.  I was ubber impressed with a teacher who'd go to so much work.  Very cute.  The kids loved it!  The giant was our favorite! 

This morning, our weekend plans completely changed. All my life, I've had this thing that I call "the no-show feeling".  It's almost a sixth sense about when things are planned and I know ahead of time that they aren't going to happen.  I mentioned it to Doug night before last.  I woke up this morning and my first thought was "This isn't going to happen".  Not that I wasn't excited, because I was.  But, I'd not even made the first list about it.  An hour later, the phone rang.  I was right.  There have been times that I've actually been in the car, on the road, on my way to whatever, but had this feeling and have turned around.  Today was one of those days.  The thing that kills me is that I never know why or why not it wasn't supposed to happen.  BUT.  It's one of those things that you listen to that still, small voice and cooperate.  This weekend was  one of those time.  It's all good... I'll use this extra time to polish up my Relief Society lesson.

Yesterday, I had a wild hair.  No pun intended.  I got a hair cut.  I'm talking a serious change!  It's above my shoulders.  It's layered.  It's sooooooooo different.  I'll have someone take a picture of me this weekend and share.  It's sooooo short and different!  As soon as I'm done blogging, I'll shower and see if I can make it look good.  That's always the biggest challenge, right?!

Now, Botox Mom has a different story.  I think that having your child go on national TV to lie about something for money is right up there with injecting her with Botox.  What is this mother teaching her child?   This child has been seriously affected, in uncountable ways, by this mother's actions, whether she did it or didn't. So sad for the little girl.

Finally... last thought for the day... have I mentioned that I love that summer vacation is less than two weeks away!?  Enough said!

If nothing ever changed, there'd be no butterflies. 

more stuff

You can tell when my brain is in lesson mode because I can't really focus on anything but the lesson, hence, my blog is full of completely random thoughts.  Here are today's:

• It's raining again. I used to think we lived in the desert, but right now, it's more like a flood zone.  Crazy.  Isn't that low-lying cloud awesome!?
• This whole week has been crazy.  Most people think that December is the craziest month of the year, but I always say that it's May because of all of the end of the school year activities...   I love May because summer soon follows!
• Yesterday, I spent most of the day studying my Relief Society lesson alone at home.  I love the quiet hours in the home alone.  I came across a story that I'd never heard, which made me weep.  I'll share it on the SistersDear blog on Sunday, after the lesson.  But, wow!  I love when I find something that touches me so deeply.
• ZJ and I have this little thing we do that is just "our" thing.  Whenever the clock says 12:12, 1:11, 2:22, 3:33, 4:44 or 5:55 and we notice it at the exact moment, we call out loud, "Scrumpdillyicious!" It's quite a fun little "moment" anytime that it happens, which is usually about once a day.  There'sa little bonding that takes place at that moment or even at 4:45 because we notice it and say, "Aw!  We missed it!"  Simple, but sweet.
• I call our phone providers (cell and landline) every few months to ask them if there is a better plan available to save me a little money.  When I called Qwest this past week, they took $12 off my monthly bill.  Doug always says, "If you don't A-S-K, you don't G-E-T."  It's worth a try.  Businesses want to keep us and are usually willing to find a way to do so.
• My recent favorite iPhone ap is Words with Friends.  A great way to kill thirty seconds when you are waiting.
• This morning when I looked at the mountains this morning, Misty, my horse friend is gone.  The gate is gone, the For Sale sign is on.  Who knows what this means?  New neighbors?  Change of view?  Life is full of change.

The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder.

completely out there...

A few quick rambling thoughts this morning because this week just isn't slowing down. 

Dad was awakened during chemo by five nurses with balloons, a card and candy bars, congratulating him on being done with that part of his treatments!  Six more of radiation and next week, he'll be done.  Now, the faith comes in!  Prayers are appreciated!

I love a clean house.  Just saying.

Maria Shriver is a woman of dignity.

I love Sherrie Dew!

Peanutbutter Chocolate Rice-Krispies are the best!  (The kind with Karo syrup, not marshmallows.)

Rain, rain, rain.  You make things so green!

Remember the movie about the woman who won a gazillion contests?  I wonder if she ever got discouraged? I'm not a big contest enterer.  But, it would be fun to win a new kitchen or something more than a spatula at a Tupperware party.  Like a trip to Australia.  (Oprah must be on my mind.)

I think I'd love a croquet set.

I know I'd love two tickets to the American Idol concert in Salt Lake City.  Wonder if they are sold out yet?

Popcycle wrappers everywhere are in my very near future.   I want to remember how I longed for them when I'm finding them hidden in remote places.

Cheetos are grey before they add the "agent orange", as Doug calls it.  I think I'd prefer to have grey cheetos over orange fingerprints on everything when they eat them.

I want to create a backyard "outdoor room", just for fun, this summer.  

Liza and Doug started scraping the paint on our home last weekend.  Next weekend, weather permitting, we'll start priming for new paint.  I've never liked this grey blue color from the day we bought the house.  I heart change.  I heart Liza!

I'm in the mood for a haircut.  A whole new do.  Scary, since I really love ponytails all summer long.

I reallyneed to host a party.  It's been months.  Where's my mojo?

Oscar Meyer now makes a hotdog with no preservatives or nitrates.  Won't Doug be happy!?

Kelly calls a lot lately to come over and just hang out.  I love that.

Papa Murphy's taco pizza is pretty tasty, for commercial pizza.

I have to finish this lesson today because the rest of the week is going to be crazy busy!

Enough said!

A wise lover values not so much the gift of the lover as the love of the giver.

 

 

ten again

1. I loved DWTS last night!  Can't wait for tonight's reveal!
2. Studying my RS lesson.  No How-To Tuesday today.
3. Tuesday is my favorite day!  Olive Garden or Chilis?
4. Dad's last chemo treatment was this morning!  Wooohoooo!
5. Doug took two ibuprofen. That headache had to be bad!
6. Today's to-do list is too long for one day.
7. Butter and gas prices are ridiculous. I'm out of both!  ;)
8. ZJ's walking in the rain to her annual class swimparty.
9. Why doesn't Texas Roadhouse open for lunch on Tuesday?
10. I'm sewing my quilt this afternoon.  It's been years!


My candle burns at both its ends;
It will not last the night;
But oh, my foes, and oh, my friends --
It gives a lovely light.

roots

A little Monday morning rambling, first:

• We're running the furnace again this morning. We'll be doing this off and on for the next few weeks, I'm sure.  Our weekend was definitely weather impacted... it was hot during the parade, but by afternoon, the wind picked up and we about blew away most of the rest of the weekend.  Rain and wind sort of put a damper on things like fireworks, unfortunately. 
• I finally had my Sonic hotdog.  For Date Night, all I wanted, was to go to Sonic and eat a hotdog at the drive-in.  We tried them all.  I do not eat mustard.  EVER.  Until now.  Seriously, grab $2 and race to Sonic today for a Chicago Dog.  WOW!  They were so good that we came home from the parade on Saturday and made them at home... mustard and all!
• Twelve more school days!
• I made rhubarb cream cake for dinner at Carol's yesterday afternoon.  It's time!  If you didn't try it last season, go to my cooking blog, find some rhubarb and try it!  You'll love it, even if you don't love rhubarb!

I spoke with Dad this weekend a few times.  He sounded better than he has in weeks, which was so wonderful.  He has 0ne last chemo treatment tomorrow and 7 more radiation treatments over this week and next.  Then, we pray and wait for results of his tests in a month. 

This past weekend,  some of my dad's cousins, one uncle and two aunts got together with him.  They had their own little family reunion without me.  Sadness.  (Seriously, I was green with envy but thrilled for them to be together and they sent me pictures!  Here's Dad and my second cousin, Paula, who I remember well from when I was eight years old!)  I am so anxious to see my family in North Carolina again.

This whole situation with my dad has given me a serious paradigm shift about my life.  It's something that really has touched my heart this past few weeks.  This is a little personal, but this is my journal, so I'm recording my thoughts today on the matter.

My parents divorced when I was just twelve. I could count the times that I've seen my dad since their separation.  It was limited until I was married and even less after. I've mentioned that this was only the third time we'd been together in the past twenty-six years.  Dad and I have talked on the phone about once every year or two for all of these years.  Every conversation we ever had began with me answering the phone and hearing his voice, "Is this the most beautiful girl in the whole wide world?" and ended with him telling me, "Darlin', I love you so much."  We didn't need to be together for me to know that Dad meant these words. This last visit meant so much to us both.  The time spent together was perfect and it was as though we'd never been apart.   I loved it. 

Here's the thing that's hit me the hardest since seeing Dad in March.  When my parents divorced, and Dad was pretty much out of the picture, so was his family.  My grandparents kept in touch until they passed away.  But, I lost the only two first cousins on Dad's side with my parents divorce.  I lost extended family completely.  With the exception of my aunt, I have had no contact at all in fourty years with people who I loved and have, although limited, very sweet memories of from my childhood.  

Since my trip to North Carolina, I've reconnected with second cousins, great aunts and with my cousin Kent and his family for the first time.  It's been amazing.  I now have one big happy family living in the south, who are as much a part of my life today as they would have been, had my parents never divorced.  Through the years, after the divorce, my mom has never had much to say about Dad's family...and what she has said, hasn't usually been good.   AND SO.  I now have a family, who I am discovering are awesome, giving and wonderful people.  They've welcomed me right back into the family as though I've always been there.  They are keeping in touch, sending photos, writing emails, planning our next get-together in the fall.   I am loving it! 

I love family.  For most of my life, I've never lived near family. For most of my life since I was twelve, my family has been my mother and my brother, who I have a very distant relationship to.  No grandparents on either side and limited contact with Mom's side of the family, who I adore and relish the childhood memories of our times together.  Now, all of a sudden, I have a whole "other side" of family to love and cherish!  It's been awesome.  In a sense, I feel as though a part of me that was dead for all of these years, has come to life again! I'm finding out more about who I am than I ever knew possible.  And I love it.  LOVE LOVE LOVE it! I'm so excited for fall to come, to make this trip, to reconnect with this family in person!  It will be awesome! (This photo is of my second cousins, Angie and Patty, and Granddaddy's sisters, Hattie and Patty.  You can tell we're family.)

I'm also so thankful for Doug's enthusiasm about this.  Doug's extended family are the most amazing people I've ever known.  I consider it a privilege to be a part of his family. I have never felt judged by his aunts, uncles and cousins for my family, my upbringing and our differences.   Like Doug, they accept me for who I am and from where I came. We joke that he's from pioneer stock and I'm from Woodstock.  And it's so true.  Yet,  Doug appreciates these differences, says they make us who we are today and he loves my family immensely.  He teases me because he can tell when I'm on the phone to them because my little southern drawl comes out. He loves hearing the news each day of what's happening in North Carolina.  I'm so excited about all of this.  It amazes me that at age fifty-two, I'm getting to know my family.  And loving every second of it.

I have been asked by several friends, "How's your mom handling all of this?"  Well, honestly, it's not been her favorite thing.  But, I've learned another thing through all of this.  It's okay to stop someone mid-sentence, respectfully, and ask them, "If you can't say something nice, please just don't say anything at all."  I understand that this has to be hard for her, but it is what it is. We're all growing through it.

Family matters.  That's all there is to it.  How grateful I am for this "second chance".  I wrote this last week... ZJ's mother's day card mentioned that she "loved my North Carolina style".  I'm so grateful that my children will have a little more influence from the goodness of my dad's family.  Our religions may be night and day different. (Pentecostal and LDS)  Our accents may sound funny to each other.  (Southern and Utahn)  We may eat differently. (Granola-man/cattle ranch style and greasy-fried southern!)  But.  We are family.  And fourty years apart hasn't change that.  I am so blessed.  Enough said.

In every conceivable manner, the family is
link to our past, bridge to our future.

everybody loves a parade!

 
 
 
 
 

 

Miki loved it all!  Zaylee loved the pretty princesses! The babes loved the candy!  The parents loved the visiting!  I loved being with the family!   Smithfield Health Days was a hit... until the afternoon when the rain and wind came and blew it all away.  Even still, a fun, fun family day!

When it rains on your parade, look up rather than down.
Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.

No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks.

Previously posted in June 2006

It’s been a wonderful day without a minute wasted!  We got the garden planted and the front yard flower bed! This has been a huge goal of mine for several years, since we bought the home.  Over the last year, we have pulled out every shrub and tree, tilled, dug, tilled some more, weeded, tilled some more, added steer manure, and bark and finally plants! There’s still more to do, but it looks great and is a super start. Next week, we’ll buy three currant bushes, a few more plants and a new ground cover and voila!  It’s a good start for this year!  Doug and I made the most of every minute! From pillow talk before the babes returned from their grandma’s to grilling burgers with them for dinner to garden planting to summer planning! I’m grateful for days like today!

Our weekly ward newsletter (ward is the term for an LDS congregation) always has a brief little message in it and today’s message was so profound, I thought I would share it. It’s entitled, "Let us all be more Grateful". It read:

"When we recognize our many blessings and show gratitude for them, we will develop a positive optimistic attitude. It truly makes us happier. Here are some suggestions to become more grateful and show it:

• Pray for help in seeing your blessings more clearly. Express thanks in your daily prayers for those blessings.
• Thank your parents, grandparents and others for the sacrifices they have made for you.
• Write a letter to a teacher or leader who has influenced your life.
• Make a special phone call to thank someone or uplift their day.
• Spend some time helping your family or extended family. Express thanks fo them for their help and example in your life.
• Demonstrate gratitude for your talents by developing one of them through lessons, practice and performance. (This could be applied easily in scrapbooking or journal keeping!)
• Serve someone in a Christ-like way to show your thankfulness for the Saviors gifts and His example.
• Say thank you. Often.
• Show gratitude for your physical body by starting a new exercise program, leaning a new sport or eating a healthier diet.
• Tell a friend thanks, just for being your friend.

Isn’t that list great!? I thought that this would be a great list for the beginnings of a blog challenge! This week, I want to do work on this list and before the week is over, I’ll write an entry about my experience.  Now.... which of my many blessings do I want to express thanks for today?

 

 He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not,
but rejoices for those which he has.

silly

After searching everywhere for the past two weeks, for different plates for my May tablescape, something black, square and affordable, Nada. Yesterday, I teased with Denise that we needed to make an emergency Taipan run!  Just as I was ready to give up, I passed a local thrift store and decided to stop.  We walked to the dish aisle and, in the stacks of used plates, were two square black plates - $2!  Exactly what I had in mind!  I now love the look of the table.  I'm excited to retake photos! 

Kelly has gone back to work (on swing shift) and asked us to keep Zaylee last night.  It meant missing book group, but...  So, I said yes and was so glad because we had so much fun together.  McDonalds Playland, burgers and those new strawberry lemonades, wagon rides, playing ball, trampoline jumping, cookies and milk... the works. After her bath and ZJ dressed Zaylee for bed in her nightgown while I was outside watering the flowerbed.  The girls were watching through the front door window and I couldn't help myself.  I sprayed the window with the hose and Zaylee jumped back two feet then giggled so hard!  We were bothlaughing so hard!  After doing it over and over, I thought I'd tape it.  It was my first time attempt, but, I wanted to show Liza, so I put it on YouTube.  Here's the little video.  It's not that good of a job filming, but you can see Zaylee's fun little personality.  I'm still laughing!

 

Weekend plans:  It's our city celebration this weekend, so a parade and fireworks for the family tomorrow.  Date night tonight.  Survivor Finale Sunday night!  Dinner at Carol's on Sunday.  It will be a busy,but fun one! Life is good!

In bringing up children, spend on them
 half as much money and twice as much time. 

something funny, something just plain wrong and some other stuff

Anxious: I'm ready for summer...

• to sleep on the tramp with the babes
• to float in the sun in the pool
• to read on the lawnswing
• to have breakfast at 11 and dinner at 9
• to read with the kids aloud
• to cook outside on the grill
• cherries!  (Those are cherry blossoms in the photo!)
• to eat fresh veggies right in the garden as we pick them
• to not hear the roar of the furnace at 5:55 every morning (we're still using it daily)
• to hear lawnmowers and sprinklers at all hours of the day and night
• for life to slow down a little

Appreciated:  The cookies I posted last week were a huge hit with the family.  Everyone loved them and sang the "Mom is great, she gives us chocolate cake" song.   They are a must try!  I doubled the recipe.  It made about 60 cookies. I think that I'll cut the butter by 1/4 cup next time. They're quite buttery, but so nummy. The kids asked for them for breakfast.  They didn't get them. ;)

Compassionate: Gracie had the last of her dental work done yesterday. It turned into a mini-root canal.  She's home today because it is so tender.  She did well, but we realized that next time, she should go before me, not after.  My anxiety caused her some.  She experienced happy gas for the first time.  I decided that the reason I have dentist anxiety is because I've never had a good experience with dentist.  Ever.  Until now.  Weheart our dentist, Brett Skinner.  He's been fabulous for the whole family

Hysterical:   We've been laughing for over a week about this dog.  Even if you're not a dog lover, it's too funny. 

 

Entertained:  Survivor has always been my favorite but this season is the best ever!  Loving it!  I heart Rob and Matt.  Either can win and I will be happiest for them.  American Idol.  Oh my what a night last night was.  James is A.MAZ.ING.  Haley is AWE.SOME!  Scotty has a career whether he wins or not.   I'd buy his every album.  Lauren can sing it, she's sweet and cute but probably my least favorite of the four.  Can't they all win tonight?  We only watch the three reality shows, the news and Castle but am more than ready for our summer TV break!  

Hungry:  Has anyone seen the Sonic Hotdog commercials?  They really make me want a hotdog.  Just sayin'.

Amused:  ZJ is the keeper of the white board on our fridge.  She always makes the lists of things that I need to buy and usually has some holiday greeting... even for holidays like "Happy Thursday!".  This was the list on the board last night.  She is a child of great persuasion, as you can see.

Outraged: I try really hard not to discuss the "sensational" type stuff on my blog.  But.  This story got to me.  On GMA this morning (and on Nightline tonight), a mother injecting her eight year old daughter with Botox.  The "wrinkles" that the mom is referring to are dimples!  I'm sorry.  But, this is borderline abuse, in my opinion.  The child is in pageants and the mom said, "It's tough in that world."  What's wrong with this picture? I'm sorry, but Hollywood has far too much influence on our children today. I'm just shaking my head in disbelief? 

Engaged:  We're in high gear for the last few weeks of school.  ZJ brought home a schedule of the remainder of the year.  Swim party, Pajama Day, Pizza Party, MountainMan Rendezvous, lunch with teachers, Programs, field days and carnivals.  That's just the elementary school!  Quayd and Gracie have their share of programs and activities too.   Three weeks from today!

Excited:  To plant the garden!  For summer vacation!  For the weekend!  For the lovely sunshine and warmth we're having this weekend!  For lunch!

When we are no longer able to change a situation,\we are challenged to change ourselves. 

 

 

steam

Shortly after I'd painted my gallery "mellow yellow", a few years ago, a friend dropped by.  She'd not seen the house in some time and when she entered my barely redecorated gallery, she commented, "Well, you can always repaint this room."  I was sick. I said, "I just painted it this color."  She said, "Oh?  Really?"  as though I was sorely mistaken. It was an awkward moment.  I really value this friend's "decorating sense" and could have been crushed by her comment.   For one short moment, I thought, "Oh no!"  I had debated for almost a year over whether to go sage green or  "Mellow Yellow".  When I finally felt confident and went to all the effort of getting it done, the last thing that I wanted to hear was that I'd made the wrong choice.   I had to tell myself, "different strokes for different folks" and let it go.  I do love my room today.  It's happy.  But, I admit, I still hear that friend's comment in the back of my mind on occasion.

 

Last night for dinner, I prepared this recipe from close friend, Susan, who made it for us when I was expecting Kelly in 1980.  Every family has one of these "staple" type meals.  This is one of ours.  I believe Susan called it "Poor Man Dinner". It's not exactly a "poor man" meal because we use Nathan's hotdogs at $5 a package, but it's definitely not steak and lobster.   It's either a love it or hate it dinner too.  If you're not a cabbage fan, don't bother. We all happen to love it.   Once, a friend dropped by as I was just about to serve this for dinner.  I invited him to stay and he said, "No thanks."  I insisted that he stay and he said, "Seriously, that looks just nasty.  But, thanks anyway."  I could have taken it personally, but why?

 
Here's how to try it yourself...You will need:

    1 large onion, sliced (I use purple onions.)
1 medium head of cabbage, chopped largely
1 package of kielbasa sausage or hotdogs (We only use Nathan's.)
half a bag of egg noodles

Saute one sliced onion and one medium head of chopped cabbage with a little olive oil in your largest frying pan.  Slice the hotdogs or sausage links and toss into the veggies as they cook.  Add lots of salt and pepper to taste.  Meanwhile, boil the noodles until done.  Drain and just before serving, mix them into the skillet. Serve immediately. 

It's really yummy with fresh hot bread!  I've made it before with lots of other meats, but this is our favorite.  Some people would look at this meal and say, "I'll pass."  We love it.

 
 
Denise brought lunch over yesterday since I wasn't feeling up to going out for our normal Tuesday lunch date. We watched Eclipse (her first time), played a few rounds of Hand and Foot, and I just took it easy.  While here, Denise commented on my May Tablescape, "This is probably my favorite of all the tables you've created, even though it's the most simple."  It's definitely not myfavorite.    Partly because I don't have the square black dinner plates that I wanted to go with the beautiful damask plates.  (They were out of stock.)  The damask scrapbook paper, used as a placemat, helped.  But, the plates (they're Liza's ) are very contemporary.  It will have to do but, the whole table is just too plain and just doesn't work for me. Denise loved it.

A friend of mine was called to serve as Relief Society President in her ward.  She is a very "minimalist" type person.  For her, less is better... always.  We are great friends but would have been really challenged to work well together.  I'd have made her crazy with my over the top ideas and her simplicity would have felt like chains around my neck.  However, she was a great president and served the women in her ward well.  That, I could never fault.  (For the record, I hope to never have to be in her shoes regardless of our style of doing things!!)  We talked several times during her tenure as president about activities and programs she was implementing at the time.  I constantly saw grandiose ways to make things "bigger". Whenever I'd make a suggestion, she'd kindly say, "That would work for you, but I'll keep it this way, thanks."

Bottom line is that we are all so different. Each of us has our own "flavor" to add to life.  Sometimes, someone gets in our way and tries to reinvent our wheel.   We do this to each other.  Sometimes, as a way of trying to help.  Others may be just plain clueless or thoughtless.  Anyway around it, the important thing is, and we need to remind ourselves often, not to let the negative seeds that are planted in our minds stop us short of what we can do or become.  Things like, "Don't count on it."  or "That's never going to work."  or "I'd do it this way instead."  Remember...Different strokes.  If we were all the same, imagine how boring life would be.  We're here, as different as can be, and that's what makes life interesting.  Plain and simple.  Foot -loose or Fancy.   Enough said.

A successful person is one who takes the cold water dumped on his or her plans, heats it with enthusiasm and manufactures the steam that helps him push ahead.

not how to

I've got a flu bug.  It hit me fast and hard yesterday afternoon. Ugh. I definitely feel better than yesterday but not much umph happening in this body today.  This morning, a few random thoughts:

• Maria and Arnold breakup.  I was so annoyed, this morning, by the reporter who commented that "Well, they've been married 25 years, so it's not unexpected.  After the kids are gone, often couples look at each other and wonder what they have in common anymore."  Okay.  I'm sorry (and I realize that I'm a bit cranky because I'm under the weather) but seriously?  Listen to me, Hollywood people!  Just because you've been together 25 years and the kids are gone, that does not mean that you outgrow each other.  I'm here to take a stand and say that marriage can be wonderful if you work at it!  The older our marriage is, the better it gets.  Doug and I have been together for 35 years and we're deeper in love than we ever dreamed we would be.  Being together through thick and thin, good times and bad, sickness and health has only strengthened our marriage.  Oh, and PS.  "Arnold will be going back to his acting career which is much more fun as a single man."  THATwas the most chavenistic comment I've ever heard!  I feel sorry for his wife!  Enough said.
• Chaz/Chastity.  Who cares?  I'd really prefer not to know about what body parts he/she has or doesn't have.  Why does this have to be huge news?  And yes, I change the channel. (I told you I'm not feeling well.  The cranky came out on those two comments!)
• Dancing with the Stars.  This has been a great season because, in my opinion, no one has really stood out as the front runner right off the bat. I love Mark and Chelsea's dances this season. Mark has really excelled!  I love Ralph!  I hope that his knee heals and he gets to continue on to the finals.  I love love love Hines' smile.  I love Maks!  I love Dancing with the Stars!
• We turn our TV off for the summer in three weeks.  I'm really ready for the break!  Now, if we can just get outside and enjoy it!
• ZJ's mother's day card said that I'm the best mom in the world and she "especially loves my North Carolina Southern Style. I love that the kids appreciate their roots!  (I don't think that they mind the hushpuppies and grits either!)
• I'm supposed to take dinner to a family tonight.  I don't think that they really would wantmy food today.  Hmmm.  What to do, what to do?  Pizza Hut delivery?
• It's still raining but tomorrow it's supposed to look like spring again!
• Tomorrow, I'm going to feel like spring again too!  I get my crown on tomorrow and, aside from Doug, we are all officially done with our dental work for the year!  I'll miss my dentist and his staff until fall. ;)
• Denise just called and she's bringing lunch.  I heart Denise.  The fact that lunch sounds good means that I'm on the mend, right?
• ZJ picked out today's quote for the blog.  She found it herself in the Book of Mormon, during out Family Home Evening lesson last night and said, "Mom, this is a good quote for your blog."  She reminded me again this morning.

By small and simple things are great things brought to pass.

 

 

weekend stuff

Great weekend!  We had a fun datenight with Stott and Wendy on Friday night.  Saturday, we spent the entire day outside working in the yard.  We made huge progress but still have one whole area that was barely touched and the verdict is still not in as to what we will do with it.  Saturday evening, Doug and I went into town for a few things and stopped at CostaVida for dinner. We came home and had root beer floats with the babes as a reward for a day of good hard work.  The day flew by!  But, it was productive and lots of fun just being together.

Mothers Day... church, then dinner with the B's and Connie (my mom wasn't up to coming), then cards and more cards until we came home to get the kids in bed.  Dale called me in the afternoon and we had an awesome talk for almost an hour.  Kelly called a few times.  Liza and Buddy stopped in just in time for dinner.  Kelly had her own Mothers Day dinner, but called.  It was a calm, relaxing, rainy day. I felt pampered royally...from ZJ's breakfast in bed to the thoughtful gifts received.  No complaints here, at all!

It's pouring the rain this morning and supposed to continue for a few days. The floodwaters are high here in the valley. People are sandbagging and it's big news.  We are fortunate to live a block away from the creek, so we are safe, thankfully.

This week looks to be relatively tame, but then most do on Monday morning, right?  I'll be running errands with Kelly today, tomorrow with Denise, book group is this week and a few other little items that are must-dos. I'm hoping for some sunshine to finish where we left off in the yard by the end of the week. 

We'd hoped to go to the ranch for the next two weekends and neither weekend looks like it's going to be working out.  We are SO ready to go to the ranch!  And the kids are getting antsy to get the pool up already.  Sheesh!  You'd think summer was just around the corner.  Three more weeks of school.  Lots to do between now and then.  We're all ready for some fun!  I'm on the run this morning to meet Kelly.  I heart Mondays!   Life is good!

We can teach from our experience, but we cannot teach experience.

 

celebrating mothers

"There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one."

Moms

Answers given by 2nd grade school children to the following questions:

 

 Why did God make mothers?

1.  She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.

2.  Mostly to clean the house..

3.  To help us out of there when we were getting born.

 

How did God make mothers?

1.  He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.

2.  Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.

3.  God made my mom just the same like he made me.  He just used bigger parts.

 

What ingredients are mothers made of?

1.  God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in the world and one dab of mean.

2.  They had to get their start from men's bones.  Then they mostly use string, I think.

 

Why did God give you your mother and not some other mom?

1.  We're related.

2.  God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mom like me.

 

What kind of a little girl was your mom?

1.  My mom has always been my mom and none of that other stuff.

2.  I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.

3.  They say she used to be nice.

 

What did Mom need to know about Dad before she married him?

1.  His last name.

2.  She had to know his background.  Like is he a crook?  Does he get drunk on beer?

3.  Does he make at least $800 a year?  Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

 

Why did your Mom marry your Dad?

1.  My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world.  And my mom eats a lot.

2.  She got too old to do anything else with him. 

3.  My grandma says that mom didn't have her thinking cap on.

 

Who's the boss at your house?

1.  Mom doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.

2.  Mom.  You can tell by room inspection.  She sees the stuff under the bed.

3.  I guess mom is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

 

What's the difference between moms and dads?

1.  Moms WORK AT WORK AND WORK AT HOME and 

Dads JUST GO TO WORK AT WORK.

2.  Moms know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.

3.  Dads are taller and stronger, but moms have all the real power 'cause that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friends.

4.  Moms have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

 

What does your mom do in her spare time?

1.  Mothers don't do spare time.

2.  To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

 

What would it take to make your Mom perfect?

1.  On the inside she's already perfect.  Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.

2.  Diet.  You know, her hair.  I'd dye it, maybe blue.

 

If you could change one thing about your Mom, what would it be?

1.  She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean.  I'd get rid of that.

2.  I'd make my Mom smarter.  Then she would know it was my sister who did it not me.

3.  I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.

 

The hand that rocks the cradleIs the hand that rules the world.

a mother/daughter day, a mother's day treat and any day but mother's day

Doug and his mom had a meeting in SLC at noon, so we rode down together and dropped them off as soon as we got into town.  They sat together in the back seat and were engaged in their own conversations while I drove and gabbed with Kelly up front.  (Doug hates driving in the city.) Kelly and I had a ball. She did great at the doctor yesterday!  It was no less painful, but the procedure took only half an hour instead of two hours, like last week. It was a much better experience.  Her doctor is very compassionate.  I like him.  If I ever decide to have "enhancement surgery", I'll keep him in mind.  (That was a joke. )  Even with what Kelly had to experience, our trip was just plain fun.  We talked and laughed and quoted old favorite movie lines randomly.  She and I went to Rumbi Grill for lunch and hit Sonic for happy hour just before picking Doug and his mom up.  Kelly and I talked about the gospel, parenting and life in general over lunch and had some serious moments too.  But.  We laughed hard. A lot. I loved it.  I do love spending time with Kelly.  It's been three years, but it's so good to have her close to home again.  Enough said about that.

This morning, she's called and is feeling the effects of yesterday.  She's hurting. I was almost expecting that.  I'll be going over to pick her up in a few. I'm sure that lunch and a few rounds of cards will perk her up.  So, another play day with Kelly... fun stuff!

My biggest fauxpas of the day was forgetting to drop off my Pampered Chef press to Denise when we were half way to SLC.  I'd suggested that she make my creamcheese filled strawberries instead of dipping them in chocolate for a baby shower that she was hosting last night.  I had the press with me but totally spaced it once we got on the road. I was just sick when Kelly read my text, "Did you forget me?" from Denise.  Too late to turn back, I offered to make them for her when we got home.  We stopped at the store, bought some strawberries and made a bunch for us at home too... no party, just as treats!  Kelly will never be a Martha... her suggestion to just bite the top off of every strawberry, then fill the little hole inside with the frosting instead of slicing them had us laughing the whole time we were in the kitchen.  And no.  We didn't do that... well, Kelly did but only to the ones she ate herself ;)  If you've not tried this little taste of heaven, this is the time of year to do so. Treat yourself to a mother's day delight!  MMMMM!

Mother's Day.  I've said before that I'm not a big fan.  I struggle with "the perfect mother" myth which seems to manifest it's ugly head royally on Mother's Day.  For my own personal reasons, it's not my favorite day, which is ironic because I'm such a party animal and here's a great day to celebrate.  It's also ironic because I love being a mother more than just about anything on earth. Doug and the babes always tries to make the day special and it's usually is.  I need to get over it. Denise and I were talking about it a few days ago. She said, "There are two days of the year that I don't want to lift a finger and just celebrate me...my birthday and Mother's day.  Let's just say that I'd much rather celebrate my birthday.  Enough said.

The weather is lovely today. Have a wonderful weekend!  Life is goooooood! 

The manner of giving is worth more than the gift.

 

2 + 10

Doug has a meeting in Salt Lake City half an hour before Kelly's appointment with her doctor again, so we'll all be going down together.  She's having another procedure and hopefully, this will be the last.  She's got much more movement in the arm, so whatever he did, regardless of the amount of pain, was worth it.  YAY! (Personally, knowing what she went through last week, if I were her, it would take an army to get me to go back for more. She's always been my bravest child...even when she was a child.)

We slept in the tent trailer last night again since Doug's didn't have to be up at 5:55.  It was much better last night. I could get used to it.  Grace thinks that we should sell the house and just park it in front of all of our friends and family's homes to borrow their showers.  That's enthusiasm!  At this point, if we set it up in our own back yard all summer, it would be worth it because the kids are so excited!  They are very disappointed that we'll be closing it up until we actually camp.

I've got a ton to do before we leave so this morning, a quick "ten in ten words or less" list:

1. I've still not made the lemon cookies.  Gimme a break.
2. No plans the rest of the week.  It's almost Friday.
3. Wasn't this supposed to be a slow week?
4. Sleeping in the tenttrailer was better the second night.
5. Putting it away until we really camp.  Kids not happy.
6. My front flowerbeds are screaming, "Helllllllllllp!"
7. Going to SLC + Drive-up Window food = just not right.
8. Dad's radiation treatments had to be stopped for a week.
9. He sounded a bit better after three days of the break.
10. It's BEAUTIFUL outside!  Spring is here!  I've got cherry blossoms!

We're off!

We can only be said to be alive in those moments
when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.

Martha REALLY doesn't live here!

Last night, I dreamed that my dad,  Aunt Sue, her granddaughters and daughter-in-law and my Grannie (who's been gone for over 20 years) surprised me with a visit from North Carolina.  They got out of a limosine in front of our home and started to walk up to the house.  I was mortified because there were dishes in my sink!  SERIOUSLY, Sophia?  My grannie, who I miss every single day of my life comes to visit and I'm worried that she's going to see dishes in my sink?  I invited everyone in to take a seat in the living room while I raced into the kitchen to clean it up.  When I finished, I went in to visit with everyone and found everyone was sleeping. They woke up to tell me that it was time for their big surprise.  Everyone was already beautifully dressed and I was still in my jeans.  It was time to go, so we jumped into the limo and off we went with me feeling completely underdressed.  When we arrived at our destination, we were the special guests at the American Idol Finale.  Ryan Seacrest was just welcoming us and announcing to the world that one of my cousin Kent's daughters, Nahaven, had quit smoking.  The whole world was cheering for her huge accomplishment when ---- I woke up.

Doug was knocking on the door of the tent trailer.  I'd slept outside in the tent trailer with the babes last night for our first test-run.  For the record, even with the internet and my laptop to entertain me (I watched Celebrity Apprentice) in our driveway and a heater keeping us toasty warm all night long, I'm not sure I'll ever be a true camper.  I love camping... at the Marriot! 

I digress.  Yesterday was insane. Quayd woke up sick.  No school for him.  When I went to leave for early errands and lunch with Denise, the garage door would only open half way.  Mr. Nobody seems to have walked off with the only key to the tent trailer and the remote key to my Expedition.  A locksmith came to the rescue. (Although I still had to wait for Doug to open the garage door.)  Denise came, picked me up to go to lunch and we came home for a few games of hand and foot. Piano lessons for the girls, then Doug came home with a mile long To Do list of his own.  With the trailer unlocked, we could finally have an unvieling for the kids.  We lost track of time and the kids missed their youth activities at church.  Dinner was not started until 8:15.  Pancakes.  That tells what kind of a day it had been right there since bedtime is at 8:30.    INSANE day.

Now, all this has a point.  In the midst of all of this, I had a sink full of morning dishes.  This is not normal in my house.  ZJ had not really "finished" her kitchen chores the night before. I'd planned on having her finish her job after school, plus morning dishes to remind her that we don't quit in the middle of a job and a job worth doing is worth doing well... blahblahblah... Mean Mom Me! When Denise came in to play cards, she actually took a picture, teasing that she's never seen dishes in my sink.  I was mortified.  All afternoon, I felt embarassed that Denise saw dishes in my sink!  Now, mind you, that this is Denise, who's been more like my sister than my friend for the past twenty-five years.  For better or for worse.  For.ev.er.  I know... this is just not right.

And then, as I was walking to the kitchen to make pancakes for dinner at 8:15PM on a school night the doorbell rang.  It was our good friends, Todd and Myra, dropping by to visit.  We love Todd and Myra and love that they know that they can just drop by anytime. Their visit was a perfect way to unwind at the end of such a harried and crazy day.  And then I thought, "THE KITCHEN!!!!"  Now, not only did it have morning dishes, but it had afterschool snack dishes and Doug's lunch dishes and and and.  AND.  I said, "I'm just about ready to start dinner.  Come on into the kitchen, but be prepared, it's a disaster!  And know this - I reeeeeeeeeealllllllyyyyyyy love you guys to feel comfortable enough to let you even see the mess."  Late dinner, the table wasn't set, pancakes for the meal, at that, dirty kitchen, and company? Martha would be outraged!

We visited while I cleaned up the mess and started the pancakes.  I apologized that ZJ had not done the most thorough job in the kitchen and my day had been horrific.  We had a fun visit and when they were ready to leave, Myra, who is one of the sweetest, kindest, non-judgmental women I've ever known in my life made the most profound statement.  Myra, who works full-time and is one of the most remarkable moms I've ever known, said, "Sophia, I'm so glad that you let me see that your kitchen isn't always perfect!  It makes me feel better about my own." (Her home is very clean and tidy!) and then came the profound part..."And you're right. It's important to just praise ZJ for what she did do in the kitchen.  Her self-esteem is so much more important than the dishes." Oh. Myra.  If you only knew.  I'd been thinking, "Dangit, ZJ!"  ever since Denise had walked in hours before.  I'd not said anything to her about her performance, but only because I'd not had time to yet!  How grateful I was for that sweet little lesson learned in Myra's one statement.

Hence, the dream.  I'm certain that between my absolute horror that someone see that, as Doug reminds me gently, but often, "We live here." and my constant worry about my dad (the radiation treatments are kicking his bootie right now and he was actually in the hospital again yesterday), all of these deep rooted thoughts manifested themselves in my dream. 

I'm late blogging this morning because I've had company since 7:30, starting with my mother. Denise came by for an hour.   Erin dropped by for a bit and then I took Gracie in for her root canal.  (We're almost done with all the dental work!  YAY!)  I shared my dream with Denise this morning and I actually cried to think that I've been so shallow and silly about something so trivial as dishes in the sink.  Thankfully, lessons learned yesterday.  In all that craziness...

1. CHILL OUT, SOPHIA!  We do live here! 
2. Sloooooowwww dowwwwwwn.
3. Definitely not the first time I've learned this lesson, but obviously, I needed the reminder...People matter more than things. 
4. Most important...Praise loudly, blame softly.

Enough said.

To belittle is to be little.

 

 

How to Tuesday: bite-size love

Yesterday was a good news day in our home!   Quayd and I went to the Jr. High School for his pre-registration/Individual Educational Program with his resource teachers and part of the new administration at the JHS.  Last week, in Gracie's IEP, the speech/language teacher had told me that she couldn't wait until Quayd's meeting because she had great news.  I never even considered what it would be because I just assumed that she was going to share some great project that he'd created.  In the meeting yesterday, she shared his testing scores and then announced that Quayd had tested within the normal limits and that he "no longer appears to exhibit a significant language deficit"!  In other words, Quayd has "graduated" out of resource help in language arts and speech.  This is huge!  We are so happy for him. He will still require help in Math and English, but, this was huge because this has been a major part of his life since the day after he came home to us just a week after his fourth birthday.  WAY TO GO, QUAYD!!!   (This photo was taken at the Gordon B. Hinckley podium in the LDS Church History Museum on our anniversary. He was so excited about my taking a photo of him there where he could be a speaker at General Conference.  I thought it was fitting for this momentous announcement!)

This morning, for How To Tuesday, How to make great cookies:

• Measure your ingredients carefully.  Never use too much flour.  If anything, use 1/4 cup less flour for lighter cookies.  Doubling the vanilla enhances the flavor.
• Chilling the cookie dough for an hour before baking enhances the flavor.  (Plus, who doesn't love a bite of cookie dough!?   Well... who besides me?  I'm not a fan.)
• Use real butter or if you use shortening, use butter-flavored Crisco.  Or use half butter and half butter-flavored Crisco.  Make sure to have the butter at room temperature.  Melting it in the microwave changes the consistency of the dough when the sugar and butter are creamed.  If  butter isn't room temperature, I "shred" my butter, using a large cheese grater.  (This is the only way to make biscuits, by the way!)
• Use real chocolate chips, real lemon zest, fresh lemon juice whenever possible.  It really does make a difference.
• Always use large or extra large eggs, not medium.
• Do not overbake.  Set your timer for two minutes less time than the recipe calls for.  Check them frequently.  Cookies are baked when they are no longer "glossy" looking.
• Use Mini-Chocolate Chips for more flavorful cookies because there are more chocolate chip s per bite!
• Cool your cookie sheets between batches.  Putting cookie dough on hot baking sheets causes the cookies to brown too much around the edges.
• If a recipe calls for 1 cup of nuts, you can add oatmeal in place of the nuts, but add a tablespoon or two of milk along with.
• Salt is the most important ingredient in any baking recipe.   Doublecheck to make sure you didn't miss this ingredient in any baking because the salt enhances every flavor in the cookie.
• Remember that cookies continue to bake as long as they are on the baking sheet.
• Only bake one sheet in the oven at a time.  Baking on both racks doesn't allow the heat to flow properly.
• Once cookies are baked, store them in a sealed container with a slice of bread. The bread will become crusty dry, but the cookies will stay moist and soft.

And since we're talking cookies, I'll share a few of our favorite cookie recipes and the first one is one that I can't wait to try!  I've found it several places online but I think it goes back to the Pioneer Woman Cooks.  Mmmmmmmmm!

Lemon Crinkle Cookies

½ cups Butter, Softened
1 cup Sugar
½ teaspoons Vanilla Extract 
1 egg
1 tsp Lemon Zest
1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
1-½ cup All-purpose Flour
¼ teaspoons Salt
¼ tsp Baking Powder
⅛ tsp Baking Soda
½ cups Powdered Sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease pans well and set aside.  In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Whip in vanilla, egg, lemon zest and juice. Scrape sides of bowl and mix again. Stir in all dry ingredients (except powdered sugar) slowly until just combined. Scrape sides of bowl and mix again briefly.

Pour powdered sugar onto a large plate. Roll a heaping teaspoon of dough into a ball and roll in powdered sugar. Place on baking sheet and repeat with remaining dough.  Bake for 9-11 minutes or until bottom of cookies begin to barely brown.  Remove from oven and cool cookies about 3 minutes before transferring to cooling rack.

*If using a non stick darker baking tray, reduce baking time by about 2 minutes.

Hyde Park Honey Cookies

 

This cookie is one of the kids'  favorites!

 

2/3 cup oil (I usually only use 1/2 cup and they are still plenty moist)

1 cup sugar

1/4 cup honey

1 egg

2 tsp. vanilla

2 1/4 cup flour

2 tsp. soda

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 Tbsp. cinnamon and 1/c up sugar (to roll the cookies in)

Mix oil, sugar and honey. Add eggs and vanilla. Add flour, soda, salt and vanilla. Form 1" balls and roll in cinnamon sugar mixture. Place on ungreased cookie sheets and bake at 350 for ten minutes. If doubling, do not double the soda, just add 1 teaspoon per and also go scant on the flour and salt.

Super Yummy Healthy Cookies

At least that’s what Doug thinks because they have coconut, nuts and raisins in them. I made these cookies years ago when I was out of chocolate chips and in the mood for cookies. They've been a huge hit ever since!

3/4 cups brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter flavored Crisco or real butter
2 eggs
2 ½ whole wheat cups flour (it gives a nutty flavor)
1 tsp. Salt
1 tsp. Baking soda
1 tsp. Baking powder
2 tsp. Vanilla
1 cup chocolate chips
1 cup raisins (soaked in hot water for about fifteen minutes, then drained)
1 cup coconut
1 cup chopped pecans

Mix sugars, butter and eggs until creamy. Add dry ingredients until mixed. Place teaspoonful of dough on pan. Bake for 10-12 minutes at 375̊. Makes about 60 cookies. (Note: craisins work great instead of raisins!) Enjoy!

I heard on the news this morning that kids who eat together with their family at least three times a week are more likely to have a normal weight, have normal eating habits and less likely to have eating disorders.  As always, I'm a huge advocate of families eating dinner together every night possible!  Studies show that these children also are less likely to use drugs and alcohol, have higher scores in school and are more successful later in life.  Besides all that, it's just plain fun to hear about each others' day, to plan and chat, to laugh and enjoy the best company you'll ever be surrounded by!  If you can't have dinner as a family tonight... at least, bake some cookies and dunk them in a tall glass of  milk together!  Enough said!

Cooking is like love.  It should be entered into with abandon or not at all. 

history happening

 Osama Bin Ladin is dead and buried at sea.  It is indeed an historical day.  My own thoughts on the matter... I am not one to celebrate the death of another, but this needed to be done.  I worry for what will happen as retaliation in the future.  I was surprised at the burial at sea because the conspiracy theories will begin immediately.  The whole thing reopens up the wounds of the thousands of family who who lost loved ones on Sept. 11. This is what we call justice, but it still doesn't bring back their fathers and mothers and children who've died by terrorist acts and the 6000 soldiers who've given their lives in our defense since 9/11.  Thankfully, no more were loss in this encounter.  I guess, it bring me a feeling of uneasiness and makes me just wish that none of it ever had to happen in the first place. (Don't we all.)  I'm guessing that airport security will be a nighmare this week.  Anyway...  justice is served, but still, I'm not feeling all that victorious...there's been too much loss to call this victory.  Our flag is hanging out front today.  I'm proud to be an American.

I feel like anything I say besides that today will be trivial.  Yet, after having the news on for an hour this morning, I think that I'll go ahead and ramble a bit about our weekend since I think that we will all have our fill of Osama today.  SO....

• We enjoyed a lovely Stake Conference weekend.  The meetings were uplifting.  Two hours is a long long time to sit in a meeting and the kids were great!  This made me quite happy. 
• A friend was in the hospital last week. Hopefully, she comes home today.  I co-ordinated with a few friends and we took meals in to her family every night.  Last night, her husband came by to return my pan with a thank you note and a bag of macadamia nut Hershey's Kisses (my favorite candy in the whole wide world and they're only available in Hawaii.)  THAT is impressive.
• A friend from Alabama sent an email to say that she was okay.  From her email, these words: We're ok!! Gave me warm fuzzies to see y'all worrying. We have a backyard full of downed trees but out house is intact and we're all fine. We're without power/phone service and may be for days to come. We have a generator so are able to keep the fridge running & watch tv to get updates. We have family and friends who have lost everything. We have a few friends who have lost children and grandchildren...so heartbreaking. Y'all just would not believe how it looks here. It's like a bomb went off...whole communities are just gone! So surreal. Thank you for worrying and your prayers and positive thoughts for those who have it soooo much worse than we do are appreciated.  I was moved to tears by her last sentence.   She's shared more details since and again, my prayers are with the people in our southern states.
• Doug and Quayd had a good time on their campout but it was C-O-L-D and windy.  Boys will be boys.
• Today, I'm taking Quayd to the dentist and then to register for the Freshman Center High School.  I can't believe my boy is going to be in 8th grade!  He's not excited by the dental appointment this morning...8th grade or not.
• My May tablescape is almost done! I didn't love Aprils and only took a few pix of it.   I realized last night that I'd only posted one shot of it.  This one will be photographed for sure!  I'm loving it!
• The highlight of my weekend was Saturday night after Conference, playing with Stott and Wendy.  We laughed hard and enjoyed our time together.  We talk all the time about the fact that it seems like we've been family forever. I'm so grateful for that relationship in our lives.  And every day, I appreciate it more.
• The only thing on my calendar this week is two dentist visits and a this parent teacher meeting today.  That's it.  I may end up taking Kelly down for one more "procedure", but she is doing fabulous!  So, that may not have to take place either.  Thankfully!

Since my week is so tame, I think that I'll work on a few projects!  Here's a few things on my To-Do list:

• Photograph the shutters in the gallery!
• Finish the May tablescape.
• Get the quilt top pieced together for our denim camp quilt.
• Finish my latest read.
• Stock our tent trailer and get it ready for our first camp of the summer!
• In the event of another stormy week, dejunk the storage room. (How does that get to be such a mess so quickly!?)

For some reason, this morning, I'm feeling quite humbled by all that is happening in the world around me.  I am so blessed.  Enough said.

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

sweet

 
A child seldom needs a good talking to as a good listening to.