Sentiments by Sophia

I tended Zaylee all afternoon.   Before her nap, we usually lie down together and I sing with her.  For the first time ever, she asked me to tell her a story instead.  After the story, she noticed my cookbook, which I planned on looking through until she fell asleep.  Doing anything to prolong the nap, she asked me to read her a story.  I explained twice, that it was a cookbook, not a story book and told her that it had recipes to help Grammie cook.  She asked me, "Gwammie, will you wead me a wecipe?"  So, I read them to her... "Flour, sugar, cream cheese, salt, chocolate chips.  Mix it in a bowl,  put in in the pan.  Take it out.  Eat it all up."  We did this over and over and over, recipe after recipe, with "Eat it all up"  until she fell asleep.  When she woke up, she came into the gallery, cookbook in hand, and said, "Gwammie, I wuv apple pie.  It's my favorite."  So, we opened it and she read me a recipe for pie, beginning with salt and ending with "Eat it all up."   For the rest of the afternoon, she had to share recipes from "the wittle book" ... "Salt, cwokwit chips, put it in the oven, eat it all up."  I adore this child. She makes me smile.  ;)

It's Friday!  My favorite day of the week!  Doug and I get to spend the day together alone.  I love it!  We have no plans for the day, so who knows what it will bring!  I do still have invitations to make and a lesson to teach this weekend, so those two things will be on the top of my "to do" list!

A little catch up on my photo of the day challenge... good thing I'm not accountable for having them on time!  This week has just been too crazy! 

21 ~ A favorite photo of myself... This photo is probably my most favorite of all the wedding reception photos.  Not the best photo of myself, but it is telling and that is what I love about it!  I love my Liza!  I can't believe that they are just weeks from their seventh anniversary!  And I am most thankfuly that I'm much healthier, thinner and feel younger than I did then!

22 ~ Where I work... This could be my kitchen, the laundry room or anywhere in our home, but my gallery is the one place in our home that is really as my own.  It's also the room that the entire family gathers because it's where I am.  Although the nice entertainment system is in the family room, more often than not, if we watch a TV show, it's in here.  This is the place that I listen about the details of the kids' day at school, I pay bills, that I study, blog, plan and create. It's were friends who drop by for a moment to visit come in and retreat. It's where the girls often take naps on the window seat while I am doing my thing, whatever that thing is at the moment.  It's where Doug winds down and we talk. It's where I get my lotiony foot massages at night!  I guess if a wife and mom is a counselor, a listening ear, a planner and a friend, this room is my "workspace."  And I love it!

23 ~ Shoes.  Fifteen years ago, I bought my first pair of Borns and wore them until the soles were paper thin.  The most comfortable shoes I've ever owned.  It was a sad day when I finally had to toss them.  Worth every penny.  (I remember that they were about$80.) Last fall, I bought another pair, red ones even, for $5 at the local thrift store.  Mind you, this germaphobe does not do "used" shoes.  I'd gone into the DI, looking for some random thing and happened to notice these shoes sitting on the shelf, looking brand new.  I noticed the Born label inside.  And they were red!   I bought them, brought them home, disinfected them, just to be safe and put them away until the weather cooled.  About six weeks later, Natalie and I were shopping together and she commented, "I love your shoes."  I said, "Thanks!  Five bucks at the DI, can you believe it?"  She asked,"Was this recently or about six weeks ago?  I said "Yes, how'd you know?"  She replied, "I donated them.  I was cleaning out my closet and noticed that I never got around to wearing them, so I donated them."  Whodathunkit?  I love these shoes even more now!  And I'm proud of my DI find!

24 ~ Inside Your Bathroom Cabinet ~ Here's my bathroom closet.  I have to laugh because I have cleaned the cabinet as I gathered stuff for the organizing class this week and until I saw this photograph, I didn't notice that it's time to replace the shelf liner!  Since I've had organizing on my mind, here's a few tips to go along with:

Keep BabyWipes in your bathroom for cleaning around the base of the toilet and behind the seat after you've cleaned the inside.  You can just toss the wipes and not worry about washing "kucky" clothes, as Zaylee calls yucky things.

Utilize the wasted space on the walls of your closet to hang curling irons, flat irons and blowdryers. 

Fold towels all the same way and tuck them onto the shelf the same way, with the folds on the outside.  It's simpler to grab a towel when needed and prevents the whole stack from coming with the one being removed. 

If you have mulitple bathrooms, color co-ordinate towels.  Use pastels in one bath, darks in another.... it reduces the likelihood of one bathroom ending up with no towels because they are all in another bathroom.

Use storage containers as much as possible.  Baskets for hair items, body lotions, etc...

The blowdryer is tucked into a mugholder that is meant to attach to a table while you are scrapbooking.  It's quite functional for the blowdryer!

The three drawer container is my personal toiletries...  The drawers are labeled "Hair, Body, Face".  I just pull the whole drawer out and place it on the bathroom counter when I put on my make-up.  I can see everything at one glance.  No plundering through the makeup bag for the right color eye shadow or trying to find the eyeliner at the bottom of a makeup bag.  The hair drawer has hairspray, my brush, comb, pick and a 6x8" handmirror.  This drawer is off-limits to the kiddos, so I always know where my things are.  The body drawer has my toothpaste and brush in a tray, lotion, razors, etc...  I LOVE this system!

The long bin on the right side on the upper shelf  is filled with lotions, sunscreens, alcohol... things that are in tall bottles.  Containing them like this keeps them from toppling over and possibly spilling onto the shelf.  It's must easier to slide out the tray and choose what I'm looking for without knocking over several bottles.

That's it.  Lots of latenight rambling.  It's 1Am and I need some sleep!  Enough said!

Never forget that the most powerful force on earth is love.

a house of order

I'm so excited!  Just got home from my organizing class and I feel very good about it!  There were lots of good positive comments afterward, including my favorite, "I've got to go!  The dollar store is still open for 2o more minutes!"  That means that someone was inspired!  HAPPINESS!  I took it as a compliment when I was asked if there was anything left at the house.  It took me about six hours to gather and collect everything I needed, but only an hour to set it up in order.  It was worth the effort the teach the principles!  I do love teaching anything I'm passionate about!  Friend, Suzanne, took this shot of me in the middle of my presentation.  I always have to laugh when I see photos of myself while I'm talking because I'm so animated!  Wonder where Gracie gets that from! 

I had several emails and requests to put my notes on the blog today, but most of them could be found by looking back into the archives for January 2011 (just click on Archives and it will bring up January), when I blogged about organizing a different room each day.  I will include my handout quotes though, below.  I truly believe that homemaking and housekeeping are two completely different things and I'm honored to have the privilege of making our house a home for my family. And as I said earlier in the class, the more we are organized and efficient in our housekeeping skills, the more we can focus on our making our houses homes where we can teach and nurture our families!  Enough said!

Order is the shape upon which beauty depends.

 

Mothers who know are nurturers. This is their special assignment and roll under the plan of happiness. To nurture means to cultivate, care for and make grow. Therefore, mothers who know create a climate for spiritual and temporal growth in their homes. Another word for nurturing is homemaking. Homemaking includes cooking, washing clothes and dishes, and keeping an orderly home. Home is where women have the most power and influence, therefore, LDS women should be the best homemakers in the world. Working beside children in homemaking tasks creates opportunities to teach and model qualities children should emulate. Nurturing mothers are knowledgeable, but, all the education women attain will avail them nothing if they do not not have the skill to make a home that creates a climate for spiritual growth. Growth happens best in a "house of order" and women should pattern their homes after the Lord's house. Nurturing requires organization, patience, love and work. Helping growth occur through nurturing is truly a powerful and influential role bestowed on women. Julie Beck

A good home is never an accident.

Homemaking as I view it, falls into two major divisions; homemaking and housekeeping. Homemaking takes into account the spiritual values: love, peace, tranquility, harmony among family members, security. It makes a place of residence a spot to which family members can retire from a confused and troubled world and find understanding and rejuvenation. It's character is quietness, it evidences good taste, culture and refinement. Men, women, and children alike have their individual contributions to make to good home and family life and each shares in it's benefits. Housekeeping involves the world of keeping a house clean, orderly and well-managed. Belle Spafford.

We live here and it’s the living that matters.

A home that is orderly and well-cared for and that invites the Spirit of the Lord builds confidence and pride in the people who live there. They feel more comfortable and peaceful. It is also a place where their faith and tesitmony can grow. Such a home requires the efforts of everyone who lives there and reflects the concern that family members have for each other. It is a home that evidences industry and hard work.

 

Home is an invention on which no one has yet improved.

Homemaking is not just baking bread or cleaning a house. Homemaking is to make the environment necessary to nurture our children toward eternal life, which is our responsibility as parents.  Dallan H. Oaks.

Have a time and place for everything, and do everything in its time and place, and you will not only accomplish more, but have far more leisure than those who are always hurrying.

  

  Good order is the foundation of all things.

A few other highlights of the day:

• ZJ stayed home from school today...to help me and because she wasn't feeling so great.  I may not get the Mom of the Year Award for that decision, but we had a great day together, talking and having fun.  We ran to Subway and split a sandwich, which was very special time together.  She was a tremendous help because as I've mentioned before, there is not an inch in this home that she doesn't know.  Whenever something's missing, we ask Zeej and she always responds with, "Oh, it's right here."  Sometimes it's things she shouldn't know!  ;) 
• Another highlight of the day was Quayd walking in from school and his very first words were, "I'm home, Mom!  What can I do to help!?"  And he meant it. 
• Another highlight, just before beginning the class, I got this text and words of encouragement from Liza:  "You'll do great!  Like Frosted Flakes!" 
• I'd made dinner last night so that the family would have a good meal while I was at the class and when I came home, Doug had the kitchen company clean.
• After setting up for the class, I spent 90 minute alone in the church with my computer, studying my Relief Society lesson for Sunday.  It was nice to have some quiet alone time to focus on the lesson, knowing that I was all prepared for the presentation and ready to really review what I've already prepared for my Suunday lesson, my next fire!
• Following the class, Denise, Wendy and I went to Chili's for a latenight dinner and some girlfriend gab time.  I love my friends!  It was good to relax and just gab.  When we got home, Doug had unloaded most of my truck and everyone was in bed sleeping soundly. I have put away half of my home, but will do the rest in the morning when I don't have to tiptoe around to do it.
• Thursday's agenda:  Put away my home, study my Relief Society lesson and make shower invites. Lunch with a friend! 
• The wind outside is blowing fiercely.  A tree branch just hit my window and I jumped out of my chair.  Will we awake to snow?!  I'll sleep good tonight! Life is just plain awesome!

One last quote for the day:  Why do anything unless it is going to be great?

tic, tic, tic... that's my body clock racing away

If anyone were to come to my home today, they'd not be invited in!  I've gathered things from every room in the house for my organizing class tonight.  I'm excited to share my favorite homemaking/cleaning/organizing tips with friends and neighbors.  A few friends who aren't even in the ward have mentioned that they may come too.  It should be a fun evening.  Then, I'll spend the day on Thursday reassembling my home.  

This meeting, for years, was called Homemaking Night.  Doug always teased, when I was the Homemaking counselor in the Relief Society Presidency, that, for me, it was "Homewrecking Night" because I took the house apart to do whatever displays or classes or decorating necessary.  I'm just happy to share things that I've learned, and as always, I like to use visuals to teach because people remember much more when they see the actual case in point than just hearing it read from a list.  

I spent the day gathering and organizing my notes and my stuff for the presentation.  Denise and I did meet at Chili's for lunch but we kept that brief. It was a busy day and I never did get to the nap that I'd promised myself!

The next few weeks is going to be insane!  

• Tonight the 22nd ~ the organizing class
• Thursday the 23rd ~ reassemble my home and study for my Relief Society lesson and lunch with a friend
• Friday the 24th ~ make 50 invitations for Madi's bridal shower, date day with Doug
• Friday the 25th ~ more lesson prep, shower prep, family time
• Sunday the 26th ~ teach Relief Society
• Monday the 27th ~ Stott's birthday
• Tuesday the 28th ~ lunch with Denise, a meeting with a teacher and starting prepping for Thursday
• Wednesday the 29th ~ do a practice run of the tablescape I'll be doing on Thursday and gather everything for the other displays I'm helping with
• Thursday the 1st ~ decorate the Stake Center displays for a Relief Society Celebration
• Friday the 2nd ~ date day with Doug after reassembling the house again
• Sunday the 4th ~ host a Sunday dinner with special guests!
• Monday the 5th ~ I'm getting a root canal and new crown placed on top and grocery shopping
• Tuesday the 6th ~ cooking for the shower, making favors and finishing touches
• Wednesday the 7th ~ Madi's shower
• The rest of March includes getting a new roof, a weekend trip to the ranch, the wedding, two birthdays, the LDS Young Women's Broadcast in SLC, LDS General Conference and spring break!

I've had so much on my plate that sometimes I space what day it is.  I work fire to fire, as always, and as long as I know what's next, I'm good to go.  Saturday afternoon, I had a scare when a friend called to apologize for missing my class last Wednesday.  I was confused until they specified my organizing class.  I explained that the class is next week, not last.  They insisted that it was last Wednesday, the 22nd.  I pointed out that the 22nd was next week.  But, for a split second, my mind wondered, "Did I miss it!?!?!  Surely they'd have called and asked where I was?!?!?  What if I got a call like that and wasn't ready!?!?!?!?!?"  PHEW!  (I'm glad to know that I'm not the only one who forgets what day it is.)

Then on Sunday morning, our Home Teacher dropped by with a loaf of warm bread.  He teaches the men the same lesson that I teach in Relief Society on the fourth Sunday of  each month.  He asked, casually, "So, are you all ready with your lesson today?"  I said, "No, it's not till next Sunday."  He insisted, "No, it's today." I said, "No, today's the third Sunday.  Our lesson is next week on the fourth Sunday."  All the while, my brain was thinking, "It is the third Sunday today, isn't it?!?!?!?!?!  I teach next Sunday, right?!!?!?!?!?!?"  YIKES!!! I'm in overdrive! I'm busy, just the way I love it.

I'm two days behind in my photo of the day challenge.  Yesterday's challenge was "Handwriting".  Here's mine... a quote written in my planner a few years ago.  Not practiced,not edited, I just opened a page in my planner and here's what I found, not even on lined paper... it is one of my favorite quotes ever.  Enough said!

It's not enough to be busy. The question is: what are you busy about?

extra long, extra fun!

Typepad lost this twice while I was trying to post.  Sorry, no spellcheck tonight.

We filled every moment possible with fun and games this weekend!It was awesome to have everyone home for four long days!

Friday ~Carol, Madi and I went to Bountiful, near Salt Lake City, and found Madi's wedding gown and lots of other trimmings for her upcoming wedding! Lots of fun, lots of laughs, lots of coconut M&Ms and perfect weather for shopping. FUN DAY!

While I was shopping, Doug and the kids went and picked up Jason, who is their half brother, Kelly's fourth child, who was adopted by an awesome family here in the valley when he was a baby. This was the first time that Jason has ever been here alone with our family and words can not express how excited Quayd was to have a boy in the house. Quite often, he feels outnumbered by the girls, so this was his weekend! Doug took the kids swimming at the High School pool while I made cowboy rollups and a fun "Kid" style dinner.  They were exhausted from swimming, so they all slept right when their heads hit the pillows.

Saturday ~ I made German Pancakes for breakfast and Doug took the kids off hiking up the canyon. We hadn't had much snow for weeks, so the kids had a great time exploring and then sliding down the hill on their bums...no sleds, just their slick coats. (You can always tell when Moms are not there, can't you?)

After hiking, Doug was called into work for a few hours, while I took the kids to the Fun Park for skating, climbing in the maze and games.  Can I just say that the Fun Park was crowded and smells like a locker room. But, the kids didn't mind at all.

After they cashed in all of their tickets and chose their prizes, we raced off to Pizza Pie Cafe for dinner and a fun visit with Jason's family. We feel so blessed to have Jason in our lives and love his family like they are our own! Doug got off work just as we were saying goodbye, so he missed out on the visit and met us at Pet Smart. (ZJ's favorite store in the valley.) As soon as Doug arrived, we headed to Carol's for a fun night of movie watching and treats at Carol's.

Side story: While shopping with Madi and Carol on Friday, I quoted a line from Top Gun. I could tell that Madi didn't recognize it and when I told her that was from Top Gun, she said, "What's Top Gun?" That was the wrong response! I teased her pretty much the entire rest of the day, expressing my disappointment in the fact that she, my 21 year old bestie, didn't know what Top Gun was and I insisted that we would be watching it together the next movie night, which we already had planned for Saturday. She was dying at the thought of watching an 80s movie! And then Taylor, who's 16, also dreaded that I was "forcing" them to watch this lame movie from the 80s. Taylor said she'd give it five minutes. It took eight, but, they were both loving it before long. We had a fun time watching it while the kids watched movies in the game room.

As we had walked into Carol's, I noticed a few snowflakes starting to fall. We were shocked when we walked outside after our movie night, after midnite, and it was snowing. Hard. Blizzard like conditions. We drove home in the wind and snow and Doug and I were both so excited to see a real winter storm... our first since November 13th! It was beautiful! Check out our Olive Garden. No editing for this photo, that's the lighting from the street lights and the traffic light that we were stopped at.

When we got home, from the far end of the valley, said prayers with the kids and realized at 1AM, that Doug's van was still in Logan at Pet Smart...right behind this Olive Garden! We'd driven right past it and forgotten completely in our excitement for the snow! (That's also when Doug filled my gas tank.) Realizing that there would be snow plows in every parking lot overnight, we knew that we needed to get the van rather than leave it until morning. So, we tucked the kids in and Doug and I drove back to Logan in the blizzard for his van, talking on our cellphones to eachother the whole way. It was almost three before Doug and I finally wound down enough to get to sleep! A short night, indeed, but a fun one! We loved our late night drive in the snow!

Sunday, after church, dinner and Doug's long nap, we played games with the kids, teaching them to play Scum. Quayd's not usually into cards, but this turned out to be a requested "can we do it some more" type game! Fun stuff. Everyone was pretty tired from our late night before, so we all went to bed at 10:30 on Sunday night.

Monday, we slept in until the phone rang and then got ready for lunch. We let the kids choose and ended up at Chili's.Imagine that.  After lunch, games and a trip to Walmart (you know that they were calling the shots), we came home and just to chill together the rest of the afternoon, watching movies while I did laundry. A completely casual and fun weekend. Since we had not gone to the ranch, which was anticipated for so long by everyone, Doug and I let the kids choose most of the activities for the weekend, so they called it a winner! Happiness!

The highlight of the weekend for me was when Quayd came in and gave us hugs, thanking us for such a perfect time. Love it!

Another highlight for the family was our Sunday night dessert. Another Pinterest Recipe. Oh my word! This is divine! And no cream cheese...however, I'm thinking cream cheese frosting would only improve it.

Cinnamon Roll Cake

Cake:
3 c. flour
1/4 tsp.salt
1 c. sugar
4 tsp. baking powder
1 1/2 c. milk
2 eggs
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. butter, melted

Topping:
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. brown sugar
2 Tbsp. flour
1 Tbsp. cinnamon

Mix everything together except for the butter. Slowly stir in the melted butter and pour into a greased 9x13 pan. For the topping, mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Drop evenly over the batter and swirl with a knife. Bake at 350 for 28-32 minutes.  Enjoy!

Glaze:
2 c. powdered sugar
5 Tbsp. milk
1 tsp. vanilla


While warm drizzle the glaze over the cake.  Enjoy! SOOOO nummy!

Life is really really good!

Always be a little kinder than necessary.

too busy to blog

I'm late blogging this morning, but that's because I slept in with my sweetie!  The kids are still sleeping.  We've made the most of our long weekend and still have more fun planned for today.  So, this morning, a quick photo of the day and I'm off to make waffles!

Things I hate to Do ~ Get Gas!!

I would rather run out of gas than stop at the gas station.  It makes no sense, I realize.  It's just one of those things that I do not enjoy doing.  I hate touching the handle of the gas nozzle.  It's germy.  I always wrap a paper towel around it.  I hate standing there in the cold or the heat waiting for the tank to fill. I hate that it takes time out of where I'm trying to get to.  Consequently, my tank is either full or running on fumes because I go as long as I can between the two.  I hate paying for it!  $96.06 to fill my tank! I could think of many more fun things to do with that moolah!!  I think that the only other place I dislike going more than the gas station is the bank and the Post Office.  These three places try my patience more than any other.   Well... except Walmart!  Don't get me going!  Wait, I already am.  Annnywaaaaaaaay, this photo was taken of my sweetheart, who insisted on filling my tank in a blizzard, since I was getting low.  I told him that I would just do it on Monday and he, knowing how much I enjoy the task, said he'd get it for me then.  Truth of the matter was, he admitted, he loves being outside in the snow.  Have I mentioned that this was taken at 1:00 in the morning!?  I love this man!  And have I mentioned that I loved this storm!?  We're off to play on our last day of winter break!

A good time to laugh is any time you can.

 

photo a day...

17 ~ Time ~ A long weekend, full of fun and adventures!
 

18 ~ Drink ~ We got five inches of snow last night!  A much needed drink for our valley! 
HAPPINESS!

Don't let yesterday use up too much of today.

simply put...

Outside my window...it's a little grey and there is a leaf barely dangling from one of the cherry trees, blowing ever so slightly.
I am thinking... about the lesson that I'll be teaching next Sunday, the organizing class I'll be teaching Wednesday and the shower I'll be hosting in a few weeks.
I am thankful for...Carol, Wendy, Natalie and Denise.
From the kitchen...I will make some "love snacks" for Quayd and Doug's next adventure.
I am wearing...my jeans, a striped turtleneck and socks
I am creating...a wedding in my mind.
I am going... to be crazy busy for the rest of the day.
I am reading... several books for my lesson.
I am hoping...that the kids are having fun up the canyon with Doug right now.
I am hearing...myself crunch a coconut M&M.
Around the house..it is quiet.

Love cures people - both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.

something new

Photo of the Day ~ something new.  Oh, how I wish that this photo was of something fun and wonderful.  Instead, it's a brochure for shingles and floor coverings.  The floor coverings are fun, indeed.  However, they only come after we pay for the new roof.  A roof is a tad more important than new floor coverings, according to my husband.  He assures me that it would be a priority to me if the roof started leaking into my living room.  As usual, he's right.  We expect to begin the new roof at the first of the month.  We hope to beat the snow that isn't waiting for spring to arrive.  ;)
 

It's going to be a crazy, busy, fun weekend!  Keeping it short and sweet today!  The goal is to be asleep before 11.  It'll take a miracle!

wednesday

One of the kids favorite dinners is a teriyaki bowl with broccoli.  (My kids choose broccoli over fries at Chili's.  You'd think that they were related to Doug, right?)  I was in the mood for french bread and teriyaki bowls, so I baked some bread and made this tasty crock pot recipe for dinner.  There was barely any dinner conversation between the MMMMs and the AAAAHHHs.  And it taste as good as it looks!?

CROCK POT TERIYAKI CHICKEN

about 8 - chicken tenders
3/4 cup sugar
3/4 cup soy sauce
6 tablespoons cider vinegar
3/4 teaspoon ground ginger
3/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon pepper
3 tbsp. cornstarch
1 cup cold water
Hot cooked long grain rice
Steamed Fresh Broccoli 

Place chicken in crock pot.  In a large bowl, combine the sugar, soy sauce, cider vinegar, ginger, garlic and pepper. Pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low for about 4 hours or until chicken is tender. Remove chicken to a serving platter; keep warm. Skim fat from cooking liquid. Place liquid in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Combine cornstarch and water until smooth. Gradually stir into liquid and stir until sauce is thickened. Shred the chicken with two forks and combine with the sauce.  Scoop cooked rice into a bowl.  Add steamed broccoli on top of the rice and then cover with the chicken and sauce.

I attended what I hope will be my last maturation program at the elementary school. ZJ was dreading it since she said, "I already know about periods, Mom."  Boy, based on her answers whispered to me during the presentation, she learned a lot.  I had to laugh... they are still showing the film that they showed when the bigs were young!  

I totally missed the first episode of Survivor!  I'll watch it online but I couldn't believe that we weren't waiting at the TV with a big pizza party!  I don't watch enough TV to know what's upcoming and somehow missed the memo.  Oops.

Photo of the Day ~ Phone... here's my iPhone,  most used aps on the first page.  The only one missing on that page is the LDS Tools ap, which is basically, a ward phone directory.  Love it.  Yes, I'm hooked on Words with Friends.  I'm taking a Facebook break so I need to move that one. Notes has my lesson, my shopping lists and stuff that I don't want to forget.) And then, there's Pinterest.  I love that ap because you never know when you may need a decorating, parenting, reading, good quote tip!  Seriously, how did we live without it?   And my most used ap is probably the clock.  I set alarms for everything!  I'd give up my planner before my phone these days.

We are totally excited about the long weekend!  And it starts at 3:15 today!  HAPPINESS!!  Life is GOOD!

Valentines, a soapbox (uh-oh) and a few other ramblings

My photo of the day challenge ~ Heart.

I had in mind all week what I would photograph for this challenge until Quayd walked in from school carrying this carnation and his artistic little heart card.  He had taken his money to school to buy me a flower and was surprised when he was paged to receive a flower of his own from a secret admirer.  My favorite part of his long story about the flower was that kids were all shocked that he had a flower today "because I don't do the girlfriend/boyfriend thing and everyone knows it."  He's determined that he'll not start dating until he's sixteen, and then to group date.  To hear him talk about the other kids "in relationships" and describe it as "totally lame when you're this young", makes this mama proud.  Anyway, he made the Valentine heart for me and the note on the back of it was just as sweet as could be.  I love this tender-hearted boy.  This was, indeed, my favorite Valentine this year. 

A few other ramblings:

• Soapbox time:  I apologize upfront.  I love Whitney Houston.  Always have.  BUT.  If I hear the chorus to "I'll always love you" once more in the next decade, it will be too soon.  I'm sorry for the loss of her amazing talent.  I'm sorry that her mother and daughter will have to go on without her.  But, I'm really frustrated that we live in a world where the media has treated her death as though she were a martyr for some good cause.  If she did, indeed, die of an overdose of any kind of drugs or alcohol, legal or not, it was an even more tragic loss, yes. And I do understand addictions.  I have witnessed them up close and personal in my own family as I grew up, so I am not judging or downplaying her illness.  But, seriously, Networks? People die every single day...moms, dads, sons, daughters, soldiers, law enforcement officials, innocent children. People who didn't abuse drugs and alcohol.  I don't mean to sound heartless or uncaring, but honestly?  In my opinion, the media should select better examples for the children/youth of America to put on the martyr block.  Just saying.  Again, I love Whitney and am heartbroken for her family.  But, this media hype, seems to me, is way over the top.  (And one last thought... Nancy Grace is just downright rude.)  Stepping down from the soapbox now.
• Our ward young men and young women offered a Valentines Day Service ~ From 7-8:30, parents could drop off all of their kids under 12 and have that time to celebrate Valentines Evening, while the youth entertained them at the church with games and activities.  Quayd and Grace had a blast.  ZJ went to help tend more than to be tended.  She'll be eleven in a few weeks and she is dying to be 12, so that she can attend Young Womens with her sister, so this was a big treat for her!
• ZJ's pudding Valentines were a big success!  As I looked at yesterday's blog, I realized that I'd never posted the photo of it.  Oops.  That's what you get when you're running on four hours of sleep!  Here there were:
  
• In the next five weeks, I'm teaching an organizing/cleaning class, teaching my Relief Society lesson, hosting a bridal shower, being a wedding planner for Carol's daughter, Madi's wedding, helping decorate for a stake Relief Society Social, enjoying two three day weekends with the family home, getting a new roof and somewhere in that time, I've got a few projects to complete.  Every time I think about going from a daily planner to a week at a glance planner, life happens and I realize I couldn't function without it.  Oh, thank heaven for Franklin Planners!  I may even ask for a new binder for Mother's Day!
• I miss Buddy.  A LOT.  Especially on days when I move the desktop computer to Doug's office space and the router and modem are in the gallery and I can't figure out how to get the wireless to work and I have no phone in the gallery for a week and Buddy's not here to drop by on his way home and set things up for me. and and and.  I miss Buddy a lot. 

Life.  IS.  Seriously. SOOOOOO.  GOOOOOD.

The only people with whom you should try to get even with
are those who have helped you.

life happens

For Family Night, we discussed our options for President's Day weekend.  We'd been planning, for weeks, on going to the ranch for the a four and a half day weekend.  However, several unexpected things have come up.  That's what happens in life, we explained to the babes. We did offer a Plan B that was so inviting that the girls were actually opting for it.  Quayd, not so much.  He's missed the ranch immensely since last July and was terribly disappointed that Plan A was taking a backseat.  

When I went down to kiss him goodnight, we had a little talk. He'd gone to bed, feeling all alone since everyone else had voted to spend the weekend at home.  He expressed his frustration with "changing plans".  I explained to him that change is a big part of life, giving several examples of changes, large and small, that have occurred and how in the long run, they were for the good.  I also upped the ante for him, giving him more "reason" for staying home and he seemed more happy to roll with it.  

Life happens, I kept telling Quayd.  In thinking about changes, the biggest change in my life was going from empty nest to mom of three toddlers in a day.  We brought our grands and daughter home when she was having troubles and our lives changed forever. It was also the best change in my life. One things for certain, every day will bring about some change!  So.  We might as well embrace it and make the most of every little surprise that life offers!  

Case in point:  This morning, after skipping breakfast, flossing and brushing twice, I went to my dentist for a cleaning.  When I arrived, I asked if he had time to fill what I thought might be a new cavity.  Who'd have guessed that before I left, my dentist removed an old crown, did what needed to be done inside the tooth and sent me out the door three hours later with a happy gas buzz,  a temporary crown, $729 that I'd not planned on spending at all and a lip that refused to co-operate with a straw, while sipping my apple drink  a matinee with Denise.  Yep, life happens.  Expect change!  Enough said!

ZJ was quite tickled to see her Valentines come together.  Nothing like waiting until the last minute! The treat is "Snack Pack Puddings".  The quote, "I'm "pudding" lots of Love in this Valentine!"  ZJ thought of it.  I'd planned on "I'm pudding you at the top of my Valentine's list."  Doug, who, as Gracie called it, was in one of those "funny dad moods", had us rolling as suggested a few of his own, that had us all laughing.  Here's a few:

 

• Sarcastically: Here!  Choke on it!  (Keep in mind that Doug is the GranolaMan who'd give carrots or apples for valentines instead of sweets.  It was appropriate coming from him.)  ;)
• Don't eat the paper!
• Here!  Have some SUGAR!
• "I'm putting some SUGAR in your valentine!"
• Well, you're kind of okay.
• and my personal favorite...I'm putting lots of like in this Valentine.  (She's only ten, Babe!)

I had planned on sharing a beautiful photo, along with the recipe for that tasty cinnamon bread I'd made but my mind was on other things!   So, here's the recipe and pinterest photo.

Great Harvest Cinnaburst Copycat Bread

 

1 cup warm water
1 cup warm milk

1/3 cup sugar
2 1/4 teaspoon yeast (1 pack)

1/3 cup oil (I used veggie oil)
1/2 T salt
1 egg
4 1/2 to 5 1/2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup cinnamon chips

In mixer combine yeast, sugar, and warm water and milk; let bubble for about 5 minutes.  Add in oil and egg. Slowly add 2 cups flour, mix and then add salt.Add 1/2 cup flour at a time until it comes away from side of bowl. Add the cinnamon chips when it gets close to the right consistency. The dough will be very sticky but the softer the dough the lighter the bread. So use the least amount of flour you can handle. Let rise in mixing bowl for about 30 minutes. Form into loaf (or whatever shape you want).Let rise and additional 30 minutes. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-45 minutes.  Makes 2 loaves  ENJOY!  My personal breadbaking tip:  For softer crust, immediately after removing from the oven, brush the entire outside of the loaf in melted butter and then wrap in a towel.

 And the last few days of photos from the February photo a day challenge...

10 ~ Self-Portrait  Here's me.  Taken after a long night with only four hours of sleep, almost 3 hours with a nitrous mask on my face in a dental chair and a crying in chick flick matinee.  This is as real as it gets.  And can I just ask why everyone else looks so cute in photos where they hold the camera out and shoot?  I hate that look on myself!

11 ~ Makes you happy.  Is there any question what I'd photograph?  Well, if Doug had have been home from work, he'd have been in the picture too!

12 ~ Inside your Closet ~ Here's my gallery/craftroom closet.  Too much stuff!   But it is organized.  ;)

13 ~ Blue.  I walked  through my home and honestly, with the exception of Quayd's room, there are only two blue things in my home.  One is a quilt that I made years ago and other is a small blue tin, part of a set.  Blue has never been my color.  But, this photo is what came to mind when I thought of the word "blue".  It hangs in our entryway.  The beautiful blue sky above the Logan LDS Temple on one of my three favorite days in my life always makes me smile!  Day One ~ the day I married my sweetheart, Doug, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple!  Two ~ the day that Liza married her sweetheart, Buddy, also in the Logan LDS Temple.  Day Three, this photo,  the day that we became a family with the babes.  I love that all three of my favorite days of my life took place under a the beautiful blue skies inside the temple!  Families are Forever!

Happy Valentines Day!

To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven. 

aaahhhh!

Friday date ~ Doug and I and Stott and Wendy celebrated Valentines Day together, early.  Doug and I have done this for years, to avoid the crowds.  It's much more relaxed and casual, which beats waiting hours for a table.  We went to dinner at Texas Roadhouse and to a movie.  Great date night!

Movie ~ the Vow.  This has to be one of the best movies I've seen in quite some time.  It's clean, it's tender and touching, it's based on a true story.  I love it!  When we came in, the kids asked how our date was and Doug said, "I think that Mom will be buying that movie as soon as it comes out in Blue-Ray."  He's right!  A must see, great chick flick!  AND Doug loved it too!  I'm thinking that Denise and I will be seeing it for a Monday matinee.

Zaylee ~ spent Saturday night with us and went to church on Sunday.  She's so dang fun to have around. We baked cookies together as soon as she arrived because she's come to expect that. Later in the evening, we went to the B's and watched Breaking Dawn.  I love watching Zaylee play with Miki.  They get along so well.  Although, in church, they were a little competitive for Grammie and Grampy's attention.  We can't get enough of either of them.  We always laugh when they are together in church, wondering if people look at them and realize that they are half-sisters.

Whitney ~ It was in the afternoon on Saturday that we heard the news of Whitney Houston's death.  What a sad and tragic loss.  And yet, a part of me gets so angry when I think of how many amazingly talented people have given up their lives because of their addictions.  

Family ~ Doug and I raced home from church to load the Expedition with half of my kitchen and head back over to the church to prepare for our family fireside for my favorite niece, Jocelyn.  Doug and I decided a few years ago that we would host a family gathering for each of our nephews and nieces when they return home from their LDS missions.  Jocelyn shared her photos and adventures from her 19 months in Houston,Texas, spanish speaking mission.  It was fun to hear the details and just as much fun to watch Quayd enjoy the stories.  (The younger cousins hear these great experiences, both good and bad, because someday, the hope is that they'll serve missions too!)

Doug and I were quite surprised at how many successes she had to share. Also, some very fun experiences, that really show Jocelyn's cute optimistic personality.  She's a doll!

Joc brought a new "friend", Jeremy, to the fireside.  He is a cute boy and I saw some little Valentine arrows floating around them both.  The first moment that we met, he walked up to me and said, "You must be Sophia."  Scary!  Actually, he really was great with names and remembering who was who.  ZJ and Gracie were not amused to see him holding Jocelyn's hand.  She grabbed Gracie and said, "Look!  He's holding her hand!  He's stealing Jocelyn's heart!"  She was really concerned because Jocelyn is both of my younger girls' real favorite cousin and I don't think that they are ready to share her with a boyfriend!  ZJ said, "But, Mom!  We just got her back!"  They really missed her while she was away!  I just love that Jocelyn is someone that they admire so much!  She really is a great cousin!

Food ~ For the refreshments, I asked a few family members to bring homemade breads and spreads.  We had some pretty tasty treats!  Plus, Jocelyn made a nummy mexican drink from a mexican flower.  We had about 60 people there, so it turned out to be a pretty fun evening!  I baked four loaves of a very tasty cinnamon bread and four loaves of whole wheat bread.  I'll photograph and post the recipe for the cinnamon bread on Tuesday.  It was so dang good!

I'll post my last few photo of the day pix tomorrow.  It's after midnight and I'm ready for bed!  It's been a busy and long weekend!  And more important, a perfect weekend!

Be better than you were yesterday!

roots

Previously posted in February 2008

Lately, there's been talk in our home about moving.  Not that we want to move.   We love our home.  We love the LDS ward that we live in, the friends that we've made here, enough that I can't picture myself leaving it.  I would love to have one large room for entertaining and we've talked about different options and solutions for that need.  But, the word "move" just isn't appealing.  Who wants to start over on anothernew mortgage?  We also would hate to leave the beautiful fruit trees that we've planted over the years.  I love this home.  It's not huge.  It's a ranch style home on a nice size lot.  We've grown a pretty decent garden for the past several years, done lots of decorating and painting, made it totally "ours".

This is the longest I've ever lived anywhere in my life.  It really and truly is "Home" to me.  I was thinking about the homes that I've lived in and how often we moved when I was a child.  The fact that we never stayed anywhere more than two years in my childhood made it quite simple for me to "stick around" anyplace during our first years of marriage.  About every two years, I'd get the itch to move. Doug and I were pretty free spirits and adventurous.  That was then.  HOWEVER. We grew up and began to dig some roots when we purchased this home.  Since we've been in this home, I fill that "urge" to move by painting or moving rooms.  It's what I do.  Doug tolerates it.  He's grateful that $50 worth of paint and a few days of furniture in the halls while I do it satisfies me because it's so much less expensive than moving to a new home and starting over!  (It's also a great way to dejunk!)

As a child, we moved so often.   Most kids would learn to put up walls with moving so much.  Not me.  Instead, I made it my purpose in life to make friends everywhere we went and to keep them.  Today, I still have contacts and friends from most everyplace we lived since 1971.  Not that it matters, but for my own records, and since it's 4 in the morning and I've nothing else to quietly do, I thought I'd make a list of where we lived.

1.  1958 ~ I was born in Baltimore, Maryland. We lived in a two story apartment, which I rode my tricycle down the stairs on moving day and my front teeth went through my lower lip.  I still have the scars.
2. 1960 ~ My parents moved to the home built by my father and grandfather in Pembroke, NC.
3. 1961 ~ Dad worked and we moved for a while to Winston-Salem, NC .  My dad built the LDS Chapel there and was introduced to the LDS Church for the first time.
4. 1961 ~ Then his work moved us to Greensboro NC.
5. 1962 ~ They moved back to Pembroke NC. where he built another LDS Chapel.
6. 1965 ~ They "started over", we ended up living in Glen Burnie, MD. (They always "started over" to get away from Dad's women and friends.)
7. 1967 ~ After that, my parents "started over" in Miami Florida.
8. 1968 ~ They bought a home in North Miami Beach  Florida.
9. 1969 ~ That wasn't working, so we moved to Lorain OH.
10. 1969 ~ Then we moved to Elyria OH. to live near Mom's two sisters.
11. 1970 ~ That still wasn't working, so we moved back to another area in North Miami Florida. Mom divorced Dad.
12. 1970 ~ She remarried and we moved to Ft. Lauderdale FL.
13. 1971 ~ She and her new husband bought a business so we moved to Hollywood FL.
14. 1971 ~ They decided to move to his home town in West Virginia. 
15. 1971 ~ We were all miserable there and went back to Hollywood FL.
16. 1971 ~ After a while, they decided to move near Mom's family and start another business in Elyria OH. (Try this when you are a teenager.  NOT FUN!)
17. 1972 ~ They hated winter in Ohio so we moved back to a new home in Hollywood FL.
18. 1974 ~ He turned out to be creepy.  They divorced so we moved into another home in Hollywood FL.
19. 1974 ~ It wasn't what Mom wanted and she decided to look for another place to rent during the interim in Hollywood FL.  It was being rented by the man she would eventually marry.
20. 1976 ~ After they met, I met Doug. I graduated from High School. We were in love, living 2000 miles apart, so I moved to a student apartment in Logan UT.
21. 1977 ~ My roommates were insane!  So, one of them and I moved to a little home in PRovidence UT.
22. 1977 ~ I married Doug and we bought a mobile home on USU Campus Trailer Park in Logan UT.
23.  1977 ~ Summer came and we moved that trailer to Malad ID to live part of the time.
24. The rest of the time, we lived on the Corbridge family ranch northeast of Soda Springs ID.
25. 1978 ~ After a while, we moved to Mendon UT while Doug went to college.
26. 1978 ~ We needed more room because we were expecting Dale, so we bought our first real home in Smithfield UT.
27. 1981 ~ Doug was offered a position with a young company and we were located in a beautiful brand new home in Elyria OH.
28. 1982 ~ It was much too big and we bought a home in Grafton OH.
29. 1982 ~ The business was not growing fast enough and we wanted to be back home near family in Utah and came home to Richmond UT.
30. 1983 ~ We needed more room, so moved to Smithfield UT.
31. 1985 ~ We were offered a tremendous deal on Doug's mother's home so we moved to Hyde Park UT.
32. 1986 ~ Long story but, we moved to Logan UT to live across the street from our best friends.
33. 1987 ~ We found the "perfect" home for our needs at the time up the street.  So, we bought another home 8 doors up.
34. 1991 ~ Doug had a "career move" and we moved to an Amish Farmhouse in Millersburg IN.
35. 1991 ~ We bought a home outside of Goshen IN.
36. 1992 ~ We had an offer to buy a home that was closer to civilization from a friend we'd made in IN, so we took it.
37. 1994 ~ We just wanted to come home to Utah, so we moved back to North Logan UT. HAPPINESS!
38. 1998 ~ An old friend that I ran into three times in a week at the grocery store told me they'd just listed their home and that I should come and see what she'd done to the house.  I did and knew that we were supposed to buy it the minute I walked in.  We moved into this house on tax day that year and I swore that I'd never move again unless it was in a beautiful box up to the cemetery up on the hill above town.

I meant what I said.  I love where we live.  I love our  little home.  I love that everyone who enters it compliments, not just the decorations, but the "spirit" that is in our home.  It's us.  It feels good.  It feels right. I'd love to have one room that is larger.  But, other than that, it's perfect for us and we are surrounded by people who we've grown to love and care for as if they were family.  Not, as if.  Theyare family.  And so.  I have no desire to move anyplace right now. 

All three of our bigs spent some time living in this home.  This is the only home that the babes have known.   It's the place that I've grown the most and learned the most valuable lessons in life and that Doug and I have settled and planted some roots.  I get asked often if it was hard moving around so much as a child.  Not really.  I didn't know any different.  But, today, at fifty, I know better.  We've talked about this.  If Ed McMahon were to come knocking today and offer me the big house on the hill, I'm 99.9% certain that I'd ask if we could build my great room here instead.  If he said no, I'm pretty sure that I'd just say, "No, thanks.  I like it here."  Roots, for me, have become more important than a new home with vaulted ceilings and a three car garage.  Enough said.

"Contentment is not the fulfillment of what you want, but the realization of how much you already have."

valentines

Today's photo challenge:   Front Door ~ Here's ours.    

After I wrote about not wanting time to pass too quickly yesterday, Carol pointed out that Quayd could actually get his drivers permit in less than a year!  That's just plain wrong!  

Here's the banner that I created for friend, Marilyn, last week.  I made a smaller version for myself, but hers is adorable!

I'm excited to help ZJ make her Valentines this weekend too!  Pictures on Monday.  This is ZJ's last year of Valentines exchange since she'll be in middle school.  She tells me that last year's Valentines are still being talked about, so she has a high level of expectation for this year to be the best in the class!  Here are last years.  

I've purchased the makings, now I just have to get to it this weekend.  

This weekend, Doug and I are hosting a family fireside for my niece, Jocelyn, to share her mission experiences and photos with us all.  There will be 70 of us there between the both sides of her family.  It should be a fun night!  We've also got two dates planned, tending Zaylee and some projects around the house.  It will be a fun and busy weekend.  Love it!

A smart person knows what to say.  A wise person knows whether to say it or not.

phantom and five

I'm excited that tomorrow my live London performance of Phantom of the Opera DVD will be here! Yagottaluv Amazon Prime!  I know what I'll be doing this weekend!  Can't wait!

Speaking of which, Oh my word!  I love this.  Friend Chris shared this on Facebook and it literally took my breath away.  If you've got nine minutes, turn up the volume and enjoy!

 I got a great laugh from the first comment following the video.  

Dear Nick,
Please leave some talent for the rest of us.

Sincerely,
Everybody

 

Five ramblings:

1. I spent my day, working on a project in the gallery, preparing for both of the lessons I'll be teaching in the next few weeks, entertaining my brother for a few hours and having Mom and Rick come for dinner.  A calm day at the Corbridge's.  
2. I've got a painting project today!  
3. I've listened to all that I can about Josh Powell.  The story gets more and more twisted and my stomach hurts.  I should know better!  
4. Today's photo challenge was "Sun".  However, there was no sun.  None.  At one point, while I was running Gracie to school, there was a dot in the sky in the midst of dark clouds, but by the time I got home, the dot was gone and it was just grey.  It actually tried to snow today.
    Tried.  The joys of winter in Cache Valley. 
   
5. While lying in bed between alarms, I was thinking about a goal I'd set for myself...not to wish time away.  I've always said, "I can't wait till..."  As I was lying there thinking about how time flies, about how the past fourteen years have flown by (since Quayd was born), I reminded myself again not to wish away time.  Just minutes later, Quayd came into my room and commented that he'd figured something out.  He said that when he is waiting for something, time takes for.ev.er, but when he has nothing to look forward to, it goes by fast-fast.  I told him my thoughts and we decided to both try to enjoy the moment and not wish them away.  I love the wisdom of my sweet boy!  Before he left, I told him that I'm proud of him and that he is really and truly a good boy.  As he walked out of the room to get ready for school, he turned and said, "Thanks, Mom.  You're awesome."  Definitely the highlight of my day!

Happiness is the ability to recognize it.

this, that and cookies!

• I found these cookies on Pinterest this morning and couldn't wait until the afternoon to do my baking.  The cookie jar was down to one cookie.  When the kids came in from school, all three said, "I knew you'd bake cookies today!"  ZJ said it before she was all the way in the door.  Cookies in the cookie jar is a necessity in our home!  ;)  I loved these cookies before I baked them because just because they have cream cheese in them.  But, after they were baked, OH MY!  I will seriously never bake another Tollhouse.  The fact that there is no shortening in them is one huge bonus, but the cream cheese made them just as moist as can be.  I also loved that there was much less baking soda in thre recipe, which made them have less of a "bite".  This will be our new regular chocolate chip cookie recipe!  This batch made about 60 small cookies.  Next time, I'll be doubling it! 

Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Cookies

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
10 tablespoons butter (1 stick plus 2 tablespoons)
1 cup sugar
1 egg
3 ounces cream cheese
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups chocolate chips  (I use mini-chocolate chips and only used 1 cup because they go so much further) 

Preheat oven to 375.  (I baked them at 350 because the first batch at 375 browned the bottom far too quickly.)

Combine dry ingredients in a bowl and set aside. In mixer, blend butter, sugar, egg, cream cheese, and vanilla. Slowly add the dry ingredients, mixing with each addition, until all are incorporated. Stir in the chocolate chips.  Drop dough by the spoonful onto sheet, at least 1 inch apart.  Bake 10 minutes or until golden brown around edges. 

Note: Dough can be refrigerated until firm, then rolled into a log and frozen (in air-tight freezer bag) for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, let thaw 30 minutes to 1 hour (until soft enough to slice); slice in 3/4″ wide disks and bake.

My photo challenge for the day:  Button.   No explanation needed.

   

•  I have been just heartsick since the story of Susan Powell's children dying in that fire on Sunday afternoon.  It seems that each time the news is reported, the story worsens.  As I sat down to blog on Monday night, I'd just heard the update on the autopsies of the boys. It's rare that I can't even express my thoughts.  But. It's unspeakable.  I can not count the prayers that I've said for this family over the past two years, but in the past two days, I think it's been more.
• I'm so over winter.   I feel like we were deprived of the most beautiful season of the year.  It's still not arrived, but I've decided it's time for spring.  Deep sigh.
• Rick called me to ask for a ride in the afternoon.  Conversation:
  
  Rick:  Hey.  Are you home yet?
  Me:  No, I'm just dropping Denise off.
  Rick:  Good!  Can you call me when you're almost here and I'll wait outside for you.  Then, you can drop me off at McDonalds on your way home.
  Me:  Sure, but, you do realize that McDonalds is not "on my way home."  (Mom lives five houses from me.)
  Rick:  Yeh, but it will be if you pick me up and drop me off on your way."
  
  Okey dokey, then Rick.  I'm really enjoying the time and conversations with my brother.  We had a good chat in McD's parking lot.  Rick and I have never been very close and this has been an eye-opening experience.  He's seeing things that he's never realized about our mom, things that I never realized either, until living near her.  Let's just say, we're bonding. 
•  Our Young Women New Beginnings program was lovely.  The theme was Arise and Shine Forth and it was just adorable.  There were white lights strung from the ceiling, bright yellow pompom flowers hanging and all of the decor was bright yellow.  They really went all out. I am so so thankful for these leaders who spend so much effort in behalf of our young women, especially since I have a daughter who is a part of the group.  ZJ went along with us and she can't wait until she turns twelve.  She's got 13 months to go!  I'm excited for her too!
• Speaking of ZJ, I've begun plans for her new bedroom for her birthday.  My girls are pinterest-addicts too!  Help me!  I love that my girls get into decorating as much as I do!
• A very quick sentiment:  I love today's quote!  With so much negative happening around us, it really does help to turn off the news, avoid the negative and focus on the positive in your life.  I honestly could not stop crying after all of the negative happenings on Monday until I realized that I just needed to take a step away from it all and focus on the positive things in my world.  It made all the difference.  Just sayin'.

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

I'm speechless.  It's rare, but true.

Photo of the day:  Dinner ~ BLT Pasta Salad, DELISH!

12 ounce corkscrew shaped pasta
1 cup milk
12 ounces lean bacon 
4 medium ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks 
2 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (Fresh was fabulous!)
1 - 2 cloves garlic, minced 
lots of salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup mayo
1/2 cup sour cream
4 green onions, chopped
Spring Mix Lettuces, lots! 

Directions

Cook the pasta, following the package directions.  Drain and toss with the milk in a large bowl; set aside.  Meanwhile, cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until crisp. Drain, but reserve 3 tablespoons of drippings in the pan. Add the tomatoes, thyme and garlic to the pan and toss until warmed through; season with salt and pepper.  Crumble the bacon. Toss the bacon and the tomato mixture with the pasta.  Mix the mayonnaise, sour cream and green onions with the pasta until evenly combined. Season with salt and pepper. Just before serving, add the lettuce; toss again to coat. Serve at room temperature.  Enjoy!

The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts.

super!

Friday, Doug and I met with our CPA. Uncle Sam won't be as generous as he was last year, but then again, we didn't buy a new furnace this year.  Now, if we received rebates on things like anti-biotics, toilet paper and cough drops, after our last six weeks, we'd be getting a huge refund!  ;)  Thankfully, we are all finally over our worst winter bug ever!  After taxes, we met Denise and Clint for lunch at Chili's.  Denise and I talked to each other while Doug and Clint talked engineering, camping, man talk.  Later in the evening, we met Stott and Wendy for a quiet dinner,  Later, Doug and I agreed...we are so blessed with amazing friendships! 

Saturday, after contemplating it for weeks, I decided to empty my gallery closet, which is ceiling to floor storage containers.  I went through every drawer, container, and such to consolidate and dejunk as much as possible, while watching The Terminal and then skyping with Liza.  I was only half-way done when Zaylee arrived for a sleep over.  Plus I had a plethora of SuperBowl food to cook, requiring a trip to Lee's Marketplace first.  In other words, I stopped mid-project (something that drives me insane!).  I finished cooking SuperBowl food at 1AM.  I laughed at myself because I was so tired that when I went to shut down the laptop, which was on my kitchen counter, I grabbed an avocado, thinking it was my mouse and wondered why it wasn't working! 

Liza was home alone for the day in Arizona, so we Skyped for four hours while I cleaned the gallery and she did laundry.  At dinnertime, I ordered Pizza Hut online for us both. As Zaylee set the table, I brought the laptop into the kitchen and set it up on a barstool at the table, so that Liza could "have dinner with us". We ate our pizza "together" as a family. It was almost as good as having her here, but like I told her, I was missing the hugs.  We've grown to love Skype.  I miss my girl.

Zaylee still doesn't quite get Skype.  At three, she knows that Liza lives far away in AZ now, but with Skype, she thinks Liza is inside the monitor.  Before dinner, while the laptop was still in the gallery, Liza left the screen for a sec, but Zaylee could hear her talking.  She said, "Wiza, where are you?"  When Liza returned to view, Zaylee got all excited, "Hey, Wiza, you want to play Hide and Seek!?"  Then she told Liza to count to ten.  As Liza was counting with her eyes covered, Zaylee yelled from behind the Lazy Boy, "Ok!  Now, say, Ready or Not, here I come!"  Liza asked "Is she under the desk?  Is she behind the closet door?...."  Zaylee was just cacklingbecause Liza "couldn't find her".  Not able to stand the suspense anymore, she popped her head over the back of the chair.  Then, she said, "Now it's your turn to hide, Wiza!"  Liza ducked out of the camera view and Zaylee was actually looking for her under the desk, behind the door and chair until Liza peeked her head partially in camera view and Zaylee said, "I see you!"  Liza and I were rolling!

One other cute little Zaylee funny:  As I was finishing cleaning up the kitchen, Zaylee saw the Peanut-butter Chocolate Popcorn and asked "Please, I can have some Popcorn Salad?"  Apparently, if it's in the big red bowl, it's salad.  I heart that three year old!

It was one of my favorite Saturdays in a long long time!

I had this entry typed to this point before church and the Superbowl. As I was closing up the laptop before we left for church,  I had the most random thought about how one piece of tragic news could turn all of this Super Bowl excitement into absolutely nothing, compared to real life.  Only hours later, as we arrived at Carol's, the news had been released that Josh Powell had blown up his home in Washington, killing himself and his two sons. SO SAD.  My first thought when I heard the news was that those sweet little boys were welcomed by their mother "on the other side".  (And for Josh, well, hmmm.  I'm thinking that his welcome might not have been so joyful.)  Not making light at all.  The boys were on my mind through much of the SuperBowl party.  Such a tragedy.

On a lighter note:  Carol and I figured that our first Super Bowl Sunday together was when Madi was just a baby.  She'll be 21 next week.  Since our first Super Bowl, we've had children, grandchildren, Carol's husband died of brain cancer, two my kids have married, two of Carol's have upcoming weddings,  Kelly's divorced and remarried, Carol started teaching school, and between the both of us, we have lived in ten homes.  Time flies! And we hope to continue for a lot more! The food was fabulous, as always.  Carol and I had decided to each try, at least two, new recipes.  We had quite the tasty spread!  I've already shared a few recipes but will add more later this week.  We did miss the Caspersons (Carol's married niece), who've just recently moved to the Washington.  We texted with them throughout the game and at the end, since they were watching it an hour later than us, we all sent them a text simultaneously, with our own made up final score and winners, none of which were the same or accurate!  A fun game day, indeed!  I love Super Bowl Sunday.  Mostly, I love Carol.

Lastly, my Photo of the day catch-up for the weekend:

Friday:  Hands

These are my favorite hands in the world ~ Doug's.  They are the hands that work so hard to support our family, to rub lotion on my feet nightly, to help me do honey-do tasks, to hold mine when we watch tv together and to touch me gently or flirtatiously just to remind me that I'm loved.  They are the hands that pushed our children when they learned to ride bikes and that lay upon their heads when they need a Father's Blessing.  I love these hands.

Saturday ~ Stranger 

We've owned this movie for years and I'd only seen it once.  At the theater all those years ago.  Seriously, if you've never taken time to watch it, it's so worth the two hour investment.  It's Tom Hanks at his best.  A tender story that really defines the word "stranger".  LOVE it.

And Sunday's photo challenge ~ 10AM

Normally on a Sunday morning, at 10AM, I'm studying a lesson or making breakfast for the family before church.  This week, with our Super Bowl party in the works, I was making this nummy peanut-butter chocolate popcorn.  Recipe on the cooking blog later today!

A long Monday entry, I realize.  But, life is good and there's much to remember and celebrate.  Enough said!

True friendship is felt, not said.

On family differences

PREVIOUSLY POSTED IN APRIL 2007... adding right now...HOLY COW, things have changed.  I'm so thankful for my dad and the Bell family connections that have been made over this past year.  AWESOMENESS!!

Holy cow.  This entry turned into a most serious one.  Deep, even.  Sorry to get so personal.  But, it's hitting me hard, the need to express these sentiments.

First and most important, my thoughts and prayers are with the Gallagher family who lost their precious son, Joey, last night.  Joey short 12 years on earth have ended and has to suffer no more.  I will continue to pray for peace and comfort to his family.

A strange thing happened yesterday.  My dad called.  I've shared before that I've had very little contact with my dad since I was twelve years old.  I love him because he's my father, but he never was much of a dad.  My own children had never met him until two years ago when Liza was married.  Since then, we've probably talked more than we had in the previous almost thirty-five years. 

So, he called yesterday.  We chatted for a bit and he seems to be getting his life in a better place than it's been since he and my mom were married.  He's made some huge progress in "growing up". I was pleased to hear this progress. Afterwards, I said a prayer of thanks, asked that he'd continue to stay on this much improved path and went about my day.

Two hours later... Dad calls again.  Twice in one day?  "Darlin'." (in his wonderful southern accent)  "Your cousin, Kelly, had a beautiful baby girl this morning!"  (My "Cousin" Kelly, is actually, my only living cousin, Kent's daughter, which makes her my second cousin or cousin-once-removed, but in the south, everyone's your cousin, even if they are umpteen times removed.)  I was pleased to hear the report of this beautiful baby girl with two inch long black hair looking like Pocahontas.  We chatted another moment and hung up.

Here's the strange part.  My dad called to tell me that my "cousin", whom I've never met, had had a baby.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I was tickled for Kent to become a grandfather again.  I adore Kent.  Always have, always will.  BUT, Kent, and his brother, Keith were my only two cousins.  Keith died in a motorcycle accident about five years ago.  I could count on one hand the times that I'd seen either of them since I was a child.  But, I feel a closeness to them both.  I mourned Keith's death, as though we lived next door all of our lives.  They are my kin.  My only kin on my dad's side.  Yet, I found out about his death because I happened to call an hour before his viewing.  But, my dad... he called... to tell me family news.  This was just so odd.  I hung up and thought, "How is is that I'm forty-seven years old and have had only three phone calls in my entire married life to tell me family news?"

I speak with my mom every single day, usually two or three times.  (Sometimes, admittedly four or five or six.) Liza and I speak or text each other every single day.  But, my dad and I speak a couple of times a year, if that, up until recently.  And he called me to tell me family news.  For the first time, in my entire life, I felt a different kind of connection with my dad and his family.  Since my grannie passed away, the only contact with my dad's family is when I call them.  Family ties are so important to me that it's worth the effort, even though it's never reciprocated. And yesterday, dad called me. I'm  stunned.

Family dynamics are so strange.  I have only one sibling, a brother, and we are not close.  Doug has five siblings and though we see each other often and know that we are there for each other if ever needed, we could still improve.  I have a wayward daughter who I've not seen in two years and have only hear from twice.  It hurts.  I have a hippie son, whom I adore but we are as different as night and day.  I guess what all this rambling leads to is the fact that even though families are raised together, in the same homes, under the same circumstances, we're each so different.  Very different.  My brother and I have nothing in common, other than physically.  My children, well, that's plain obvious.  My southern family, I adore.  They're a different religion, a different political party... I've grown up from the outside looking in after my parents divorce, but, they are my family. The differences are so not as important as the relationship. Over the years, I've been grateful for the connection that I've had.  I've cherished it, even the differences.  As strange as it may seem, with all these differences, my family is the most important thing to me.

Letting the petty things get in the way of the relationships that really matter is so wrong.  My cousin, Keith, he was gone in a moment.  A sweet little boy named Joey suffered from cancer for months, his every breath counted and he's gone.  We just don't know what tomorrow brings.  I'm being bold in saying that if you are reading this today, and there is someone in your life that things aren't right with, someone that really matters but you aren't acting like it, pick up the phone, knock on their door, send them a card or letter.  Let them know that they do, indeed, matter.  Do it today.  Don't wait until it's too late.  Don't wish you had have.  Do it.  Even if they don't respond positively or the way that you'd like, you can know that you made the effort.  Then, maybe the next time you "connect", it won't feel so strange.  Maybe it will feel right.  Hopefully.  More than enough said.

“True love doesn't have a happy ending, because true love never ends. Letting go is one way of saying I love you.”

one word CAN make a difference

Denise and I had the funniest/strangest experience yesterday.  We laughed all day long.  I caved and Denise and I went to lunch.  But.  Not to Chili's and I'm still Pop-free one week, which was the main reason that I didn't want to go out to eat all week.  It's much easier to not drink pop when I'm at home.  SO. I'm good with it.

Denise and I had debated all morning and finally decided to go to Black Pearl, a local "Asian Bistro and Sushi Bar".  They've been open a few years and we have always loved the food, but were never satisfied with the service, so we've not been in for at least a year.  As we entered the restaurant, we noticed a sign, "Under New Management", so we were encouraged before we even were seated.

We had a pleasant conversation with a beautifulyoung server before she took our order. She explained that she'd only been working there for a week. Denise ordered her favorite, Tiny Spicy Chicken.  I debated for a bit between Kung Poa or Cashew Chicken, but opted for Cashew Chicken because I prefer cashews to peanuts.  After our delicious Hot and Sour Soup, the server brought out our entrees.  Our mouths were watering.  Denise asked for a little sweet and sour sauce, so the server went to get it as we surveyed our food.  I took my first bite, which was heavenly, but I noticed that the nuts on the top of my veggies and chicken were not cashews but peanuts.  When our server returned with the Sweet and Sour Sauce, asking how everything was, here's the rest of the conversation:

Me:  I'm sorry, but I think that I got the wrong order.  These are peanuts, not cashews.
Server, looking concerned:  Oh, I'm sorry, I'll go and speak with the manager.
Seconds later, server returns: I just asked them and they said that they use peanuts.
Me, stirring through it thinking that she meant peanuts, along with my cashews and finding none:  Well, then that's not cashew chicken.  That's peanut chicken.
Server:  It's cashew chicken.  They just use peanuts.
Me:  Well, the menu should state this.  It could be really dangerous, if a guest has peanut allergies.  My son-in-law would become very ill if he ate this.
Server, apparently thinking that I had food allergies:  Oh, would you like me to take that back and bring you some without peanuts?
Me:  No, thank you.  Then, it wouldn't be cashew chicken or peanut chicken.  Actually, I was hoping for some cashews.   This is delicious, I'll just have it, but, seriously?  This is really the strangest thing I've ever heard of in a restaurant.  I think that they need to change the name on the menu.

The server didn't seem to be too worried.  Denise and I were just shaking our heads in disbelief.  SERIOUSLY?   That was it.  I ate it.  It was delicious, but seriously?  Cashew Chicken with peanuts and nocashews?  Even my kids said, "Then why don't they call it "Peanut Chicken"?  Like I told Doug, that'd be like going to Chili's and asking for Chips and Salsa and getting Chips and Ketchup.  And what's worse, I have to wonder, if they use peanuts for chicken, what were they using for chicken!?!?! 

After Doug was home, I shared the story with him and he was laughing out loud.  He said that I really should have spoken with the manager.  So, I called the restaurant and asked for the manager or owner.  The woman who answered said that he wasn't in.  No, she didn't know when he'd be back.  No, she didn't know if he would be there tomorrow.  I asked,  "Well, what's his name, so that I can ask for him when I call again."  She said, and I kid you not, "I don't know."  I repeated, in shock.  "You don't know your boss's name?"  She insisted, "No, I just work part time."  I am not sure which I was more surprise by... peanut chicken or someone who doesn't know who they work for????  Too funny.

I really love their food. I will speak to the manager. I highly doubt that we'll return again anytime soon.   Here's the biggest laugh of my day.  I'd taken my camera along with me, so that I could be on the look-out for today's Photo Challenge.  The challenge was "Words".  This afforded the perfect opportunity.  Hence today's photo of the day and my "word".  One word can make a difference.

And since I received several requests for the list of the photo of the day challenge, here it is:

Laughter is the corrective force which prevents us from becoming cranks. 

choices

Recently, I was told a lie.  The teller is a good person, an honest person, a person that I've always considered a good friend.  I'm certain that they thought that a lie was "okay" because it would cause less problems in the long run, than telling the truth.  I was shocked and hurt because I knew the truth and because I've always trusted this person. Actually, I think that the person even knew that I knew the truth.  BUT.  Because I really care about this person, I choose not to get angry, to react or to confront them.  I simply let it go.  Didn't even bat an eyelash.  (Although, I would be lying myself if I didn't admit that my tongue was almost bleeding from biting it!)  I may be a bit more "on guard" with this person in the future, but I am letting it go.  In my old age, I'm learning.  Even a year ago, I'd have had a much different reaction.  Wouldn't it be great to learn life's little lessons when we were young!

This past year, I've learned much about myself by witnessing a friend's painful "growing experience".  One of the most valuable things I have learned, is that festering over an issue isn't going to change a thing.  As you hear so often these days, "It is what it is." I'm learning to take a deep breath and repeat it.  It is what it is.  Or as my cute niece, Lindsay says, "You get what you get and you don't throw a fit."  Well, she says that to her pre-school age children.  But, guess what?  It applies to grown-ups too.  We do get what we get.  In life.  We can choose how we'll handle it.  But, most assuredly, throwing a fit, whether we are three or thirty-three or fifty-three is not ever the right solution.   

A week or so ago, I came across this little story on Facebook and I've seen it posted a few other times since. 

The timing was perfect as a little reminder to me.  I know that I've said this many times before, but every now and then, we all need little reminders, right?  We choose how we deal with each and every challenge, trial,] or situation in our lives.  It's not always easy, but choosing joy, peace, love, hope, humility, kindness, empathy and truth, we will always come out the winner.  Enough said.

Next...

I decided a few weeks ago to take a little February Picture a day challenge. The Day 1 challenge photo was "Your View".  Now, a lot of people may have taken pictures today of their view out the window.  But, I chose to take this photo below, of my sweet boy, Quayd and his friends before they went to the LDS Temple.   These are six of the sharpest boys I know. They are Quayd's closest friends and this mom is thankful that they are!  They, so far, are all making good choices!  They are dependable, trustworthy, fun-loving.  They do everything together and have fun doing it. When I dropped Quayd off at the church, the boys, who'd all been together on the school bus just an hour before, did this crazy little handshake and greeted each other like they'd not seen each other for months. A few minutes later and a few blocks away, I noticed a boy walking down the street alone in, dressed very "gangsta" and looking very alone.  I said a little prayer of gratitude that Quayd was where he was, with the boys he was with.  So, my favorite view today:  I'm blessed to have a sweet young son, who's growing up far too quickly but, so far, is making good choices and making his mama proud. I heart him. 

(left to right:  Jayden, Quayd, Dennison, Josh, Chandler, Chase)

To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved. 

Wednesday Ramblings...

• Happy February!  The weatherman informed us that we are not past what is commonly referred to as "the dead of winter".  I had to laugh.  We've not really had winter yet.  Even with the three small storms we've had since fall, we have barely had enough snow to cover the ground completely.  I'm remembering the April 1st nine inches that came two years ago and the 31 inches that came on March 6th a few years before that.  As much as I love snow, I'm thinking I could pass on that again. 
  
  
• A SuperBowl recipe:  I think I'll need to try this one that Liza sent this to me today.  She LOVED  it.  Here's the text, exactly as she sent it:

1 Box Frozen Spinach-defrosted
1 Cream cheese-softened
1 Ranch Packet
Pepper if desired.

French Bread or crackers

OH BABY!

• Mitt Romney is one step closer to being the Republican Presidential Nominee.  Whodathunkit?  Newt and Cain?  Seriously?  Mitt's got a lonnnnng road ahead of him, regardless.  Where this election is concerned, we all do.  ;)
• After much discussion and debate with Denise, even though it was Tuesday, we actually stayed home, had lunch and played cards.  I made grilled tuna sandwiches with provolone and cream cheese.  AND I drank water. Two more days.  But, I'm thinking I'll just stick with the water, for good.  Again.
• I'm so excited to have heard that The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall is being released in DVD next week!  I love Phantom!  Always have, always will.  Seeing it live was one of the thrills of my life.  Then again, it's a thrill every time I listen to it.  I can't wait to watch the live performance with the girls!  ZJ is almost as excited as I am! 
• And that, is all I have to say today. Life is good!