Thoughts:
1. First, Happy Birthday to my favorite son Ryan (sorry Travis, Ben and Tanner)! My first born son. I should have known he was going to be awesome since his birth was fabulous. We were at BYU...where peer pressure insisted on natural childbirth. We had a Bradley instructor in our Ward ( you don't even hear about that kind now....the counter to Lamaze.) I dialated to 3 a month before and was at 3 for 2 weeks, 4 for a week, and then 5 for the last week until he was born! Sorry, Ryan, WAY too much information for the great-great-greats to know! Twenty-five minutes from my FIRST contraction he was born...thankfully we lived in Provo where you could actually get to a hospital in that amount of time......it was over before I caught my breath! (And let me tell you, anyone can do natural childbirth in 25 minutes because you don't have a choice!) I came home two days later and we were at the big Provo 4th of July parade 2 days after that! We called him Smilin' Ryan because he was always so happy. Brandi loved him from the second she saw him (she's 20 months older) and they are still very close.
There are so many things I love about Ryan...we're always saying "where did he come from?" since he is always coming up with the craziest (as in diverse) occupations. He has an internet affiliation marketing company (i.e.they do marketing for Blue Man Group and hotels in Vegas and alot of stuff) and then a travel company (Bountiful Travel) that focuses on Book of Mormon tours....a basketball site (NBAwire.com) that is amazing....he helps support an orphanage in Guatemala and mentors individuals in work situations in that country as well. He is a basketball crazy, Thai food and sushi lover (okay, we don't do lunch together) and all around wonderful boy. I love his love and commitment to the Hispanic community, his love of the gospel and his wonderful family. And he still loves to laugh!
2. David is just getting ready to go to meetings and needs to take this laptop. Let me tell you, if I had to work on a laptop every day, I might have to shoot myself! Grrrr.
3. Fires in California. It has a smokey haze.
4. The cell phone-hands-free law goes into effect tomorrow in California. Biggest gay-pride parade yesterday in the country.
5. I'm already thinking sour dough bread and shrimp. We are in the Union Square district (I think) and I'm not too familiar with it so I'm going to explore. And true to experience, it is NOT warm outside!
6. My niece, Ashley, emailed me that they are expecting "blue" in November! So excited! This is the niece that I left a scathing message (not really) about not telling me she was pregnant...and she replied that I knew...since the last time we were together I bought her a maternity outfit. She still likes me even if I'm losing it!
7. Last night, flipping through channels, we came on a funny exercise workout guy. David rolled his eyes. David got up early to go to the gym here in the hotel. While he was gone, I worked out with funny man. Just thought I would leave that image with you in your mind. I didn't have any weights so I used Diet Coke bottles. I think I'll let David open them later as a surprise!
Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Fairy Tales Do Come True.....
Not too long ago, a young man named Mitch Reed, reported home from his mission. A young girl was sitting by her mom in the audience. She leaned over to her mom and whispered, "I'm going to marry that boy!"
Yesterday Elizabeth did.
It was a wonderful day. A reception that was the party of the year. Unfortunately, although I had fun in the kitchen, I kind of missed it. But it was wonderful! Beautiful! I didn't even have time to capture the evening but I did take pictures of "pictures" so you could see this beautiful bride.
One shot of the party in action.
Yesterday Elizabeth did.
It was a wonderful day. A reception that was the party of the year. Unfortunately, although I had fun in the kitchen, I kind of missed it. But it was wonderful! Beautiful! I didn't even have time to capture the evening but I did take pictures of "pictures" so you could see this beautiful bride.
One shot of the party in action.
We survived (and I hope other people did) our talks in Church. Now we are off the the airport and San Francisco. Hopefully I can talk to you from there.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Guess Where I'm Going Tomorrow...
Guess where I'm going tomorrow????
David has a conference in San Francisco and I get to tag along for the ride! I’m so excited because there is nothing I’d rather do than tag along and be pampered. I’ve never actually been "warm" in California but I’m hoping there is a pool and lounge chairs and icy drinks. I'm already trying to decide which book to read. I will walk and walk (maybe across the Golden Gate Bridge since while visiting teaching this past week, Elsa told me she was taking her daughters there for a girl trip...and one of her daughters has a "bucket list" which included walking across the Golden Gate bridge. Gosh, I never knew I needed to do that until now!) I love Pier 39 and wish I could talk like a seal like Jan England. I guess really a sea lion. I’m thinking sourdough bread, shrimp, chocolate. Heaven. I have only been to San Francisco about 3 or 4 times so other than the usual tourist places, I'd love to know what other's favorite haunts are. Any favorite restaurants? Favorite galleries? Favorite cupcake shop? Gelato? Walking trails? I remember when Brandi was young, I would head to the Jessica McClintlock (sp?) outlet for pretty dresses. I don't think she wants one now.
But first, before I can get excited about our trip, I need to:
But first, before I can get excited about our trip, I need to:
1. Get my hair cut today.
2. Make flavored waters for Patriarch Corey’s wedding reception and drop it off at Sammies. If any of you need a great drink for big gatherings, this is perfect. I do it for weddings all the time. More than water, less than punch. Click over on recipes and go waaay back. I need to re-do all the recipes so that you don’t have to read the entries to find the recipes. Oh, forget that...I'll just print it again:
3 c. sugar
1 quart water
2 T. citric acid
2 T. lemon, orange or strawberry extract
fruit of choice for garnish
Make a simple syrup with 3 cups sugar to 1 quart water. I used to cook it until the sugar dissolves but now I just put it in a pitcher with a lid and shake it up really well. Add the citric acid (I buy it at Jolley’s Pharmacy in Sandy or Gygi’s in Salt Lake.) (It is basically Vitamin C) and the extract. Pack your jars with ice and fruit, then put about 1 part syrup to 3 parts water. If it tastes too strong, add a little more water. We’re looking for light sweet, not flat flavor. I promise you, you’ll get rave reviews! One of my favorites is to mix strawberry and orange together!
3. Get pool ready for the boys pool party tonight.
4. Pick up a cream colored t-shirt.
5. Finish my talk for tomorrow. Stressing a little.
6. Attend wedding in Salt Lake temple for Valene’s daughter, Elizabeth. Soooo happy!!!! Pictures tomorrow.
7. Help with the reception at their house. We will be worker bees and it will be fun. I love my friends!
8. Clean house for leaving. You know, mop out the back door.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Worship
A line from one of my friend's poem (Elaine Christensen) says, "Some days you know God loves you." Wed. was one of those days. While I was at Lake Powell, I had the opportunity to read a book that I’ve been anxious to devour. It is called "The Holy Secret" by James Ferrill, the author of "The Peacegiver." "The Peacegiver" was a life-changing book for me so I was anxious to read his next book. I wasn’t disappointed. The premise of this novel is the question "Why don’t we love Holy things?" Our actions as a people suggest that as a body of believers we do not love what is holy. Do we do what we do out of obedience or do we love it? Are we "passionate" about reading the scriptures, passionate about keeping the Sabbath day holy, passionate about attending the temple.
I have been having conversations in my head and with my sweet friend, J. about the temple. I have had miraculous experiences in the temple. I feel the Spirit there. I yearn to do what is right. But I’m not passionate about going. My friend, J. is. I see that I am missing out on something.
I have been having conversations in my head and with my sweet friend, J. about the temple. I have had miraculous experiences in the temple. I feel the Spirit there. I yearn to do what is right. But I’m not passionate about going. My friend, J. is. I see that I am missing out on something.
It reminds me of when Travis left on his mission. Tenille and Travis were high school "true loves"....Travis and Tenille’s brother, Trent, went out about the same time. One day Tenille came to our house just glowing. She told us she had just turned in her mission papers. She said she loved getting their letters, loved reading about their experiences but WANTED her very own wonderful experiences. So she did! Awesome!
I feel that way about the temple and J.
I WANT to feel the way she feels because I realize that I’m missing out on something big. I was anxious to go to the temple this week, since I’m giving a talk on Sunday, but our Jordan River temple is closed. So I called J. to see if she would like to go with me to the Timpanogos temple. It was an amazing experience. Instead of being rushed, I prepared. We sat in the car for 1 ½ hours before even entering the temple (which is one of my favorites...it is so beautiful...I’m mesmerized by the glass work) talking about holy things. We were both going with prayers in our hearts. We were going to worship not just "do" the work. I was alive and attentive during the session. We spent much time in the Celestial room, apart, pondering the things we each needed to discuss with the Lord. I left with new insight, filled and almost bursting with adoration. It truly was a holy day. Thank you, J. for your influence and listening ears. (These are a few quotes that J. has shared with me through the last year...)
D & C 109:22- And we ask thee, Holy Father, that they servants may go forth from this house armed with thy power, and that thy name may be upon then, and thy glory be round about them, and thine angels have charge over them. (I've really not thought of leaving the temple "armed with power." Don't we all need that desperately?)
The Lord has planted within us a divinity; and that divine immortal spirit requires to be fed. That divinity within us needs food from the fountain from which it emanated.
Brigham Young
Turn our meanderings into a sacred pilgrimage. Unknown
He does know, He does understand, He does care. And He has had us sacrifice to build sacred houses where the linkage of His heart, His 'bowels of compassion' can merge with ours.
Truman Madsen
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Catchin'Up
There is a whole lotta things I need to get caught up on before I can even go to Lake Powell. I don't mean literally "go" to Lake Powell....I mean journal Lake Powell. I didn't want anyone to get jealous thinking I was going to heaven again. Because that is what Lake Powell is. It says so in the Bible...something about a "sea of glass" so David is counting on water skiing. Well, as soon as his ear drum heals from BUSTING IT ALL TO PIECES AGAIN! He was wake boarding and he just goes so dang fast and he thinks he's a teenager (just cause he has really good looking legs...you know, the reason why I married him) and he smacked the water going a hundred miles an hour and so now we spend much of our time putting antibiotics and cotton balls in his ear and whenever I tell him something about my exciting day, he says,"huh?! But I'm not talking about Lake Powell here....I'll save that for another day. But let me tell you....Aunt Pat's Ceviche is to die for. We have fabulous food at Lake Powell and that dish took the academy award this year. I have some marinating right now. I promise, you'll love it. Except for Lisa, our Ward's Martha Stewart. She'd be gagging on the crab but for the rest of you connoisseurs, you'll love it. Have plenty of chips on hand. But I'm not talking about Lake Powell here. Here I am just getting caught up.
Look at this gorgeous sunset, ala Sandy, Utah
The lyrics kind of choke you up, don't they?
(note: I don't know any of the people in this picture, but thanks, Cousin Casey for snapping it for me. It made the blog...but you didn't!) (family joke)
So, the other day I said to Brandi that I finally changed my dining room table. It is the only thing I seasonally decorate. She let our a big "whoo"....she said she had noticed bunnies and eggs still swinging from the chandelier but didn't know if she should say anything. To be honest, the table wasn't ALL Easter....I put out some spring stuff so it was a spring table, not Easter table.
Now it is a 4th of July table.
Sigh.......
Look at this gorgeous sunset, ala Sandy, Utah
Several weeks ago, we DID go to the Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband concert at the Sandy Amphitheater (where we saw the firey sunset.) David and I and Tanner and girlfriend, Brooke and Cousin Casey. It was a gorgeous but CHILLY night (we took lots of blankets to wrap up in but not enough).....had a great time. Well, if you discounted Dave and Heidi Stapels and son Seth sitting behind us. Now Heidi is a DOLL, Seth is HOT (I think he is about 6-7 or 8?) but Dave is a total juvenile delinquent and threw Nutter Butters at us all evening. What he didn't know is that secretly I was saying, "Bring them on! I love Nutter Butters!" (I call Dave "Tobie" because he looks like Tobie Keith. And he makes fun of me during his sacrament meeting talks. We have a endearing/annoying relationship.)
So, I'm not sure David loved the concert but he was a good sport. I like much funkier music than he does (he's an "old" (croak) country music lover)....and when they got to their signature "Corn dog" song and everyone jumped up to do the actions, David looked at me with his eyebrows raised and muttered nicely, "Don't you EVER complain about my music again!" But how can anyone not be happy singing a song about corn dogs?
Here are the words of the last verse and chorus...imagine funky bluegrass beat and everyone dancing. Well, everyone but David. And probably Dave Stapels who was too busy throwing Nutter Butters!
You can eat corn dogs for breakfast
You could even eat corn dogs for lunch
They make a mighty, mighty fine dinner
And they make a pretty darn good brunch
I say there is no meal complete
without a ginormous hugegantic
Heaping helping of corn dogs
sitting there on your plate
And you might die of a heart attack
But they still taste real great
Corn dogs, corn dogs
they are so good to me
Corn dogs, corn dogs
they are so good to me
Good when they’re hot,
good when they’re cold
Good when they’re fresh,
good when they’re old
Corn dogs, corn dogs.
They are so good to me
The lyrics kind of choke you up, don't they?
Their hit this past year was called "Dream Big." If you have never heard them, google and listen to their stuff. They sound a lot like Barenaked Ladies.
And SPEAKING of Barenaked Ladies......a little imp in Tooele (pronounced "Too-Will-A" for any great-great-greats that live out of state) surprised me with the Barenaked Ladies "Snacktime" cd. They are all kids songs and so fun!!!!! You need to google it as well. Crazy songs. Kids will love it. So will their grammies. And Amy, THANK YOU!!!! I miss you....where have you been? Give Cody-boy a squeeze!
(note: I don't know any of the people in this picture, but thanks, Cousin Casey for snapping it for me. It made the blog...but you didn't!) (family joke)So, the other day I said to Brandi that I finally changed my dining room table. It is the only thing I seasonally decorate. She let our a big "whoo"....she said she had noticed bunnies and eggs still swinging from the chandelier but didn't know if she should say anything. To be honest, the table wasn't ALL Easter....I put out some spring stuff so it was a spring table, not Easter table.
Now it is a 4th of July table.
And I want you to know that I hardly slept last night. I realized after yesterday's blog that I was downright bragging. Showing off my kiddos like no one else thinks their kids or kiddos are cute. Yours are cute too!
And then the greenhouse. What a bragger I was about that as well. Can I help it if my tomatoes are starting to turn red? No, but surely I don't have to rub it in your face. So the next two pictures will redeem myself. So I won't seem so lofty in your eyes. If you've been putting me and my flowers on a pedestal (ha!), I have now offically fallen off.
Remember this picture from about 5 weeks ago? This gorgeous basket of petunias?
Sigh.......
Well, this is what it looked like when we got home from Powell (and I'm not talking about Powell so this doesn't really count.)
I won't tell you who was watering the flowers and tomatoes while we were gone. But I'll give you a little hint. She is missing a front tooth.
I won't tell you who was watering the flowers and tomatoes while we were gone. But I'll give you a little hint. She is missing a front tooth.
Okay, that was mean. I'm just getting back at my sweet MIL for laughing at us while we were drowning the other day. And I have to take a little credit. I did fertilize it before we left. Looks like I fried it to death. Next time I get bragging about my flowers, just remember I don't show you the dead stuff. Dead stuff keeps you humble.
"I think life goes through a cycle of losing and refinding yourself all the time. Everyone has disappointments all the time, some of them pretty small, some of them pretty big. "
"I think life goes through a cycle of losing and refinding yourself all the time. Everyone has disappointments all the time, some of them pretty small, some of them pretty big. "
~ Bruce Springsteen
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
The Week in Pictures (okay, half-week)
First of all, let me show off our two babies. Actually, they both turned one-year old last month, 8 days apart. This is Noah. He is finally growing and is all filled out. He gave us quite the scare around Christmas and January because he was wilting away. But now he's drinking goat's milk and eating greensmoothielady/girl (whoever) healthy stuff and is starting to get chubby like his grammie. Why doesn't someone pinch "my" thighs and say "oh, isn't that squishy cute??!!!"
This here is Nash. Nash has already taken off walking and, as you can see by this picture, is already into riding horseback. Please do not notice the little red (6 stitches) scar above his eyebrow. He fell on someone's fireplace when two-somebodies were standing right there....
I think he has forgiven his ninny grandparents.
Here's 3 of my girlie-girls during swimming yesterday.
Although this picture is cute, you should see the one I DIDN'T get - so picture this:
We just got our pool re-painted and whatever product they used is slick. I mean SLICK. Cousin Casey and Tanner had warned me about the stairs. Both of them had already taken the dive. So I am being cautious stepping into the pool. Gracie and Hallee Babe are already in, hovering close by. I take one step and swoosh!!!! I take Halle down under with me....practically drowning the kid and come up sputtering and gasping with Halle sputtering and gasping. My mother-in-law was standing by the side of the pool. Did she even ATTEMPT to jump in and rescue us? No, she stood there and laughed hysterically. And it looked hysterical because while we were at Lake Powell, one of her front teeth broke off. So it was kind of a maniac, hysterical laugh. I yelled (not really) "Thanks alot for coming to our rescue! Thanks for doing nothing!" She just kept laughing. It really WAS a moment. I would have laughed if I had seen it. Instead of doing it.....
Okay, this is quite the possee. Here is curly-headed Elijah, Heidi and Boston. Elijah and Boston are the same age, Heidi is the same age as Hallee Babe...all the cousins have a counter-part except Addison.
Riding horses in Sunday clothes....what's up with that? Must be a Travis shenanigan! Travis can't sit still. He always has to be doing something. He loves to give the kids rides around the yard. Kind of a Sunday ride. Not a rip-roaring gully ride.
Thank you, David, for taking care of the lawn poop. Horses don't belong on the grass or lawn for obvious reasons. They just aren't responsible for cleaning up after themselves. It's not like you can potty train them or have them go in a litter box. I think maybe they could wear those little diapers like they have for dogs. Okay, BIG diapers. Really big diapers.
The kids all brought dinner on Sunday to celebrate David's birthday (belated since we were at Powell.) The kiddos ate dinner on the lawn. Well, actually they did have plates but most of their dinner was scattered across the grass. Lasagna everywhere. It wasn't a pretty sight. I picked up all the paper goods and threw them away but I wasn't going lasagna scooping. This morning, I woke up to the lovely sound of magpies squawking. Now, if you know me, I think magpies fit in the "outer darkness" category. Kind of the Darth Vadar of the bird world. Magpies bring out the worst in me. I have been known to toy with the idea of a potato gun to show them who is "alpha" around here. But......
when I ran out onto the deck to give them a "what-for" this morning, guess who was cleaning up all the lawn lasagna? Slicked it all right up. Today I experienced my only pleasant thought about magpies in my whole life!
And I know no one cares about this but me, but today, when I was in the car (driving to pick up my MIL from the dentist....you know, the tooth that was....) I saw a wild turkey in the tree! It was HUGE! Big black bird with a red head. It was like an omen but I'm not sure what of....maybe 157 days until Thanksgiving? Or maybe he just heard there was a smorgasbord of lasagna somewhere in the neighborhood. Oh, sorry, we were talking about riding horses in Sunday clothes. I digress.
Here is Ryan and Marci and kiddos. Marci won one of the contest drawings but please don't hate her. She's a doll and besides, look how cute those kiddos are that she harvested!
Here's Brandi and Ryan...I actually had to take about 10 pictures because their family is like grasshoppers...everyone is looking or hopping in different directions. Poor Parker was hurting kneeling (still from surgery) and I was saying, "Parker, sit still! Sit still!" Duh, some grammies aren't the smartest kids on the block. Let's see if you can guess who Gracie (hugging her dad) looks like? We grow blonds around here with blue eyes so we're not sure what to do with a brunette with beautiful green eyes like her daddy, except adore her.
And Brandi won another contest drawing...really! What are the odds of that? I promise, promise, promise the drawing wasn't rigged. Brandi's smiling because she "loves Tar-shay."
Please don't hate me because my tomatoes are turning red already! Tomatoes without salmonella. I think. I hope.
I didn't get a picture of Travis and Tenille and kids Sunday...except Nash at the beginning. Just imagine their picture below, looking cute as always.
(pause-picture of T & T's cute family!)
Now on to the greenhouse.
Please don't hate me because my tomatoes are turning red already! Tomatoes without salmonella. I think. I hope.
Inky Fingers I love thee! All grown from starts (thank you Elsa!) My favorite coleus.
Hydrangeas in pink and blue. Is it true that my blue's next year will turn pink? I do put an acid fertilizer around my hydrangeas....would I need to put alkaline to keep the blue color? Just wondering out loud.....
This still life is called, "Trumpets, tomatoes, geraniums and lawn chairs." Catchy, huh?
The Trumpets have arrived! Yeah! And they will bloom until the end of September.
Okay, thanks for looking at my family pictures. I saw a few of you yawning and dozing off. Reminds me of this goofy boy that I went out on a date with. He really didn't want to go out with me (and I didn't really want to go out with him) as much as he wanted to hang out with my dad. So we just sat around the living room...Aldon, mom and dad and me. It was VERY exciting. So exciting that after hours of sitting around, I finally said that I was going to bed. Aldon STILL didn't get the hint. At one point, he even walked over to where my dad was slightly dozing in a chair and kicked the chair and said, "Wake up!!!" Now THAT, MSN, is an obnoxious weed! But bad dates do become funny family memories..... (okay, maybe we need another contest....let's see who can out-do who on a bad date memory!)
So, I'll end with a funny for those of you who endured to the end.
At Lake Powell, Elaine told a story about her D-I-L's niece. Apparently she was acting up at the dinner table and wouldn't eat her dinner, fussing and crying. Finally her mother told her she could leave the table but she would have to live with the consequences. The little girl, still tantruming, really wailed then. "Who are the consequences and why do I have to live with them!!!"
Monday, June 23, 2008
Tiny Beauties
A couple of weeks ago, a member of the Bishopric called David and I to speak in Church this coming Sunday. Our topics are Home and Visiting Teaching. VT is something that REALLY matters to me so it has been on my mind. For two weeks now, I have been reliving wonderful experiences and the wonderful friends that VTing has brought into my life. I planned on sharing a few of those in my talk. My most meaningful opportunity came when I moved into a new Ward. I had 3 little kids, a husband that was really busy with a new law practice (who also served in the Bishopric) and I was lonely and frazzled. I remember getting on my knees and pleading for Heavenly Father to send me a friend. I knew that VTing would be the answer. How excited I was to get the names of the sisters I would be visiting and my companion. I remember how quickly I was "deflated!" Why, all the ladies that I was to visit were old enough to be my mother.....AND my companion, Kuni, was a new convert from Japan...who spoke English with such a heavy accent you could hardly understand her! I really gave Heavenly Father a talking to! These were not the people I needed in my life. What was He doing?
He was doing what He does best. Answering my prayers in the most heavenly way. I won't go into the many experiences that we all shared for 5 years and all the years since. Suffice it to say that my life has been enriched by all these wonderful women.
Yesterday was so busy....just getting home from Powell and a busy day at Church. I was expecting all of Brandi's kiddos....Parker had a follow-up visit from his surgery, she had several patients, then she and Ryan went to one of Ryan's doctors. I was excited for my first swim of the year in the pool with the kiddos. The phone rang at 1:40. It was my friend, Penny. I immediately started babbling about how much we missed them this year at Powell and she interrupted me and said, "Marilyn, I'm calling from Kuni's funeral. We've just finished going through the viewing and I was worried when I didn't see you there. The funeral starts at 2:00." I hadn't heard Kuni had died.
It was wild and it was crazy, rearranging everything on a minute's notice but how could I NOT be there for my dear friend. What a beautiful funeral. I have so much to say about it....and the talks of the 5 women that played a big part in Kuni's life and the Dahlquist girl's musical number but there isn't time right now. Life keeps coming at me and I'm not breathing yet. But let me just share a cute "Kuni" story. Kuni loved parties and my birthday one year was coming around. I had moved away from that Ward and even Stake. She insisted on throwing me a birthday party which I kept declining. So she threw a surprise party for me. It was a SURPRISE!!! It was lovely. But what was funny was the assortment of people attending, some of whom I didn't even know. One of Kuni's neighbors, a woman I had only met once before came up to me a little apologetic. She said, "I feel a little funny being here but Kuni said that she loved me so she knew that you would love me too!" Funny! And she was right! One speaker shared Kuni's term of "tiny beauties." In Japan, the houses are very crammed together but many people take every opportunity to put just a tiny basket filled with flowers, usually pansies, somewhere on the walls of their home. When asked about them, Kuni said, "They're just tiny beauties."
Tiny Beauties. The blessing Kuni has brought to so many lives......
Kuni Harada Jackson
Kuni Harada Jackson 1944 ~ 2008 Kuni passed away peacefully at her home, Thursday, June 19th, 2008, after a long but courageous struggle with illness.She was born, Nov. 4th, 1944, in Hiroshima, Japan, the daughter of Heiichi and Masa Harada. She grew up in Japan loving the beaches, oceans and mountain climbing. She won prizes in intellectual competitions. Kuni had teaching certificates in Japanese tea ceremony and flower arranging. She has had Haiku poetry published in a Japanese language newspaper in the United States. As a young woman, she loved working as a tour guide, sharing the beauty of her native Japan with others. In 1971, she met and married Brian Charles Jackson, who was serving in the armed forces there in Japan. They moved back to the Salt Lake area, where their son, Travis was born. Kuni had a deep love for her family, friends and neighbors, the Temple and the gospel of Jesus Christ. She served everyone-children, the sick, the lonely, the needy and the aged. She knew and lived the meaning of "Love One Another." In turn, her family would like to thank the many friends, neighbors, doctors and nurses who assisted her during her illness. Kuni is survived by the family that she treasured- her husband, Brian and son, Travis. She was preceded in death by parents, her sister, Nichiko and brother, Rikuich, all of Japan. Funeral services will be held Mon., June 23, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the Mountain View Mortuary Chapel, 3115 E. 7800 S. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 12 noon until 1:45 p.m., at which time a video prepared by Kuni will be available for viewing, prior to the services. Interment will follow at the Mountain View Memorial Cemetery.
He was doing what He does best. Answering my prayers in the most heavenly way. I won't go into the many experiences that we all shared for 5 years and all the years since. Suffice it to say that my life has been enriched by all these wonderful women.
Yesterday was so busy....just getting home from Powell and a busy day at Church. I was expecting all of Brandi's kiddos....Parker had a follow-up visit from his surgery, she had several patients, then she and Ryan went to one of Ryan's doctors. I was excited for my first swim of the year in the pool with the kiddos. The phone rang at 1:40. It was my friend, Penny. I immediately started babbling about how much we missed them this year at Powell and she interrupted me and said, "Marilyn, I'm calling from Kuni's funeral. We've just finished going through the viewing and I was worried when I didn't see you there. The funeral starts at 2:00." I hadn't heard Kuni had died.
It was wild and it was crazy, rearranging everything on a minute's notice but how could I NOT be there for my dear friend. What a beautiful funeral. I have so much to say about it....and the talks of the 5 women that played a big part in Kuni's life and the Dahlquist girl's musical number but there isn't time right now. Life keeps coming at me and I'm not breathing yet. But let me just share a cute "Kuni" story. Kuni loved parties and my birthday one year was coming around. I had moved away from that Ward and even Stake. She insisted on throwing me a birthday party which I kept declining. So she threw a surprise party for me. It was a SURPRISE!!! It was lovely. But what was funny was the assortment of people attending, some of whom I didn't even know. One of Kuni's neighbors, a woman I had only met once before came up to me a little apologetic. She said, "I feel a little funny being here but Kuni said that she loved me so she knew that you would love me too!" Funny! And she was right! One speaker shared Kuni's term of "tiny beauties." In Japan, the houses are very crammed together but many people take every opportunity to put just a tiny basket filled with flowers, usually pansies, somewhere on the walls of their home. When asked about them, Kuni said, "They're just tiny beauties."
Tiny Beauties. The blessing Kuni has brought to so many lives......
Kuni Harada Jackson
Kuni Harada Jackson 1944 ~ 2008 Kuni passed away peacefully at her home, Thursday, June 19th, 2008, after a long but courageous struggle with illness.She was born, Nov. 4th, 1944, in Hiroshima, Japan, the daughter of Heiichi and Masa Harada. She grew up in Japan loving the beaches, oceans and mountain climbing. She won prizes in intellectual competitions. Kuni had teaching certificates in Japanese tea ceremony and flower arranging. She has had Haiku poetry published in a Japanese language newspaper in the United States. As a young woman, she loved working as a tour guide, sharing the beauty of her native Japan with others. In 1971, she met and married Brian Charles Jackson, who was serving in the armed forces there in Japan. They moved back to the Salt Lake area, where their son, Travis was born. Kuni had a deep love for her family, friends and neighbors, the Temple and the gospel of Jesus Christ. She served everyone-children, the sick, the lonely, the needy and the aged. She knew and lived the meaning of "Love One Another." In turn, her family would like to thank the many friends, neighbors, doctors and nurses who assisted her during her illness. Kuni is survived by the family that she treasured- her husband, Brian and son, Travis. She was preceded in death by parents, her sister, Nichiko and brother, Rikuich, all of Japan. Funeral services will be held Mon., June 23, 2008 at 2 p.m. at the Mountain View Mortuary Chapel, 3115 E. 7800 S. A viewing for family and friends will be held from 12 noon until 1:45 p.m., at which time a video prepared by Kuni will be available for viewing, prior to the services. Interment will follow at the Mountain View Memorial Cemetery.
And the Winners ARE.......
a gift certificate to Chili's goes to:
A gift certificate to Target (Tar-shay) goes to:
A Barnes and Noble gift certificate goes to:
A gift certificate to Target (Tar-shay) goes to: A Barnes and Noble gift certificate goes to:
and lastly, a gift certificate to Bath and Body Works goes to:
Sorry that it has taken me so long to post today. It has been a day. I won't tell you about it now but then the blogger site was also down for awhile as well. But THANK YOU! THANK YOU to everyone that participated and shared thoughts and fears and quotes and passions! I LOVED hearing what each of you had to say and even my mom called long distance so we could discuss a few postings. I've loved hearing from people I haven't met and old friends and new friends. And boy, Brandi's "pick me-pick me" worked....I'm sure Hallee Babe is her favorite tonight. So we had winners from Herriman, Eagle Mountain, Cache Valley and France!!!! How fun was that?! I'm good on addresses so the gift certificates will be in the mail. I'm thinking, Janet, that since yours is to Barnes and Noble, I could just give you the information online and you could use it online. Would that work?
Sorry that it has taken me so long to post today. It has been a day. I won't tell you about it now but then the blogger site was also down for awhile as well. But THANK YOU! THANK YOU to everyone that participated and shared thoughts and fears and quotes and passions! I LOVED hearing what each of you had to say and even my mom called long distance so we could discuss a few postings. I've loved hearing from people I haven't met and old friends and new friends. And boy, Brandi's "pick me-pick me" worked....I'm sure Hallee Babe is her favorite tonight. So we had winners from Herriman, Eagle Mountain, Cache Valley and France!!!! How fun was that?! I'm good on addresses so the gift certificates will be in the mail. I'm thinking, Janet, that since yours is to Barnes and Noble, I could just give you the information online and you could use it online. Would that work?
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Welcome back, Wanderer
Sooooo....from my title today, guess what book I read while at Lake Powell? Can I just say I LOVED it. I think The Host is even better than Twilight.....okay, okay, quit throwing tomatoes at me! I think I liked it because I loved both heroines. It isn't a book like "These Is My Words" but it was a fun read.
We got home last night, the earliest we've ever gotten home from Powell because rented wave runners needed to be returned. I think we were home at 10:00 and after getting settled, I had time to read some of your awesome blog comments this past week. Wow! What wonderful things you have shared! Thank you all. Remember that you still have time to enter any of the 4 contests today....until 10:00 p.m.. If you share a comment on one challenge, you are just entered into the drawing for that contest, not the others. So make sure you comment on all of them. I'll post the winners tomorrow afternoon.
Well, there is so much to share about Powell but I have "sharing time" this morning in Primary and I'm still working on it. Brendalyn and I are in different Wards, same building, one after another, and she is doing sharing time in her Primary as well so we are collaborating. Just like we did when we worked in Stake Young Women's forever ago. We're a team. And it will be nice to know that while she is standing and doing her sharing time, she will be "rocking and swaying" because I know I am "rocking and swaying" because the motion of the houseboat stays with you for awhile!
Have a happy Sabbath!
We got home last night, the earliest we've ever gotten home from Powell because rented wave runners needed to be returned. I think we were home at 10:00 and after getting settled, I had time to read some of your awesome blog comments this past week. Wow! What wonderful things you have shared! Thank you all. Remember that you still have time to enter any of the 4 contests today....until 10:00 p.m.. If you share a comment on one challenge, you are just entered into the drawing for that contest, not the others. So make sure you comment on all of them. I'll post the winners tomorrow afternoon.
Well, there is so much to share about Powell but I have "sharing time" this morning in Primary and I'm still working on it. Brendalyn and I are in different Wards, same building, one after another, and she is doing sharing time in her Primary as well so we are collaborating. Just like we did when we worked in Stake Young Women's forever ago. We're a team. And it will be nice to know that while she is standing and doing her sharing time, she will be "rocking and swaying" because I know I am "rocking and swaying" because the motion of the houseboat stays with you for awhile!
Have a happy Sabbath!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Challenge #4 Wisdom
I love to learn. And I'm attention deficit. So inspiring quotes work REALLY well for me. They are like a shot in the arm. Picking a favorite quote is like picking a favorite child...impossible. Send in an inspiring quotation and your name will be put in for a drawing for this challenge. You have until Sunday night at 10:00.
Everyone knows mine....it is the namesake of this blog, from Elder Buche. It says,
"When we consistently follow the Holy Spirit, in a continuous, constant spirit of prayer, the world of miracles is open to us now, in this life. A life of adventures, of constant, growing amazement, of surprising vision, of new aspects of life, of new dimensions of joy and peace will be the consequence."
or how about this one from Mae West: "Too much of a good thing is wonderful!!!"
Everyone knows mine....it is the namesake of this blog, from Elder Buche. It says,
"When we consistently follow the Holy Spirit, in a continuous, constant spirit of prayer, the world of miracles is open to us now, in this life. A life of adventures, of constant, growing amazement, of surprising vision, of new aspects of life, of new dimensions of joy and peace will be the consequence."
or how about this one from Mae West: "Too much of a good thing is wonderful!!!"
Friday, June 20, 2008
Challenge #3 Passions
Not what we have
But what we enjoy,
constitutes our abundance.
John Petit-Senn
Today I want you to share your passions. It can’t be family or gospel/ God, because I take it for granted that the people I love (and people that find this blog) will love both. Tell me 5 things you are passionate about.
My passions:
1. Playing- love timeout with family or girlfriends
2. Going Out To Eat (big surprise!)
3. Painting- right now it is oil, but I'm dying to play with mixed media. I like funky stuff and oil alone isn't too funky.
4. Writing-poetry, blogging, journals
5. Lake Powell- just think...I'm floating on an air mattress sipping a pina colada or fresh lemonade RIGHT NOW!!!!
Let’s hear yours for today's drawing. $25 gift certificate to Bath and Body Works....it can be used online as well. I think. I'll check. Last challenge tomorrow!
But what we enjoy,
constitutes our abundance.
John Petit-Senn
Today I want you to share your passions. It can’t be family or gospel/ God, because I take it for granted that the people I love (and people that find this blog) will love both. Tell me 5 things you are passionate about.
My passions:
1. Playing- love timeout with family or girlfriends
2. Going Out To Eat (big surprise!)
3. Painting- right now it is oil, but I'm dying to play with mixed media. I like funky stuff and oil alone isn't too funky.
4. Writing-poetry, blogging, journals
5. Lake Powell- just think...I'm floating on an air mattress sipping a pina colada or fresh lemonade RIGHT NOW!!!!
Let’s hear yours for today's drawing. $25 gift certificate to Bath and Body Works....it can be used online as well. I think. I'll check. Last challenge tomorrow!
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Challenge #2 The Extra Mile
"Once we accept our limits, we go beyond them."
Brendan Francis
Well, this one is easy for me. I go beyond my limits about every day on my spending and calorie intake. But seriously, I love the extra mile. Share a situation when someone has gone the extra mile for YOU! You can post anytime this week until Sunday at 10:00.
One person that went the extra mile for me was Susan Nebeker. I have already told this story (as I re-tell almost all my stories...you'll start recognizing them all). We were moving into this house...it was still in a state of, well, in Mexico they would say "remodelation." Things were a mess. We were moving the next weekend and having a farewell mission party for Tanner on Saturday night and going crazy. I ran into Susan in the halls at church. She doesn't even attend a Ward in our building. I haven't seen her forever and then, just in passing. She asked me how I was doing. I told her. She said, "Well, I am bringing dinner to you next Sunday." I told her that I couldn't have her do that. She said she was going to anyway. She did. A HUGE prime rib dinner (the kind you have to take a second mortgage out to buy) homemade mashed potatoes (a REAL labor of love), homemade bread, green beans with bacon and goodies in them and cheesecake for dessert. It was a meal fit for a king. "How could I ever thank her enough," I asked? She said, "Do it for someone else that needs it." Susan is an extra-miler. Her kindness blew me away.
The winner of today’s drawing will be a $25 gift certificate to Target. Sorry, that isn't enough to buy a prime rib. Not even one rib of prime. It could buy 6 gallons of gas. Well, if Target sold gas. Which they don't. Okay, you could buy a cooking magazine that showed a picture of a prime rib and have money left over to buy yourself a little treat....like a new CD or some gardening stuff. I love Target. I love to pronounce it ala Pretty Patty Petty and say "Tar-zhay." Like we're French. I have a great French accent, in case you couldn't tell. I try to play it up (family joke.)
Next challenge on Friday.
Brendan Francis
Well, this one is easy for me. I go beyond my limits about every day on my spending and calorie intake. But seriously, I love the extra mile. Share a situation when someone has gone the extra mile for YOU! You can post anytime this week until Sunday at 10:00.
One person that went the extra mile for me was Susan Nebeker. I have already told this story (as I re-tell almost all my stories...you'll start recognizing them all). We were moving into this house...it was still in a state of, well, in Mexico they would say "remodelation." Things were a mess. We were moving the next weekend and having a farewell mission party for Tanner on Saturday night and going crazy. I ran into Susan in the halls at church. She doesn't even attend a Ward in our building. I haven't seen her forever and then, just in passing. She asked me how I was doing. I told her. She said, "Well, I am bringing dinner to you next Sunday." I told her that I couldn't have her do that. She said she was going to anyway. She did. A HUGE prime rib dinner (the kind you have to take a second mortgage out to buy) homemade mashed potatoes (a REAL labor of love), homemade bread, green beans with bacon and goodies in them and cheesecake for dessert. It was a meal fit for a king. "How could I ever thank her enough," I asked? She said, "Do it for someone else that needs it." Susan is an extra-miler. Her kindness blew me away.
The winner of today’s drawing will be a $25 gift certificate to Target. Sorry, that isn't enough to buy a prime rib. Not even one rib of prime. It could buy 6 gallons of gas. Well, if Target sold gas. Which they don't. Okay, you could buy a cooking magazine that showed a picture of a prime rib and have money left over to buy yourself a little treat....like a new CD or some gardening stuff. I love Target. I love to pronounce it ala Pretty Patty Petty and say "Tar-zhay." Like we're French. I have a great French accent, in case you couldn't tell. I try to play it up (family joke.)
Next challenge on Friday.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Challenge #1 Fear Factor
"Adventure is not outside a man; it is within." David Grayson
For our drawing for today, share one of your greatest adventures...a time when you stepped outside of your comfort zone. One such time for me (and I believe I have shared this before) was in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. It was one of our first travel trips with Roger and Elaine. I am totally afraid of heights and I knew that everyone would want to go para-sailing, which was perfectly fine with me....I just didn’t want THEM bugging ME about ME going as well! So I set the rules right up front....I didn’t want my vacation spoiled by them demanding that I needed to do what they wanted me to do in order for them to have fun. We were on the beach and waiting for our turn. A tour bus filled with older tourists had landed just before us. A few of them were sailing, the rest shopping or eating nearby. Elaine and I decided to head to the little cafe/shop on the beach and get something cold to drink. But on the way there, we saw a group of "olders" running back to the beach. When someone asked them what the rush was, someone blurted out "Ethel is going to para-sail! We can’t believe it. Ethel has never done a fun thing in her life!"
Well, that hit me hard. I realized that if Ethel, who had never done a fun thing in her life could para-sail, I certainly could as well. Thank you, Ethel, whoever you are. You opened up a self-imposed fear factor for me!
So.....when is a time when YOU’VE stepped outside of your fears? You don't have to write a whole epistle. You could just say, "Each morning when I step on the scales!" See, and then you are entered in the drawing. The winner today will get a $25 gift certificate to dinner at Chili's....in memory of Puerta Vallarta and Ethel! You can post anytime this week until Sunday at 10:00. Next challenge on Wed.
For our drawing for today, share one of your greatest adventures...a time when you stepped outside of your comfort zone. One such time for me (and I believe I have shared this before) was in Puerta Vallarta, Mexico. It was one of our first travel trips with Roger and Elaine. I am totally afraid of heights and I knew that everyone would want to go para-sailing, which was perfectly fine with me....I just didn’t want THEM bugging ME about ME going as well! So I set the rules right up front....I didn’t want my vacation spoiled by them demanding that I needed to do what they wanted me to do in order for them to have fun. We were on the beach and waiting for our turn. A tour bus filled with older tourists had landed just before us. A few of them were sailing, the rest shopping or eating nearby. Elaine and I decided to head to the little cafe/shop on the beach and get something cold to drink. But on the way there, we saw a group of "olders" running back to the beach. When someone asked them what the rush was, someone blurted out "Ethel is going to para-sail! We can’t believe it. Ethel has never done a fun thing in her life!"
Well, that hit me hard. I realized that if Ethel, who had never done a fun thing in her life could para-sail, I certainly could as well. Thank you, Ethel, whoever you are. You opened up a self-imposed fear factor for me!
So.....when is a time when YOU’VE stepped outside of your fears? You don't have to write a whole epistle. You could just say, "Each morning when I step on the scales!" See, and then you are entered in the drawing. The winner today will get a $25 gift certificate to dinner at Chili's....in memory of Puerta Vallarta and Ethel! You can post anytime this week until Sunday at 10:00. Next challenge on Wed.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Whew!
I always feel bad that the day before Powell, even though it is the Sabbath, is not quite the day of rest and reflection that it is suppose to be. Actually David and the boys just pulled out of the driveway. They always head to Bullfrog Sunday evening, after everyone's church.....they sleep on the houseboat with the bare essentials and then unload everything at the crack of dawn and get the houseboat checked off so we are ready to go when everyone else gets there tomorrow. Everyone else heads down early in the morning. Getting all out the door is always a challenge. Getting all out the door with everyone in good spirits is even a greater challenge if you know what I mean!
Today is Father's Day. This is actually a hard one for us...since we are still mourning the loss of David's dad just 10 weeks ago. And because our Lake Powell trip is always scheduled this week, I'm never in Washington to spend the day with my own dad, who you know I love dearly! I'm so glad that they live by my brother and his family so they can share this day with them.
Tuesday is my mom's birthday, tomorrow is David's....so this is a week of celebration. I hope that you will celebrate with me, sharing some of your lives and write my blog for me this week.
Here's how it will go.
Each day, or every other day, I will post a challenge. Each challenge will detail what you will need to do. Little prizes will be given next Monday. I will put the names of each participant for each challenge in a hat, the winner chosen by a random drawing by one of my kiddos next Monday. One entry per person per challenge. The challenges are easy. If you can't think of anything to share, share a quote on that topic. I don't care if you post anonymously but you will have to email me your answer so I will have your address to send a prize if you win.
I'm hoping that I will have funny stories to share next week. I can't wait to see what Greg Wilson will do for an encore act to his jet ski mishap last year. (see http://constantgrowingamazement.blogspot.com/2007/06/boat-on.html) I doubt he can top it!
Aunt Pat had a Relief Society class last week where she got some new summer recipes. We are making one new dip for the trip. She says that it is yummy!
Aunt Pat's Ceviche
1 lb. imitation crab meat, diced up
10-12 limes
Pour freshly squeezed lime over crab meat and let marinate slightly
Add:
2 avocados cut up
1 med onion chopped
½ bunch green onion (mostly green part)
4-5 tomatoes chopped (add just before serving)
Salt and pepper and garlic salt to taste
Shrimp and corn optional (we're adding a cup of frozen corn)
Serve with Chips.
Today is Father's Day. This is actually a hard one for us...since we are still mourning the loss of David's dad just 10 weeks ago. And because our Lake Powell trip is always scheduled this week, I'm never in Washington to spend the day with my own dad, who you know I love dearly! I'm so glad that they live by my brother and his family so they can share this day with them.
Tuesday is my mom's birthday, tomorrow is David's....so this is a week of celebration. I hope that you will celebrate with me, sharing some of your lives and write my blog for me this week.
Here's how it will go.
Each day, or every other day, I will post a challenge. Each challenge will detail what you will need to do. Little prizes will be given next Monday. I will put the names of each participant for each challenge in a hat, the winner chosen by a random drawing by one of my kiddos next Monday. One entry per person per challenge. The challenges are easy. If you can't think of anything to share, share a quote on that topic. I don't care if you post anonymously but you will have to email me your answer so I will have your address to send a prize if you win.
I'm hoping that I will have funny stories to share next week. I can't wait to see what Greg Wilson will do for an encore act to his jet ski mishap last year. (see http://constantgrowingamazement.blogspot.com/2007/06/boat-on.html) I doubt he can top it!
Aunt Pat had a Relief Society class last week where she got some new summer recipes. We are making one new dip for the trip. She says that it is yummy!
Aunt Pat's Ceviche
1 lb. imitation crab meat, diced up
10-12 limes
Pour freshly squeezed lime over crab meat and let marinate slightly
Add:
2 avocados cut up
1 med onion chopped
½ bunch green onion (mostly green part)
4-5 tomatoes chopped (add just before serving)
Salt and pepper and garlic salt to taste
Shrimp and corn optional (we're adding a cup of frozen corn)
Serve with Chips.
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Fives
5 things I want to learn to do:
1. Adobe Printshop
2. Digital scrapbook (sometime when things slow down, Heidi!)
3. Add things like video or Youtube to my blog
4. Learn how to use my new (1 ½ year old) video camera. I know, I know...that involves reading the instruction manual.
5. Not let problems, even other’s problems and challenges, consume my positive energy. I worry and I fret. Neither are productive. I have a high crack in the mortar of my kitchen fireplace. I’ve decided it would be the perfect worry wall (ala Secret Life of Bees.) Each day I’m beginning with prayer and breathing deeply. Maybe write my worries and stick them in the "wall." And try and live in the moment and not be consumed by tomorrow.
5 Things I’m looking forward to right now (okay...I’m just "looking forward to", not being "consumed by" these things!)
1. Lake Powell
2. Bear Lake and my mom’s family reunion there in July
3. Having my folks here for two weeks in July
4. Girl trip to Newport Beach in September
5. New England in the fall with David and best friends, Kirk and Cathy
5 people on my prayer list
1. Derek and Jill (Dahlquist) Wright’s family who lost Derek’s youngest brother, David, through kind of a freak thing the other day. So heartbreaking.
2. The Raddon family. Haven’t heard any news since they have gone to San Francisco.
3. grandson Parker- and his daddy, Ryan
4. Some other family members
5. Some other people in our Ward
5 yummy things I’m making for Powell
1. Marinated tenderloin steaks. This is tradition at Lake Powell, to have a birthday dinner for David because it is his birthday each year when we are there. Has to be Costco tenderloins (they have the best meat) and I marinate it in ½ Kikoman Teriyaki sauce and ½ Bernstein’s Italian dressing. I have mentioned this before that this is my favorite meat marinade. I use it for steak and chicken and shrimp. You can marinade it for about ½ hour, or hours if you need.
2. Pina Colada slush. I take the bottles of pina colada mixer and mix one bottle with 1 large can of pineapple juice and then freeze it in zip-lock bags. When I am ready to serve, I mix it with Sprite. Add a maraschino cherry and straw and you’re in business!
3. Oreo Rice Krispie treats. You crush a box of mini-Oreo’s and add to your regular Rice Krispie treats. Recipe courtesy of my blog friend, Sophia, who really got it from her daughter, Liza. Thank you, thank you. Our tummies thank you!
4. Café Rio (or Costa Vida) sweet pork salad
5. Actually, then I’m going to relax (except for Egg McMuffins one morning) because all the other meals are assigned out. This IS a vacation for Pete’s sake!
5 things I need to prepare before we go:1. Sharing time for the day after we get back. I have A LOT of work to do on it before I go
2. Father’s Day gifts for my Sunbeams and the nursery kids to do on Sunday
3. Get David’s Father’s Day present AND David’s birthday present.
4. Send my Dad a Father’s Day card (I already bought them airline tickets to fly here for their gifts) and Mom a birthday card.
5. Still planting stuff.
6. Give Brandi the last minute "if we don't come back" instructions. She HATES this each time I go on a trip!
7. Get everything packed. Aunt Pat comes this morning so we can do the big grocery shop and pack everything. The pork roasts are already in the crock pot, falling apart after cooking all night.
8. Our son, Ryan, brought his 10 scouts and multiple leaders here and camped out last night in our backyard! We got the pool repainted and filled and nice and warm for them. Last night they swam and grilled some wonderful marinated meat that they filled tortillas with guacamole and salsa and had Dutch-oven desserts. Then they did a mini-rodeo with Cowboy David. It truly was an accident waiting to happen! Crazy! Crazy! Crazy! Did I mention it was CRAZY???
Wait! I have a to-do list that goes on and on. I won’t give you all the gory details so I’ll stop here.
5 fun things I’ve done this week1. Thursday was a Primary Talent Show activity. It was hysterical. Kids dancing, shooting hoop, tap dancing, gymnastics, karate kicking, singing. But Jan England (England Trucking) stole the show. She teaches the 11-year old girls. She talked like a seal. It was LOUD. It was hysterical! I loved it!
2. Attended a bridal shower for Chelsey Woodbury Thursday night, as well. I got her a terra-cotta (shaped like a) pig grill from Cost Plus/World Market. It is one you can put in the car and take to the park or beach...Use with charcoal briquettes. So cute I want to get one for myself. I think there should be a rule that whenever you get a shower gift for someone else, you should get one for yourself as well. With that in mind, I think I will give my next shower girl a Mediterranean cruise! But I realized last night that I missed McKenzie Daniels shower on Tuesday. Didn't get it in my party planner and totally spaced it. I feel so bad!
3. Walking with Loretta and Brendalyn. Always funny listening to those two.
4. Kiddos. They totally wear me out but I love them any ol’way. They make me laugh. Yesterday I went over to Brandi’s to give her a little break and play games with Parker. His face is really swollen...much more so than when he was in the hospital and he’s still in pain. It hurts to laugh. I’m sorry but I’m really funny. He had to keep holding his jaw and cover his eyes so he couldn’t see my face. He kept saying, "Grandma STOP it! Don't make me laugh!" He was in pain. But I can’t help it.....just looking at me kills him! I couldn’t talk, I couldn’t make faces. Boy, I just didn’t know what to do. So I beat him in Skipbo 4 games straight! (That shows what a nice grammy I am...take advantage of a hurt kid on pain meds and a little groggy, make him laugh in pain ....then beat the pants off of him!)
5. We’ve got our pool ready to go. I’m so excited I can’t stand it! Okay, close your eyes....and imagine some frumpy-not-so-little-almost -old- lady in a not-so-flattering-bathing suit with a spikie hairdo and lily-white-hasn't-seen-the-sun-in-8-months skin....rocking out in the swimming pool. I mean REALLY rocking out, not just little rocking out. If you are having a bad day, this little image might cheer you up!
5 people I’m grateful for this week:1. 5 girls that showed up at Brandi’s while she was still at the hospital with Parker. They cleaned windows (inside and out), counters, dusted and vacuumed floors. And more. Stocked the freezer full of food. Several other people brought dinner and beautiful flowers. A husband of another friend mowed the lawn. I guess that is more than 5 but thank you! Thank you all! I don't know how they would survive without you!
2. You know some days you just need to whine. I called my best friend from college, Peggy (Nyssa Oregon) who is about the only person I know that can out-talk me. We (and I use that term loosely) spoke for about an hour and I don’t think I let her use more than 5 minutes of it. I whined and I whined and I could tell she was eating cheese and crackers while she was listening to me (because they go good with whine....).....There is nothing like an old friend to agree with you on everything. Thanks, Pegalita Concheetah!
3. My mother-in-law that continues to sweep and supports me in my planting in the greenhouse and gets excited over every hydrangea bloom. Don’t you just need people in your life that jump up and down and squeal with you? I do. She does.
4. Aunt Pat...that she sees the need and jumps in and does it.
5. My husband. He works so hard so that we can play so hard. He is the king of the worker bees. A worker bee married to a slug. Well, at least I make him laugh. Last week when we had our two young married couples over (from the marriage prep class), he got teary when he shared how he hoped they would each have as happy of marriages that he and I have had. I think they were real tears. I don’t think he was faking it. I love him to death!
5 Fun Things That Are Going to Happen on My Blog Next Week While I Am Gone.1. A contest.
2. A contest.
3. A contest.
4. A contest.
5. The results of the contests to be announced on Monday, June 23rd, picked by my kiddos. You won’t want to miss out!
1. Adobe Printshop
2. Digital scrapbook (sometime when things slow down, Heidi!)
3. Add things like video or Youtube to my blog
4. Learn how to use my new (1 ½ year old) video camera. I know, I know...that involves reading the instruction manual.
5. Not let problems, even other’s problems and challenges, consume my positive energy. I worry and I fret. Neither are productive. I have a high crack in the mortar of my kitchen fireplace. I’ve decided it would be the perfect worry wall (ala Secret Life of Bees.) Each day I’m beginning with prayer and breathing deeply. Maybe write my worries and stick them in the "wall." And try and live in the moment and not be consumed by tomorrow.
5 Things I’m looking forward to right now (okay...I’m just "looking forward to", not being "consumed by" these things!)
1. Lake Powell
2. Bear Lake and my mom’s family reunion there in July
3. Having my folks here for two weeks in July
4. Girl trip to Newport Beach in September
5. New England in the fall with David and best friends, Kirk and Cathy
5 people on my prayer list
1. Derek and Jill (Dahlquist) Wright’s family who lost Derek’s youngest brother, David, through kind of a freak thing the other day. So heartbreaking.
2. The Raddon family. Haven’t heard any news since they have gone to San Francisco.
3. grandson Parker- and his daddy, Ryan
4. Some other family members
5. Some other people in our Ward
5 yummy things I’m making for Powell
1. Marinated tenderloin steaks. This is tradition at Lake Powell, to have a birthday dinner for David because it is his birthday each year when we are there. Has to be Costco tenderloins (they have the best meat) and I marinate it in ½ Kikoman Teriyaki sauce and ½ Bernstein’s Italian dressing. I have mentioned this before that this is my favorite meat marinade. I use it for steak and chicken and shrimp. You can marinade it for about ½ hour, or hours if you need.
2. Pina Colada slush. I take the bottles of pina colada mixer and mix one bottle with 1 large can of pineapple juice and then freeze it in zip-lock bags. When I am ready to serve, I mix it with Sprite. Add a maraschino cherry and straw and you’re in business!
3. Oreo Rice Krispie treats. You crush a box of mini-Oreo’s and add to your regular Rice Krispie treats. Recipe courtesy of my blog friend, Sophia, who really got it from her daughter, Liza. Thank you, thank you. Our tummies thank you!
4. Café Rio (or Costa Vida) sweet pork salad
5. Actually, then I’m going to relax (except for Egg McMuffins one morning) because all the other meals are assigned out. This IS a vacation for Pete’s sake!
5 things I need to prepare before we go:1. Sharing time for the day after we get back. I have A LOT of work to do on it before I go
2. Father’s Day gifts for my Sunbeams and the nursery kids to do on Sunday
3. Get David’s Father’s Day present AND David’s birthday present.
4. Send my Dad a Father’s Day card (I already bought them airline tickets to fly here for their gifts) and Mom a birthday card.
5. Still planting stuff.
6. Give Brandi the last minute "if we don't come back" instructions. She HATES this each time I go on a trip!
7. Get everything packed. Aunt Pat comes this morning so we can do the big grocery shop and pack everything. The pork roasts are already in the crock pot, falling apart after cooking all night.
8. Our son, Ryan, brought his 10 scouts and multiple leaders here and camped out last night in our backyard! We got the pool repainted and filled and nice and warm for them. Last night they swam and grilled some wonderful marinated meat that they filled tortillas with guacamole and salsa and had Dutch-oven desserts. Then they did a mini-rodeo with Cowboy David. It truly was an accident waiting to happen! Crazy! Crazy! Crazy! Did I mention it was CRAZY???
Wait! I have a to-do list that goes on and on. I won’t give you all the gory details so I’ll stop here.5 fun things I’ve done this week1. Thursday was a Primary Talent Show activity. It was hysterical. Kids dancing, shooting hoop, tap dancing, gymnastics, karate kicking, singing. But Jan England (England Trucking) stole the show. She teaches the 11-year old girls. She talked like a seal. It was LOUD. It was hysterical! I loved it!
2. Attended a bridal shower for Chelsey Woodbury Thursday night, as well. I got her a terra-cotta (shaped like a) pig grill from Cost Plus/World Market. It is one you can put in the car and take to the park or beach...Use with charcoal briquettes. So cute I want to get one for myself. I think there should be a rule that whenever you get a shower gift for someone else, you should get one for yourself as well. With that in mind, I think I will give my next shower girl a Mediterranean cruise! But I realized last night that I missed McKenzie Daniels shower on Tuesday. Didn't get it in my party planner and totally spaced it. I feel so bad!
3. Walking with Loretta and Brendalyn. Always funny listening to those two.
4. Kiddos. They totally wear me out but I love them any ol’way. They make me laugh. Yesterday I went over to Brandi’s to give her a little break and play games with Parker. His face is really swollen...much more so than when he was in the hospital and he’s still in pain. It hurts to laugh. I’m sorry but I’m really funny. He had to keep holding his jaw and cover his eyes so he couldn’t see my face. He kept saying, "Grandma STOP it! Don't make me laugh!" He was in pain. But I can’t help it.....just looking at me kills him! I couldn’t talk, I couldn’t make faces. Boy, I just didn’t know what to do. So I beat him in Skipbo 4 games straight! (That shows what a nice grammy I am...take advantage of a hurt kid on pain meds and a little groggy, make him laugh in pain ....then beat the pants off of him!)
5. We’ve got our pool ready to go. I’m so excited I can’t stand it! Okay, close your eyes....and imagine some frumpy-not-so-little-almost -old- lady in a not-so-flattering-bathing suit with a spikie hairdo and lily-white-hasn't-seen-the-sun-in-8-months skin....rocking out in the swimming pool. I mean REALLY rocking out, not just little rocking out. If you are having a bad day, this little image might cheer you up!
5 people I’m grateful for this week:1. 5 girls that showed up at Brandi’s while she was still at the hospital with Parker. They cleaned windows (inside and out), counters, dusted and vacuumed floors. And more. Stocked the freezer full of food. Several other people brought dinner and beautiful flowers. A husband of another friend mowed the lawn. I guess that is more than 5 but thank you! Thank you all! I don't know how they would survive without you!
2. You know some days you just need to whine. I called my best friend from college, Peggy (Nyssa Oregon) who is about the only person I know that can out-talk me. We (and I use that term loosely) spoke for about an hour and I don’t think I let her use more than 5 minutes of it. I whined and I whined and I could tell she was eating cheese and crackers while she was listening to me (because they go good with whine....).....There is nothing like an old friend to agree with you on everything. Thanks, Pegalita Concheetah!3. My mother-in-law that continues to sweep and supports me in my planting in the greenhouse and gets excited over every hydrangea bloom. Don’t you just need people in your life that jump up and down and squeal with you? I do. She does.
4. Aunt Pat...that she sees the need and jumps in and does it.
5. My husband. He works so hard so that we can play so hard. He is the king of the worker bees. A worker bee married to a slug. Well, at least I make him laugh. Last week when we had our two young married couples over (from the marriage prep class), he got teary when he shared how he hoped they would each have as happy of marriages that he and I have had. I think they were real tears. I don’t think he was faking it. I love him to death!
5 Fun Things That Are Going to Happen on My Blog Next Week While I Am Gone.1. A contest.
2. A contest.
3. A contest.
4. A contest.
5. The results of the contests to be announced on Monday, June 23rd, picked by my kiddos. You won’t want to miss out!
Friday, June 13, 2008
Interview with Gaia
My niece, Ashley, Gaia and "Pretty-Eyes-House-Husband" Wes
1. Where are you from? I was born in Torino (home of the Olympics) but now live in Ponderano
2. How old are you? Just turned 18
3. Tell me about your dad? His name is Giovanni. He is a doctor- an ear, nose and throat specialist. He has a clinic in our town and works there two days a week and then works at the hospital in Milano the other days.
4. Tell me about your mom? Alessandra- is a teacher of science and math
5. Tell me about your sister? Student and is 14
6. How do you feel about going home? I don’t want to go. Sad but happy.
7. Name 3 things you loved about America? All the people that I know, french fries/hash browns (to her they are the same thing) and free refills
8. Name your favorite foods in America? french fries and hash browns and bacon and McDonalds #10 super size chicken McNugget meal
9. Name a few American foods you did not like? Mexican food too spicy and broccoli. David asked her if they didn’t have broccoli in Italy and she replied, "Yes, and when my mom cooks it, it stinks up the kitchen!"
10. Tell me the difference between schools here and in Italy? Very easy here. And you don’t have to do much homework. And school is more fun here.
In Italy, I take Italian, Latin, Greek, English, French, Philosophy, Chemistry, Astronomy, Geography and history. We don’t play at school. We don’t have school activities.
11. What sports do you like to play? What passions do you have? Love to snow ski, swim and sleep
12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Pediatrician and surgeon
13. When do you think you will get a driver’s license? In two months because school starts in Sept. (This has been an ongoing joke...she was suppose to learn to drive here. Somehow she was too late signing up for driver’s ed. and the little driving that she did wasn’t too good. We tease her that Mallory, Ashley’s little sister, got her license at 14 (that’s Idaho for you!) Mallory is now 16 and drove Gaia to school each day.)
14. What is the scariest thing you’ve done here? Going to the Haunted House...I was crying...I had never been to one before. People and bodies were touching me and hugging me and freaking me out!
15. What are the most fun things you’ve done here? going to school, Homecoming week, dances, going 4-wheeling, bowling, movies, mini-golfing, Las Vas, Lagoon, coming here (our house), Christmas and lights, caroling, New York, Yellowstone with folks, The Mayan restaurant.
16. Who is your favorite movie star? (She had to think hard on this one) The chipmunks? (Alvin and The Chipmunks)
TV show? ER- George Clooney because he has a home in Italy next door to one of her dad’s friends. She also likes Bread Peet. (Brad Pitt). Her favorite singing group (ha!) is the Chamber Singers at school "because I’ve never seen kids singing like that before!"
17. Who are the biggest stars in Italy? I don’t think I know any. I only watch American tv.
18. Tell me the biggest differences between your church and ours- "Well, your church is nicer...our priest is kind of crazy. You don’t have nuns...ours are the meanest people I’ve ever known. In ours you can drink wine. In our church, you get punished if you do not go. You get extra homework and extra school. (Can you tell she goes to a church school?) (Well, at least she didn't say, like Loretta's exchange student...when asked what Mormons were like..."well, they don't say real prayers...they just make them up!")
19. Tell me how much you are going to miss Aunt Marilyn. "Like a big happle (apple) tree."
20. When we come to Italy in two years, what things will you want to show us? Everything! Venice, Rome, Paris ....David said, "We are NOT going to Paris. Paris is NOT in Italy!" to which Gaia replied that it is only a 7- hour train ride and not very expensive.
Where’s the most beautiful place in Italy? My home. (From Mt. Blanc- one hour....highest mountain in Europe 4810 meters which is about 1500 feet.)
21. What did you think of Ashley and Wes when you first met them? I thought Ashley was very proper-looking. I thought she was quiet. The exchange coordinator, Shirley was saying to me, "Did you see his eyes? (Speaking of Wes.) But I hadn’t because I was looking at Trixie. (The dog.) And yesterday Ashley was quite rude. She kept whispering on the phone and going into the other room. (She was arranging a surprise party for Gaia all day!) I call Wes’s nickname..."pretty- eyes- house- husband." He helps Ashley wash the dishes and with the house. My dad would never do that! I tell people, "If you need him (Wes), you can call him."
22.What will you miss about Mallory? Oh, she is such a little girl! (hyena laugh!) I’m going to miss being late for school. (Yes, Gaia....but MALLORY knows how to drive!!!!)
Love you! We’re going to miss you, funny girl!
Interview with Gaia (pronounced Guy-a) Cugini.
My niece, Ashley and her husband Wes, live in Blackfoot, Idaho. Ashley used to live with us before she was married while she attended massage therapy school so we are very close. This past year they have had an exchange student living with them from Italy. They came and stayed last night to be able to take Gaia to the airport early this morning as her year has ended. Everybody has been sad. She’s had a wonderful time here and we’ve grown to love her as well. I reported a few months ago her family came and stayed with us and we had a wonderful time together. I thought I would record a little interview with Gaia so we can keep her in our hearts.1. Where are you from? I was born in Torino (home of the Olympics) but now live in Ponderano
2. How old are you? Just turned 18
3. Tell me about your dad? His name is Giovanni. He is a doctor- an ear, nose and throat specialist. He has a clinic in our town and works there two days a week and then works at the hospital in Milano the other days.
4. Tell me about your mom? Alessandra- is a teacher of science and math
5. Tell me about your sister? Student and is 14
6. How do you feel about going home? I don’t want to go. Sad but happy.
7. Name 3 things you loved about America? All the people that I know, french fries/hash browns (to her they are the same thing) and free refills
8. Name your favorite foods in America? french fries and hash browns and bacon and McDonalds #10 super size chicken McNugget meal
9. Name a few American foods you did not like? Mexican food too spicy and broccoli. David asked her if they didn’t have broccoli in Italy and she replied, "Yes, and when my mom cooks it, it stinks up the kitchen!"
10. Tell me the difference between schools here and in Italy? Very easy here. And you don’t have to do much homework. And school is more fun here.
In Italy, I take Italian, Latin, Greek, English, French, Philosophy, Chemistry, Astronomy, Geography and history. We don’t play at school. We don’t have school activities.
11. What sports do you like to play? What passions do you have? Love to snow ski, swim and sleep
12. What do you want to be when you grow up? Pediatrician and surgeon
13. When do you think you will get a driver’s license? In two months because school starts in Sept. (This has been an ongoing joke...she was suppose to learn to drive here. Somehow she was too late signing up for driver’s ed. and the little driving that she did wasn’t too good. We tease her that Mallory, Ashley’s little sister, got her license at 14 (that’s Idaho for you!) Mallory is now 16 and drove Gaia to school each day.)
14. What is the scariest thing you’ve done here? Going to the Haunted House...I was crying...I had never been to one before. People and bodies were touching me and hugging me and freaking me out!
15. What are the most fun things you’ve done here? going to school, Homecoming week, dances, going 4-wheeling, bowling, movies, mini-golfing, Las Vas, Lagoon, coming here (our house), Christmas and lights, caroling, New York, Yellowstone with folks, The Mayan restaurant.
16. Who is your favorite movie star? (She had to think hard on this one) The chipmunks? (Alvin and The Chipmunks)
TV show? ER- George Clooney because he has a home in Italy next door to one of her dad’s friends. She also likes Bread Peet. (Brad Pitt). Her favorite singing group (ha!) is the Chamber Singers at school "because I’ve never seen kids singing like that before!"
17. Who are the biggest stars in Italy? I don’t think I know any. I only watch American tv.
18. Tell me the biggest differences between your church and ours- "Well, your church is nicer...our priest is kind of crazy. You don’t have nuns...ours are the meanest people I’ve ever known. In ours you can drink wine. In our church, you get punished if you do not go. You get extra homework and extra school. (Can you tell she goes to a church school?) (Well, at least she didn't say, like Loretta's exchange student...when asked what Mormons were like..."well, they don't say real prayers...they just make them up!")
19. Tell me how much you are going to miss Aunt Marilyn. "Like a big happle (apple) tree."
20. When we come to Italy in two years, what things will you want to show us? Everything! Venice, Rome, Paris ....David said, "We are NOT going to Paris. Paris is NOT in Italy!" to which Gaia replied that it is only a 7- hour train ride and not very expensive.
Where’s the most beautiful place in Italy? My home. (From Mt. Blanc- one hour....highest mountain in Europe 4810 meters which is about 1500 feet.)
21. What did you think of Ashley and Wes when you first met them? I thought Ashley was very proper-looking. I thought she was quiet. The exchange coordinator, Shirley was saying to me, "Did you see his eyes? (Speaking of Wes.) But I hadn’t because I was looking at Trixie. (The dog.) And yesterday Ashley was quite rude. She kept whispering on the phone and going into the other room. (She was arranging a surprise party for Gaia all day!) I call Wes’s nickname..."pretty- eyes- house- husband." He helps Ashley wash the dishes and with the house. My dad would never do that! I tell people, "If you need him (Wes), you can call him."
22.What will you miss about Mallory? Oh, she is such a little girl! (hyena laugh!) I’m going to miss being late for school. (Yes, Gaia....but MALLORY knows how to drive!!!!)
Love you! We’re going to miss you, funny girl!
Our Final Two Nominees!
2. Emperor Penguin
This dad earns his spot for his incredible endurance. The emperor penguin breeds in Antarctica, the coldest place on Earth. We're talking 72 degrees below Fahrenheit -- brr! After the female lays her egg, it's the male's job to keep it warm. Meanwhile, the female takes a two-month feeding sabbatical while the male balances the egg on his feet in subzero weather, often forced to huddle together with other males for warmth until their chicks hatch. Despite not having eaten for months, it's dad who provides the baby's first meal -- a milky-type substance to sustain them until mom can return with a belly full of fish and switch the chick from "breast milk" to solid.
This dad earns his spot for his incredible endurance. The emperor penguin breeds in Antarctica, the coldest place on Earth. We're talking 72 degrees below Fahrenheit -- brr! After the female lays her egg, it's the male's job to keep it warm. Meanwhile, the female takes a two-month feeding sabbatical while the male balances the egg on his feet in subzero weather, often forced to huddle together with other males for warmth until their chicks hatch. Despite not having eaten for months, it's dad who provides the baby's first meal -- a milky-type substance to sustain them until mom can return with a belly full of fish and switch the chick from "breast milk" to solid.
And the number one animal Dad? Let's hear a drum roll, please!!!!!!
The #1 Dad Award goes to the
Sea Horse !!!!
The male sea horse tops our list and here's why: Not only is he monogamous, but this creature is actually the one who gets pregnant, carrying up to 1,000 babies at a time! The mating process begins with a dancing courtship ritual of sorts with the female eventually laying hundreds of eggs inside the male, which he then helps fertilize himself during the process. This papa-to-be also loves to show off his rounded belly, proudly displaying the brood pouch he uses for carrying his young. However, before anyone nominates the male sea horse for Father of the Year, you might want to hold your horses (pun intended) -- this dad has been known to eat a few of his offspring as well. Hey, nobody's perfect!s.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Out of the Mouths of Babes and Girl's (Babes) Night Out
Tuesday night was Girl’s Night Out at Terri De Julis’s. Great food, a good time...funny conversation. We got on the topic of funny things kids say.
Cathy was telling about her sister, who has Down’s Syndrome. You know their parents have recently died and Jennifer, her sister, lives in an assisted living home. Cathy had her for the weekend and Jennifer said, "Cathy, I’m sad. I don’t have any parents." Cathy and a friend were trying to cheer her up. They said that someday we would all die, and that when Jennifer woke up, she wouldn’t have Downs anymore but a perfect body. Jennifer wasn’t cheered up about that at all. Then they said that she would be together with her mom and dad and two of Cathy’s brothers that have died. Jennifer demanded, "Who said?" and they said, "Jesus." Then Jennifer said, "What does He know? Don’t listen to him!"
Yeow!!!!
Then Elaine was talking about leading the singing in Primary. She was telling the kids that her favorite scripture was "Be still and know that I am God." A little boy in the front yelled out, "You aren’t God!" Then she said, "No, I was saying that in the scriptures Jesus said, "Be still and know that I am God." To which the little boy yelled again, "YOU are NOT God!"
Terri fixed some great food and I wanted to share a wonderful summer dessert she made.
Apricot Almond Antarctica
1 box vanilla wafers, crushed
1 ½ cups slivered almonds
½ cup melted butter
2 Tablespoons almond extract
1 gallon vanilla ice cream (slightly softened)
1- 18 oz. jar apricot jam
Mix the first 4 ingredients together to make a crust mixture. Then separately mix the ice cream with the jam.
Layer in a 9 x 13 pan:
1/3 of the crumbs
then ½ of the ice cream mixture
then another 1/3 of crumbs
and the rest of the ice cream.
Press the rest of the crumbs on top, then freeze until hard.
The almond and slight apricot together was amazing and refreshing! Try it!
Cathy was telling about her sister, who has Down’s Syndrome. You know their parents have recently died and Jennifer, her sister, lives in an assisted living home. Cathy had her for the weekend and Jennifer said, "Cathy, I’m sad. I don’t have any parents." Cathy and a friend were trying to cheer her up. They said that someday we would all die, and that when Jennifer woke up, she wouldn’t have Downs anymore but a perfect body. Jennifer wasn’t cheered up about that at all. Then they said that she would be together with her mom and dad and two of Cathy’s brothers that have died. Jennifer demanded, "Who said?" and they said, "Jesus." Then Jennifer said, "What does He know? Don’t listen to him!"
Yeow!!!!
Then Elaine was talking about leading the singing in Primary. She was telling the kids that her favorite scripture was "Be still and know that I am God." A little boy in the front yelled out, "You aren’t God!" Then she said, "No, I was saying that in the scriptures Jesus said, "Be still and know that I am God." To which the little boy yelled again, "YOU are NOT God!"
Terri fixed some great food and I wanted to share a wonderful summer dessert she made.
Apricot Almond Antarctica
1 box vanilla wafers, crushed
1 ½ cups slivered almonds
½ cup melted butter
2 Tablespoons almond extract
1 gallon vanilla ice cream (slightly softened)
1- 18 oz. jar apricot jam
Mix the first 4 ingredients together to make a crust mixture. Then separately mix the ice cream with the jam.
Layer in a 9 x 13 pan:
1/3 of the crumbs
then ½ of the ice cream mixture
then another 1/3 of crumbs
and the rest of the ice cream.
Press the rest of the crumbs on top, then freeze until hard.
The almond and slight apricot together was amazing and refreshing! Try it!
#3 and #4 of the Dad nominees
4. Jacana
The jacana is also known as the "lily trotter," thanks to its ability to "walk on water" by balancing on lily pads, but this dad could use a little more balance in his personal life. This determined bird will go to extremes to become a dad. After building his nest, he finds his mate and they do the deed. But after the female has laid her eggs, she abandons the poor sap to run off with other guys. Meanwhile, dad remains on the nest, watching over the eggs to protect them -- sometimes from their own mother! Female jacanas often return and smash their own eggs; however, this is a surprisingly forgiving dad. Instead of pressing charges, he just jumps back in the sack and gives it another go, regardless of the fact that his lady has so many partners and he never really knows if he's raising his own.
The jacana is also known as the "lily trotter," thanks to its ability to "walk on water" by balancing on lily pads, but this dad could use a little more balance in his personal life. This determined bird will go to extremes to become a dad. After building his nest, he finds his mate and they do the deed. But after the female has laid her eggs, she abandons the poor sap to run off with other guys. Meanwhile, dad remains on the nest, watching over the eggs to protect them -- sometimes from their own mother! Female jacanas often return and smash their own eggs; however, this is a surprisingly forgiving dad. Instead of pressing charges, he just jumps back in the sack and gives it another go, regardless of the fact that his lady has so many partners and he never really knows if he's raising his own.
3. Giant African Bullfrog
The giant African bullfrog is a dad with a very special talent -- he can eat anything that he can fit into his mouth. Not sure how much that helps in terms of child rearing, but with over 6,000 little ones to raise it's got to come in handy sometimes. The South American Darwin frog is also a remarkable dad, thanks to his unique method for protecting his eggs: He swallows them, keeping them tucked inside his vocal sacs for six weeks. When they're ready to hatch, it's like morning sickness gone wrong -- very wrong. This dedicated father essentially "vomits" up his children. Ewwwww! Anyone got some mouthwash?
The giant African bullfrog is a dad with a very special talent -- he can eat anything that he can fit into his mouth. Not sure how much that helps in terms of child rearing, but with over 6,000 little ones to raise it's got to come in handy sometimes. The South American Darwin frog is also a remarkable dad, thanks to his unique method for protecting his eggs: He swallows them, keeping them tucked inside his vocal sacs for six weeks. When they're ready to hatch, it's like morning sickness gone wrong -- very wrong. This dedicated father essentially "vomits" up his children. Ewwwww! Anyone got some mouthwash?
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Parker Update
1. Parker update: Thanks for prayers in his behalf. I don't have much to report except that the surgery is over. The Dr.'s were surprised that part of the last bone graft had taken....just a bit. But his mouth and teeth are a real combobble-ation (did I make up another word?) but they did what they could do. He has been through about 12 surgeries...5 with overnight stays....and he has always been so brave. But this one was tough. He is in so much pain, both in his mouth and his hip where they took the graft. The night before, when told of all the visitors he would have, he said with "almost ten" bravado "I'm up for that!" When he came out of the surgery, hysterical and dying in pain, he cried "I'm not up for any visitors!!!" When I got to the hospital, he was sleeping from a ton of drugs....thankfully for Brandi so she could rest a little. When he woke up, he did fine for awhile and then was just plain miserable. I think it was probably a very long night. I just called up there and Brandi needed to call me back. I really thought she'd get more sleep at the hospital since she doesn't get much at home with Hallee and Addi, who both delight in waking up all night. I can't say thank you enough to all Brandi's friends in her Ward that have helped with the kids and family. You are treasures in her life. Thank you. Thank you! Here is a picture of our boy....with a pretty swollen mouth and a very hurtful hip.
Here's the deal on Parker, if anyone reading this doesn't know the background. A couple of months before he was born, I took Brandi to Fetal Photo for an ultrasound of the baby. It was discovered there that he had "shadows" on his face. The shadows on another ultrasound alerted us to the fact that he would have a cleft lip. There are bi-lateral (2 slits) or uni-lateral (one slit) cleft cases and his was uni-lateral which is the best case scenario on the outside. But the inside of his mouth was probably worst case scenario. He didn't just have a cleft palate, he didn't have any roof in his mouth at all....just a gapping hole, hence the many surgeries. It didn't affect his smile.....he was the happiest baby I've ever seen. We feel so blessed to have Parker as our oldest grandchild. Because a boy's face continues to grow until they are about 18, Parker will have surgeries until then. The current issue is that the cleft went right through his gum line, and that is what they are trying to straighten out. It is a long process.
Whenever you go to Primary Children's hospital, you come away humbled. You always see cases there that make you grateful for our small trials. And Ferrell, I'm so sorry for your friend and neighbor boy. (Another little boy named Parker was hit by a car in Payson ....he is at Primary Children's and they don't think he's going to make it.) What a heartache...keep us posted! (Notice Ferrell's comment to see how one story turns into quite another with me!)
2. I'm going to get the girls in just a little bit....then T & T's kids come about 12:30. That is 6 kids. I'm going to be nutso! For all the younguns reading this, just shaking their heads, thinking you do 6 kids all the time.....well, so did I! That is why I'm almost a hundred (feeling it!) now!
Here are a couple of pictures I took Monday when I had Hallee and Addison. Thankfully a teenager neighbor girl did the girls hair before I picked them up. As a hair-doer, I'm totally inept!
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"In each family a story is playing itself out, and each family's story embodies its hope and despair." August Napier
Here's the deal on Parker, if anyone reading this doesn't know the background. A couple of months before he was born, I took Brandi to Fetal Photo for an ultrasound of the baby. It was discovered there that he had "shadows" on his face. The shadows on another ultrasound alerted us to the fact that he would have a cleft lip. There are bi-lateral (2 slits) or uni-lateral (one slit) cleft cases and his was uni-lateral which is the best case scenario on the outside. But the inside of his mouth was probably worst case scenario. He didn't just have a cleft palate, he didn't have any roof in his mouth at all....just a gapping hole, hence the many surgeries. It didn't affect his smile.....he was the happiest baby I've ever seen. We feel so blessed to have Parker as our oldest grandchild. Because a boy's face continues to grow until they are about 18, Parker will have surgeries until then. The current issue is that the cleft went right through his gum line, and that is what they are trying to straighten out. It is a long process.Whenever you go to Primary Children's hospital, you come away humbled. You always see cases there that make you grateful for our small trials. And Ferrell, I'm so sorry for your friend and neighbor boy. (Another little boy named Parker was hit by a car in Payson ....he is at Primary Children's and they don't think he's going to make it.) What a heartache...keep us posted! (Notice Ferrell's comment to see how one story turns into quite another with me!)
2. I'm going to get the girls in just a little bit....then T & T's kids come about 12:30. That is 6 kids. I'm going to be nutso! For all the younguns reading this, just shaking their heads, thinking you do 6 kids all the time.....well, so did I! That is why I'm almost a hundred (feeling it!) now!
Here are a couple of pictures I took Monday when I had Hallee and Addison. Thankfully a teenager neighbor girl did the girls hair before I picked them up. As a hair-doer, I'm totally inept!
"In each family a story is playing itself out, and each family's story embodies its hope and despair." August Napier
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