Apologies to Becky and whoever else uses one of my posted recipes. Cooks, BEWARE! Did I tell you that one of the side effects of using over the counter sleep aids mimics Alzheimer's? Can I just say that I type away and make errors because my mouth is faster than my brain and since I'm not looking for errors, I don't see them because I'm mimicking Alzheimer's. Have I repeated myself enough here?
I posted this fabulous recipe months ago. Made 2 HUGE errors. Cindy has made the dish a couple of times....following my WRONG directions (and believe me...the errors are HUGE)..... here is the corrected recipe with the corrections highlighted. If you have saved this recipe, burn your old copy. Dig a deep hole and bury it. Fill up the hole, then pour a cement pad over it so you never are tempted to use it again. Build a gazebo over the pad....
Then make the corrected recipe and sigh.....
Firehouse Roasted Chicken Pasta
2 chicken breasts, cooked and sliced
4 tomatoes diced
1 bunch green onions, chopped thinly
1 pkg. button mushrooms, sliced thinly
4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 lb. Penne pasta, cook 1-2 minutes underdone in boiling water
2 cups mozzarella cheese
Cream Sauce:
3 T. butter
2 tsp flour
2 cups Half and Half
1/2 c. Parmesan cheese
2 chicken bouillon cube
3 tsp. ground black pepper
1 T. salt or more
Melt butter then add flour. Stir together to create a roux. Then add the half and half. Stir together cooking only on low. Once the cream is heated, add the chicken bouillon. Add cheese. If sauce needs to be thicker add more Parmesan cheese. Do not cook on a high heat- it will curdle the milk! Sauce is done when it is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. Sauce is best if very salty and peppery in flavor. Mix noodles and cream sauce together in a 9 x 13 pan or use personal size baking dishes per serving. Sprinkle more Parmesan cheese over noodle in pan. Then layer chicken, mushrooms, tomatoes, green onions, bacon and cover with lots of mozzarella cheese. Bake at 400 for 5-10 minutes until bubbly, then heat oven to broil only to brown cheese layer. Watch carefully as this only takes 30 seconds to one minute. Leave on lower oven rack to reduce chance of burning. Serve immediately.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Ten Things
Ten Classes/Lessons I've taken in my life:
1. piano (just a few years)
2. clarinet (when I was a kid for 5 years)
3. skiing
4. bowling
5. poetry
6. art- water colors and oil
7. cooking
8. lots of religion classes- mostly from Michael Wilcox
9. golfing- I can hit a divot further than most people can hit the ball!
10. Woodworking/furniture building
Nine Fun things on my calendar:
1. doing a poetry reading last night was fun! So fun!!!!! Great time.
2. Boston's birthday is today! He's 4 and the funniest kid ever! Plays Wii like there isn't any tomorrow. I think we're bbqing tonight. He's the last of 6 May birthdays!
3. Ashley Davis' wedding tonight.
4. prepare Sunday School lesson for Sunday
5. meeting Sophia next week "half-way" for lunch and laughter
6. Niki's wedding is here next Saturday. Let's get this party rolling!
7. The following week is Youth Conference. Let's hope it goes well. A TON of stuff to do this weekend for it.
8. Lake Powell with friends and family on a houseboat is the following week. David's birthday is always celebrated then.
9. And I have a week reprieve, then Stake Girl's Camp. That gets me through June!!!
Eight Flowers I have planted in my garden:
1. 3 flats of blue salvia
2. about 3 dozen giant geraniums
3. lemon thyme
4. a dozen more boxwood bushes
5. lots of ornamental grasses
6. inky fingers (my favorite coleus plant) plus two other kinds, some purple, some lime green
7. a Norwegian pine....like we need another tree!
8. pink petunias for the wedding flower pots
Seven Things I've planted in my vegetable garden:
1. 20 tomatoes (aren't you sick of hearing about them already???)
2. basil
3. chives
4. summer squash
5. zucchini (just one!)
6. cucumbers
7. peppermint
Six things that have recently made you laugh or happy:
1. When I was sitting at PDX, a boy with camping, kayaking gear asked me if I would mind watching his "stuff" while he went elsewhere for something. I asked him if he asked me because he thought I looked buff enough I could single-handedly fight off robbers and save his bags. He laughed and said no (really?)....that I looked "nice and trustworthy." Man! Nice and trustworthy instead of skilled?
2. Seeing friend Kathy climbing all over the pond display at the garden store, thinking the plants were for sale! And having a worker tell her to get out of there. Well, the worker said it in a nice voice. But the best part was when Kathy looked up and saw me seeing her. The look on her face! Don't you hate it when you do something really stupid and someone you know SEES?
3. Son Travis called me yesterday and told me a girl that used to live in our area had contacted him on Facebook. (okay, I don't get all of that....) But in her note, she told him to tell me hi and that she had looked up to me when she was a teenager. That was so nice. I was excited to know where she is because I have a letter I had all my "girls" write to themselves when they were about 16 in my jewelry box and I still have hers.
4. Going to a new Dr. this week and during the conversation he asked, "So, let's talk about your eyebrows....."
5. being with my parents for a week. We just had the best time and laugh a lot. But I love coming home as well.
6. I'm not laughing but I am sooo happy my yard is getting whipped into shape...not just for the wedding (weddings) but for us to enjoy for the summer. Oh wait, I'm not going to be home for most of the summer. Okay, then let me say, it will be nice to enjoy the few days I'll be here in June!
Five Things I've Never Done:
1. eaten a snail or caviar
2. scuba dived
3. mowed a lawn (I've actually pushed a couple of strips...that's all!)
4. run a marathon or even a half (big surprise!)
5. had a colonoscopy, had appendix removed or tonsils (okay, okay, I can't count)
Four Things I have recently learned:
1. That I have gastritis. That's what stress can do to ya!
2. That over-the-counter sleep aids (like Unisom, Tylenol PM) cause the brain to mimic Alzheimer's disease. I've been taking them for 4 years. No wonder I'm so loopy.
3. That your son and his family can move to Guatemala without your permission and two weeks later you can still be alive. Three I'm not sure but two is possible.
4. That you can make sausage-stuffed mushrooms for your son often, thinking he mentioned once he loved them....and he didn't. And he doesn't.
Three things I wish I knew more about:
1. car repairs
2. how to wash windows. I've tried clean towels, paper towels, pressure washers, newspapers. I'm just bad.
3. I wish I spoke Espanol fluently. Or semi-well. Or better than a titch.
(okay to be honest here, I don't really care about car repairs or window washing.....)
Two Recipes I'm anxious to try:
1. Sophia's friend's recipe for http://sentimentsfrommykitchen.blogspot.com/2009/05/sun-dried-tomato-cream-sauce-and.html
2. Shrimp Alfredo (posted it last week)
One word that best describes you right now:
1. BUSY!
1. piano (just a few years)
2. clarinet (when I was a kid for 5 years)
3. skiing
4. bowling
5. poetry
6. art- water colors and oil
7. cooking
8. lots of religion classes- mostly from Michael Wilcox
9. golfing- I can hit a divot further than most people can hit the ball!
10. Woodworking/furniture building
Nine Fun things on my calendar:
1. doing a poetry reading last night was fun! So fun!!!!! Great time.
2. Boston's birthday is today! He's 4 and the funniest kid ever! Plays Wii like there isn't any tomorrow. I think we're bbqing tonight. He's the last of 6 May birthdays!
3. Ashley Davis' wedding tonight.
4. prepare Sunday School lesson for Sunday
5. meeting Sophia next week "half-way" for lunch and laughter
6. Niki's wedding is here next Saturday. Let's get this party rolling!
7. The following week is Youth Conference. Let's hope it goes well. A TON of stuff to do this weekend for it.
8. Lake Powell with friends and family on a houseboat is the following week. David's birthday is always celebrated then.
9. And I have a week reprieve, then Stake Girl's Camp. That gets me through June!!!
Eight Flowers I have planted in my garden:
1. 3 flats of blue salvia
2. about 3 dozen giant geraniums
3. lemon thyme
4. a dozen more boxwood bushes
5. lots of ornamental grasses
6. inky fingers (my favorite coleus plant) plus two other kinds, some purple, some lime green
7. a Norwegian pine....like we need another tree!
8. pink petunias for the wedding flower pots
Seven Things I've planted in my vegetable garden:
1. 20 tomatoes (aren't you sick of hearing about them already???)
2. basil
3. chives
4. summer squash
5. zucchini (just one!)
6. cucumbers
7. peppermint
Six things that have recently made you laugh or happy:
1. When I was sitting at PDX, a boy with camping, kayaking gear asked me if I would mind watching his "stuff" while he went elsewhere for something. I asked him if he asked me because he thought I looked buff enough I could single-handedly fight off robbers and save his bags. He laughed and said no (really?)....that I looked "nice and trustworthy." Man! Nice and trustworthy instead of skilled?
2. Seeing friend Kathy climbing all over the pond display at the garden store, thinking the plants were for sale! And having a worker tell her to get out of there. Well, the worker said it in a nice voice. But the best part was when Kathy looked up and saw me seeing her. The look on her face! Don't you hate it when you do something really stupid and someone you know SEES?
3. Son Travis called me yesterday and told me a girl that used to live in our area had contacted him on Facebook. (okay, I don't get all of that....) But in her note, she told him to tell me hi and that she had looked up to me when she was a teenager. That was so nice. I was excited to know where she is because I have a letter I had all my "girls" write to themselves when they were about 16 in my jewelry box and I still have hers.
4. Going to a new Dr. this week and during the conversation he asked, "So, let's talk about your eyebrows....."
5. being with my parents for a week. We just had the best time and laugh a lot. But I love coming home as well.
6. I'm not laughing but I am sooo happy my yard is getting whipped into shape...not just for the wedding (weddings) but for us to enjoy for the summer. Oh wait, I'm not going to be home for most of the summer. Okay, then let me say, it will be nice to enjoy the few days I'll be here in June!
Five Things I've Never Done:
1. eaten a snail or caviar
2. scuba dived
3. mowed a lawn (I've actually pushed a couple of strips...that's all!)
4. run a marathon or even a half (big surprise!)
5. had a colonoscopy, had appendix removed or tonsils (okay, okay, I can't count)
Four Things I have recently learned:
1. That I have gastritis. That's what stress can do to ya!
2. That over-the-counter sleep aids (like Unisom, Tylenol PM) cause the brain to mimic Alzheimer's disease. I've been taking them for 4 years. No wonder I'm so loopy.
3. That your son and his family can move to Guatemala without your permission and two weeks later you can still be alive. Three I'm not sure but two is possible.
4. That you can make sausage-stuffed mushrooms for your son often, thinking he mentioned once he loved them....and he didn't. And he doesn't.
Three things I wish I knew more about:
1. car repairs
2. how to wash windows. I've tried clean towels, paper towels, pressure washers, newspapers. I'm just bad.
3. I wish I spoke Espanol fluently. Or semi-well. Or better than a titch.
(okay to be honest here, I don't really care about car repairs or window washing.....)
Two Recipes I'm anxious to try:
1. Sophia's friend's recipe for http://sentimentsfrommykitchen.blogspot.com/2009/05/sun-dried-tomato-cream-sauce-and.html
2. Shrimp Alfredo (posted it last week)
One word that best describes you right now:
1. BUSY!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
The difference Between Men and Women
When my husband pointed out my tendency to retell the same stories over and over, I reminded him that he was just as guilty. "Allow me to clarify," he said in response. "I review. You repeat." (Reader's Digest)
Family Photo Shoot
Sorry, I couldn't resist. I wish I could post the other 50 pictures! I loved every one of them. If you live in the valley, check out photobyemilie.blogspot.com
Fabulous work!
Fabulous work!
Meme
OUTSIDE MY WINDOW...It is a perfect spring day. The air (10:00 am) is crisp cool (59 degrees, expected to be 78 today) the birds are chattering. Mostly the birds I have are house finch and hummingbirds. I won’t mention magpies since this is a happy post. In Battleground, I couldn’t believe the number of crows. They have crows like we have magpies.
I AM THINKING...My yard is shaping up. Joe’s putting in a vinyl fence to block my unsightlies (meters, etc.) in the back. Brick masons are here ready to start laying brick on a huge clean-up project. Valene’s son, Josh, is coming to do some landscaping and painting for me.
I AM THANKFUL FOR...A functioning body. Health is sooo important!
FROM THE KITCHEN...Nothing cooking today. Last night I pulled out stuffed burritos that I made a couple of months ago out of the freezer. Perfect! Tortillas stuffed with rice, black beans, sweet pulled pork, cheese, then green chili sauce poured on top with more cheese. Delish-i-o-so! David and I love them.
I AM WEARING...Old jeans, a black long sleeved tee-shirt with a paint shirt over the top. I have my new Dansko clogs on that are my favorite shoes...so I will have to cover them with plastic bags since I’m headed out to sand and re-paint lawn furniture.
I AM CREATING...
A new little garden area. Not that I need another garden but I have a messy area by the fence that Joe is building. Yesterday I had friends Kathy and Valene check it out and give suggestions. Afterwards we went to lunch at Kneaders, then garden store hopping. We bought a whole truck-full of stuff between the three of us.
I AM GOING...To the new doctor today. Of course my stomach hasn’t hurt now for a few days.
I AM READING...The first book of a series called "A Banner is Unfurled." It is co-written by the wife of someone my brother associates with at Sorenson Capital (that bought out my brother’s business.) I’ve had it forever and my brother keeps asking if I have read it because his co-worker keeps asking!!! Yikes! I feel daunted with 3 books in the series. But I’m liking it so far....
I AM HOPING...That my friend’s son’s parole outcome comes out happy. He had the hearing last week and it went well. They will advise in a week or two. Honestly, this is so huge in my life, I can’t even tell you. I love this boy.
I AM HEARING...Someone just driving up to the house. It is probably Josh coming to work in the yard. Also, the birds singing, a few trucks passing on the road above our property, the hum of the computer. I have a real noisy computer.
AROUND THE HOUSE...So much to do but what a pleasure it is! I love working in the dirt and seeing instant results.
ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...Spending time with girlie friends, at lunch and garden stores. Yesterday we were at the last garden place. I was paying for purchases and came out in time to see Kathy trying to climb out of the pond area. I heard the lady telling her that the pond was a display area...those plants weren’t for sale! Kathy looked around embarrassed since she was basically mountain climbing through all the rocks and water (!)....and turned and saw me witnessing the whole thing and said, "Oh man, I was hoping no one saw that!" It was just the funny story I needed for the day. Honestly, that girl cracks me up!
A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...Doctor today. Have I mentioned that? Then I’m preparing for a presentation I’m doing tomorrow night for a book club in the Cottonwood area. Patricia Cook invited me to come and present my poetry, talk about poetry. That is so awesome since I don’t do much of that anymore. Patricia’s husband, Dick, boards his horses here at our barn. What is fun as well, Pat sent out recipes from our Christmas appetizer cookbook for people to make and bring for refreshments! Gosh, I feel like the whole evening is about me!
PICTURE THOUGHT... Brandi had her family pictures taken by an amazing local photographer. Here is one of my favorites along with Emilie's website to check out more of Brandi's family and other photo shoots! Doesn't this little girl make you laugh?
photobyemilie.blogspot.com
I AM THINKING...My yard is shaping up. Joe’s putting in a vinyl fence to block my unsightlies (meters, etc.) in the back. Brick masons are here ready to start laying brick on a huge clean-up project. Valene’s son, Josh, is coming to do some landscaping and painting for me.
I AM THANKFUL FOR...A functioning body. Health is sooo important!
FROM THE KITCHEN...Nothing cooking today. Last night I pulled out stuffed burritos that I made a couple of months ago out of the freezer. Perfect! Tortillas stuffed with rice, black beans, sweet pulled pork, cheese, then green chili sauce poured on top with more cheese. Delish-i-o-so! David and I love them.
I AM WEARING...Old jeans, a black long sleeved tee-shirt with a paint shirt over the top. I have my new Dansko clogs on that are my favorite shoes...so I will have to cover them with plastic bags since I’m headed out to sand and re-paint lawn furniture.
I AM CREATING...
A new little garden area. Not that I need another garden but I have a messy area by the fence that Joe is building. Yesterday I had friends Kathy and Valene check it out and give suggestions. Afterwards we went to lunch at Kneaders, then garden store hopping. We bought a whole truck-full of stuff between the three of us.
I AM GOING...To the new doctor today. Of course my stomach hasn’t hurt now for a few days.
I AM READING...The first book of a series called "A Banner is Unfurled." It is co-written by the wife of someone my brother associates with at Sorenson Capital (that bought out my brother’s business.) I’ve had it forever and my brother keeps asking if I have read it because his co-worker keeps asking!!! Yikes! I feel daunted with 3 books in the series. But I’m liking it so far....
I AM HOPING...That my friend’s son’s parole outcome comes out happy. He had the hearing last week and it went well. They will advise in a week or two. Honestly, this is so huge in my life, I can’t even tell you. I love this boy.
I AM HEARING...Someone just driving up to the house. It is probably Josh coming to work in the yard. Also, the birds singing, a few trucks passing on the road above our property, the hum of the computer. I have a real noisy computer.
AROUND THE HOUSE...So much to do but what a pleasure it is! I love working in the dirt and seeing instant results.
ONE OF MY FAVORITE THINGS...Spending time with girlie friends, at lunch and garden stores. Yesterday we were at the last garden place. I was paying for purchases and came out in time to see Kathy trying to climb out of the pond area. I heard the lady telling her that the pond was a display area...those plants weren’t for sale! Kathy looked around embarrassed since she was basically mountain climbing through all the rocks and water (!)....and turned and saw me witnessing the whole thing and said, "Oh man, I was hoping no one saw that!" It was just the funny story I needed for the day. Honestly, that girl cracks me up!
A FEW PLANS FOR THE REST OF THE WEEK...Doctor today. Have I mentioned that? Then I’m preparing for a presentation I’m doing tomorrow night for a book club in the Cottonwood area. Patricia Cook invited me to come and present my poetry, talk about poetry. That is so awesome since I don’t do much of that anymore. Patricia’s husband, Dick, boards his horses here at our barn. What is fun as well, Pat sent out recipes from our Christmas appetizer cookbook for people to make and bring for refreshments! Gosh, I feel like the whole evening is about me!
PICTURE THOUGHT... Brandi had her family pictures taken by an amazing local photographer. Here is one of my favorites along with Emilie's website to check out more of Brandi's family and other photo shoots! Doesn't this little girl make you laugh?
photobyemilie.blogspot.com
Monday, May 25, 2009
Headed Home
This afternoon I am catching a plane home. Ben and Susie left yesterday afternoon to meander their way home, looking for jobs on the way. We've all had a marvelous time together. I have several things I want to talk about tomorrow but right now I just want to post this recipe I'm going to try when I get home. Another yummy dish I found in one of mom's books. And, of course, why would I put in 6 oz. of cream cheese when I could put in the entire 8 oz.? And more shrimp would mean more shrimp per bite. It would be wonderful with chicken as well.
While I have been here, I am been organizing my "lists." I have a list for Nikki's wedding which includes making 200 rolls (I have friends who have offered to help) and getting supplies for flavored waters, sanding and spray painting lawn furniture. Hopefully a new fence is being erected this week in the back and a new brick facia or cap around the pool wall. My list for Ward Youth conference includes all the food lists, the game materials, various assignments to leaders. Then I made the Lake Powell food list. Since I will be at youth conference the week before, hopefully Aunt Pat will step in (she always does) to do our Powell shopping. We still don't even know who is coming the last half of the week. This is a crazy year. After Lake Powell, I have created the shopping list for Stake Girl's Camp. This one is a little trickier figuring out how much sauce I have to make for how many lasagna's to serve 180 people. The same with Rice Krispie treats and Hawaiian haystacks and Costa Vida and baked chicken, and loaves of french bread, breadsticks, then homemade rolls for the Bishopric night (220 people) and loaded red mashed potatoes and figuring how much ice for all those people, day in and day out, and on and on and on. But I'm feeling on top of it and ready to jump on this fast moving train for the next two months.
Can I just say, what a blessing it is to have parents I adore. Recently someone that I love shocked me by telling me they felt so bad their father is going to hell. I was shocked to say the least and said, "Oh, you don't mean that!" She said, "No, I do. He is. He deserves to go. He was a mean and vindictive man." Whoa! After that startling announcement, I shared that I don't believe in a traditional heaven or hell, it's one or the other. I told her that I felt like her father (who recently died) was in a place (paradise) where he would be healed and taught by the Savior. I said that I believe that God has prepared many mansions for his children, all places of glory. (of course, there is a hell for the very worst of humanity) She didn't know what to think about that...and honestly, when you are in that much pain from a relationship, I don't think you really want to hear about alternatives. I also tried to remind her how lucky we are not to be in the judging position. That's Christ's job, not ours. I wish I could have shared my feelings about the atonement with her but it wasn't the time or place. It made my heart so sad for her.
As sad as the conversation made me, again it made me thankful for wonderful parents. I assumed everyone had great parents and a family like I did....where you were made to feel loved and adored and smart and brilliant. You know, come to think of it, maybe my parents did a disservice to my brother and I. I haven't felt smart or brilliant for years!!! And I certainly didn't feel smart or brilliant when my dad whipped us all yesterday at Aggravation and my mom whooped me all day in Phase Ten. But to tell the truth, I'm gamed out. I might not look at another game for weeks. And big breakfast and big lunches and big dinners. I had to buy an extra seat in the airplane to fly home this week. I don't think when I weigh in at the new Dr. on Wed. it will be a pretty sight. And especially after I make this Shrimp Alfredo the night before. This week I finally have my "new" Dr.'s appointment...to see if I'm going to live or if David should just shoot me or put me out to pasture. I totally know the stomach thing is stress....and although you probably think it is because of all the prior activities I just mentioned, it really isn't. It is the people issues, the kiddo concerns, the worrying about loved ones and the state of the world which put me over the brink. And I'm not sure how a Dr. can help me with those concerns.
Sooooo, let us eat Alfredo!
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo
1/2 lb. linguine, uncooked
2 Tbsp. Kraft Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
1/2 lb. uncooked deveined shrimp
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 oz. (3/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) Philadelphia cream cheese cubed
3/4 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 c. Kraft grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
Cook pasta as directed on package. Meanwhile, heat dressing i large skillet on medium heat. Add shrimp; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink, adding garlic for the lat minute. Remove shrimp with slotted spoon; set aside.
Add cream cheese and broth to skillet; cook until cream cheese is completely melted, stirring frequently. Stir in Shrimp and 3 Tbsp. Parmesan.
Drain pasta. Add to skillet; toss to coat. Transfer to platter; sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and parsley.
I love people. I love my family, my children . . . but inside myself is a place where I live all alone and that's where you renew your springs that never dry up. Pearl S. Buck
While I have been here, I am been organizing my "lists." I have a list for Nikki's wedding which includes making 200 rolls (I have friends who have offered to help) and getting supplies for flavored waters, sanding and spray painting lawn furniture. Hopefully a new fence is being erected this week in the back and a new brick facia or cap around the pool wall. My list for Ward Youth conference includes all the food lists, the game materials, various assignments to leaders. Then I made the Lake Powell food list. Since I will be at youth conference the week before, hopefully Aunt Pat will step in (she always does) to do our Powell shopping. We still don't even know who is coming the last half of the week. This is a crazy year. After Lake Powell, I have created the shopping list for Stake Girl's Camp. This one is a little trickier figuring out how much sauce I have to make for how many lasagna's to serve 180 people. The same with Rice Krispie treats and Hawaiian haystacks and Costa Vida and baked chicken, and loaves of french bread, breadsticks, then homemade rolls for the Bishopric night (220 people) and loaded red mashed potatoes and figuring how much ice for all those people, day in and day out, and on and on and on. But I'm feeling on top of it and ready to jump on this fast moving train for the next two months.
Can I just say, what a blessing it is to have parents I adore. Recently someone that I love shocked me by telling me they felt so bad their father is going to hell. I was shocked to say the least and said, "Oh, you don't mean that!" She said, "No, I do. He is. He deserves to go. He was a mean and vindictive man." Whoa! After that startling announcement, I shared that I don't believe in a traditional heaven or hell, it's one or the other. I told her that I felt like her father (who recently died) was in a place (paradise) where he would be healed and taught by the Savior. I said that I believe that God has prepared many mansions for his children, all places of glory. (of course, there is a hell for the very worst of humanity) She didn't know what to think about that...and honestly, when you are in that much pain from a relationship, I don't think you really want to hear about alternatives. I also tried to remind her how lucky we are not to be in the judging position. That's Christ's job, not ours. I wish I could have shared my feelings about the atonement with her but it wasn't the time or place. It made my heart so sad for her.
As sad as the conversation made me, again it made me thankful for wonderful parents. I assumed everyone had great parents and a family like I did....where you were made to feel loved and adored and smart and brilliant. You know, come to think of it, maybe my parents did a disservice to my brother and I. I haven't felt smart or brilliant for years!!! And I certainly didn't feel smart or brilliant when my dad whipped us all yesterday at Aggravation and my mom whooped me all day in Phase Ten. But to tell the truth, I'm gamed out. I might not look at another game for weeks. And big breakfast and big lunches and big dinners. I had to buy an extra seat in the airplane to fly home this week. I don't think when I weigh in at the new Dr. on Wed. it will be a pretty sight. And especially after I make this Shrimp Alfredo the night before. This week I finally have my "new" Dr.'s appointment...to see if I'm going to live or if David should just shoot me or put me out to pasture. I totally know the stomach thing is stress....and although you probably think it is because of all the prior activities I just mentioned, it really isn't. It is the people issues, the kiddo concerns, the worrying about loved ones and the state of the world which put me over the brink. And I'm not sure how a Dr. can help me with those concerns.
Sooooo, let us eat Alfredo!
Creamy Shrimp Alfredo
1/2 lb. linguine, uncooked
2 Tbsp. Kraft Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing
1/2 lb. uncooked deveined shrimp
3 cloves garlic, minced
6 oz. (3/4 of 8-oz. pkg.) Philadelphia cream cheese cubed
3/4 cup fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/4 c. Kraft grated Parmesan cheese, divided
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
Cook pasta as directed on package. Meanwhile, heat dressing i large skillet on medium heat. Add shrimp; cook and stir 2-3 minutes or until shrimp turn pink, adding garlic for the lat minute. Remove shrimp with slotted spoon; set aside.
Add cream cheese and broth to skillet; cook until cream cheese is completely melted, stirring frequently. Stir in Shrimp and 3 Tbsp. Parmesan.
Drain pasta. Add to skillet; toss to coat. Transfer to platter; sprinkle with remaining Parmesan and parsley.
I love people. I love my family, my children . . . but inside myself is a place where I live all alone and that's where you renew your springs that never dry up. Pearl S. Buck
Saturday, May 23, 2009
And the winner is.....
And the winner is......
Cindy!!!! Cindy, send me your info and all of you go make some cupcakes now! What is so funny, other than filled cupcakes, I'm not so crazy about eating cupcakes....I just like looking at them!
Ben and Susie have been here at the folks all week with me. We have been able to do lots of projects for the folks....planting tomato plants, flower planters, refrigerator cleaning,etc. Ben has programmed mom's car phone and some video stuff for dad. We have all played a million games of Aggravation (Mom and Susie are killing Ben and I) and Mom and I end each day with Phase Ten. We watched the finale of Dancing With the Stars (3 great dancers in the finale so I didn't care who won) and the suspenseful "American Idol." My favorite, Chris Allen, won. I think Adam Lambert has one of the most amazing voices ever...he will be a big star. Oh wait? He already is a star...he has starred in the LA traveling production of Wicked. I thought this was finding an "unprofessional?" But he is truly amazing. Chris Allen's downloads are on my most listened to on the Ipod.
This morning, Ben, Susie and I are heading to the Vancouver Farmer's Market. I love going there. Yesterday I had a wonderful lunch with my SIL, Cher. She picked me up in her red convertible. Ah!!!! Wed. night Gary and Cher had us over to tour their new house and have dinner. Can I just say estate? I'll post pictures later. Off to play.
Cindy!!!! Cindy, send me your info and all of you go make some cupcakes now! What is so funny, other than filled cupcakes, I'm not so crazy about eating cupcakes....I just like looking at them!
Ben and Susie have been here at the folks all week with me. We have been able to do lots of projects for the folks....planting tomato plants, flower planters, refrigerator cleaning,etc. Ben has programmed mom's car phone and some video stuff for dad. We have all played a million games of Aggravation (Mom and Susie are killing Ben and I) and Mom and I end each day with Phase Ten. We watched the finale of Dancing With the Stars (3 great dancers in the finale so I didn't care who won) and the suspenseful "American Idol." My favorite, Chris Allen, won. I think Adam Lambert has one of the most amazing voices ever...he will be a big star. Oh wait? He already is a star...he has starred in the LA traveling production of Wicked. I thought this was finding an "unprofessional?" But he is truly amazing. Chris Allen's downloads are on my most listened to on the Ipod.
This morning, Ben, Susie and I are heading to the Vancouver Farmer's Market. I love going there. Yesterday I had a wonderful lunch with my SIL, Cher. She picked me up in her red convertible. Ah!!!! Wed. night Gary and Cher had us over to tour their new house and have dinner. Can I just say estate? I'll post pictures later. Off to play.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Honeycomb Candy/Cowboy Crunch
So, although we are having a cupcake contest here, I want to talk candy for a sec. I love Chili's Queso dip so I was happy to find the recipe (seeing as how my mom does have 200 cookbooks plus!) 1 16-ounce box Velveeta Cheese 1 15-ounce can Hormel Chili (non-beans, Not Chunky) 1 cup milk 4 tsp. chili 2 tsp. paprika 1 T. lime juice 1/2 tsp. ground cayenne pepper 1/2 tsp. ground cumin Cut the Velveeta into cubes. Combine the cheese with the remaining ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until cheese melts, then reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Serve hot with tortilla chips for dipping.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
And the winner is.....
And the winner of Food for Thought.....is......
drum roll,please.......
Dennilynne!!!!! Dennilynne, email me your address and tell me what kind of gift certificate you would like! mdwillpoet@msn.com
drum roll,please.......
Dennilynne!!!!! Dennilynne, email me your address and tell me what kind of gift certificate you would like! mdwillpoet@msn.com
Cupcakes Contest
This week I ordered cupcakes from Friends Always Cupcakes- cupcakes you can cuddle. Check out Cecily's blog, read the descriptions of the cupcakes that they make on the right side. Then answer these questions for our contest today.
1. Which cupcake would you choose?
2. Where is your favorite cupcake shop (or bakery...it doesn't have to be cupcakes)?
3. When was the last time you made cupcakes?
Just answer these easy questions and I will have a drawing on Saturday to win a $25 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble, Chilies, Walmart or Target. Or really, any other place I could buy a gift certificate at......
Just answer these easy questions and I will have a drawing on Saturday to win a $25 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble, Chilies, Walmart or Target. Or really, any other place I could buy a gift certificate at......
Cupcakes- Happiness served in a small paper cup.
Pina Colada Cupcakes
1 pkg. yellow cake mix
1/3 c. vegetable oil
1/4 c. water
1 tsp. rum extract
1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple in juice, undrained)
3 eggs
1 tsp. coconut extract
1 tsp. rum extract
1- 12 oz. container whipped vanilla frosting
3/4 c. coconut
Heat oven to 375 degrees. Place paper baking cup in each of 24 regular-size muffin cups.
Mix cake mix, oil, water, 1 tsp. run ext., pineapple and eggs on low for 30 seconds. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Fill cupcake liners 2/3 full and bake for 14-19 minutes. Cool completely.
Pina Colada Frosting
Stir coconut extract and 1 tsp. rum extract into frosting. Top each cupcake with coconut.
The White Lie Cake -
Alice Grayson was to bake a cake for the church ladies' group bake sale in Tuscaloosa, but she forgot to do it until the last minute. She remembered it the morning of the bake sale and after rummaging through cabinets she found an angel food cake mix and quickly made it while drying her hair and dressing and helping her son Bryan pack up for Scout camp.But when Alice took the cake from the oven, the center had dropped flat and the cake was horribly disfigured. She said, "Oh dear, there's no time to bake another cake."This cake was so important to Alice because she did so want to fit in at her new church, and in her new community of new friends. So, being inventive, she looked around the house for something to build up the center of the cake.Alice found it in the bathroom -- a roll of toilet paper & newspaper. She plunked it in and then covered it with icing. Not only did the finished product look beautiful, it looked perfect!Before she left the house to drop the cake by the church and head for work, Alice woke her daughter Amanda and gave her some money and specific instructions to be at the bake sale the minute it opened at 9:30, and to buy that cake and bring it home.When the daughter arrived at the sale, she found that the attractive perfect cake had already been sold. Amanda grabbed her cell phone and called her Mom. Alice was horrified. She couldn't imagine what had gone wrong. Alice was beside herself. Everyone would know, what would they think? "Oh, my," she wailed! She would be ostracized, talked about, ridiculed. All night Alice lay awake in bed thinking about people pointing their fingers at her and talking about her behind her back.The next day, Alice promised herself that she would try not to think about the cake and she would attended the fancy luncheon/bridal shower at the home of a friend of a friend and try to have a good time. Alice did not really want to attend because the hostess was a snob who more than once had looked down her nose at the fact that Alice was a single parent and not from the founding families of Tuscaloosa, but having already RSVP 'd she could not think of a believable excuse to stay home.The meal was elegant, the company was definitely upper crust old South. Then, to Alice's horror, the CAKE in question was presented for dessert.Alice felt the blood drain from her body when she saw the cake. She started out of her chair to rush to tell her hostess all about it, but before she could get to her feet, the Mayor's wife said, "What a beautiful cake!"Alice, who was still stunned, when she heard the hostess (who was a prominent church member) say, "Thank you, I baked it myself." Alice just sat back and smiled......
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
Contest Still Going
Look back two posts to add your comments to the drawing that will be held in the morning.
Deer Grampa
We had the family over for birthday celebrations on Sunday. David was in Montana but I went into his den later, after all the family had gone and found this note. Rylee and Gracie had actually found these antlers in the barn. I'm sure David had put them there, after finding at the end of winter, a deer carcass (I dislike coyotes....) on our property. This is what I found.
Translation: Dear Grampa Rylee and Grace found these dear atirs We whanti to know if we code keep them
Love Rylee and Grace (crossed out) Gracie
(After signing their names) call us
(I'm STILL laughing...."call us???!!!!")
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Food for Thought Contest
Since I am headed to my mom and dad's home today in Battleground, Washington, food is on my mind. My dad is so darling...he whips up breakfast in the mornings (blueberry pancakes) and my mom and I try go out to lunch as often as possible. I'm too early for Burgerville onion rings....they only serve them in the months that Walla Walla sweets are in season. Really? Can't you get onions all year round?
My mom was (is) a great cook. She and I can read cookbooks like novels (and do.) So, I'm thinking for this contest, we'll talk comfort food.
1. what was the favorite meal your mother made growing up?
2. what was the favorite meal your dad made growing up?
3. what would you think your family would say is the favorite dish you make at your house?
4. What is a dish that is popular in your locale?
My answers:
1. Fried chicken and mashed potatoes with chicken gravy.
2. My dad seldom cooked while I was growing up but he often made waffles with strips of bacon (not cooked crisp) in the waffles. Fried potatoes with onions was a must have!
3. homemade Lion House rolls. Stuffed mushrooms.
4. funeral potatoes (chunked or grated or mashed potatoes with cream of chicken soup and sour cream- baked with grated cheese. We used to call them "company" potatoes until I moved to this area.)
The winner's name will be drawn on Thursday morning ...$25 gift certificate to anyplace where I can get one!
"Artichokes ... are just plain annoying ... After all the trouble you go to, you get about as much actual 'food' out of eating an artichoke as you would could licking thirty or forty postage stamps. Have the shrimp cocktail instead." -- Miss Piggy
"The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for 30 years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found." --Sam Levinson
"I told my doctor I get very tired when I go on a diet, so he gave me pep pills. Know what happened? I ate faster." -- Joe E. Lewis
"Food is an important part of a balanced diet." -- Fran Lebowitz
Old people shouldn't eat health foods. They need all the preservatives they can get."" -- Robert Orben
My mom was (is) a great cook. She and I can read cookbooks like novels (and do.) So, I'm thinking for this contest, we'll talk comfort food.
1. what was the favorite meal your mother made growing up?
2. what was the favorite meal your dad made growing up?
3. what would you think your family would say is the favorite dish you make at your house?
4. What is a dish that is popular in your locale?
My answers:
1. Fried chicken and mashed potatoes with chicken gravy.
2. My dad seldom cooked while I was growing up but he often made waffles with strips of bacon (not cooked crisp) in the waffles. Fried potatoes with onions was a must have!
3. homemade Lion House rolls. Stuffed mushrooms.
4. funeral potatoes (chunked or grated or mashed potatoes with cream of chicken soup and sour cream- baked with grated cheese. We used to call them "company" potatoes until I moved to this area.)
The winner's name will be drawn on Thursday morning ...$25 gift certificate to anyplace where I can get one!
"Artichokes ... are just plain annoying ... After all the trouble you go to, you get about as much actual 'food' out of eating an artichoke as you would could licking thirty or forty postage stamps. Have the shrimp cocktail instead." -- Miss Piggy
"The most remarkable thing about my mother is that for 30 years she served the family nothing but leftovers. The original meal has never been found." --Sam Levinson
"I told my doctor I get very tired when I go on a diet, so he gave me pep pills. Know what happened? I ate faster." -- Joe E. Lewis
"Food is an important part of a balanced diet." -- Fran Lebowitz
Old people shouldn't eat health foods. They need all the preservatives they can get."" -- Robert Orben
Monday, May 18, 2009
Gifts
This past week has been head-swirling busy. I am empty. I have a huge list of to-do's today, then I'm packing my bags and going to the airport tomorrow to see my folks and I might not wake up on the plane...my head will hit the pillow and I'll be out....until I get to Hawaii. Not really. Well, I'm pretty sure I will wake up in Portland because I'm REALLY excited to see my parents! Not only am I anxious to see my parents, but my only brother, Gary, and sister-in-law Cher, their new home and the rest of the family.....but I'm excited to rest. I'll have a couple of contests this week, so today while I am-
1. ordering cupcakes for two weddings
2. arranging tables for two weddings
3. planting the last of tomato plants, and about a dozen herbs and a couple of veggies into pots and moving outside plants to the greenhouse
4. washing clothes (and how awesome I have a MIL that keeps saying, "Give me a load to do downstairs!" Heaven....) and picking up clothes at the dry cleaners and packing
5. reorganizing youth conference and making a list of assignments/sending out
6. touch base with BFF Cathy who just got in from Hawaii either last night or early this morning.
7. get a few birthday presents delivered
8. arrange and make phone calls concerning helpers for Stake girl's camp.
9. dig good frozen food out of the old, malfunctioning freezer and move to the new freezer. Grrrr.
10. pay bills
-I will think of the contest rules.
I was suppose to help with our service group at the Ronald McDonald house today...making lunch and cleaning the house. But I finally crashed last night.......all of our company left (Pretty Patty Petty...we had a wonderful time together!) (and two nieces and a baby...I loved spending time with them) (and newly weds Trista and Tobin) (and all the Young Men from Ryan's ward and their dads), after we had a birthday party here after church for all the May birthdays (4), said farewell to Ryan and Marci and kiddos who are leaving to Guatemala tomorrow for 3 months (breaking my heart), talked to David on the phone (he's in Montana when I really needed a hug), back-tracked in my mind my Gospel Doctrine lesson (feeling insecure about some things), had a happy moment when Heidi Stapels had me come in to her Young Women's class and talk for a few minutes about journals, had a little pent-up cry at bedtime about some of my weaknesses....went to bed at 9:30 last night because I could. At the same time, I think of my daughter and DIL....and all the young mothers who have busy weeks and responsibilities everyday...and can't just tune out and go to bed. It is hard to give from an empty bucket. I know that.....
So, today I am refreshed. And grateful. Amazing what a good night's sleep can do. I'm ready to tackle my to-do's.
I loved teaching the lesson yesterday on receiving spiritual gifts into our lives. I mentioned that when I was young, I learned REAL early that if I wanted lots of presents at Christmas, I had to be especially good! The principle is true. We reap what we sow. I feel like God has a big storehouse of spiritual gifts waiting to give us, but we need to ask. We receive gifts of the spirit when we put our lives in tune with God, have desire and eyes to see and recognize His gifts. It is evidence of His great love and mercy. Even though this past week was a little nutso....in the middle of the individual storms, I could see His hand, helping. I shared the story (if you clicked on my Mother's Day link from last week, you'll have just read this story) about knowing beforehand that Tanner was going to get in an accident. He had earlier come in to ask me if he could take my car (he was 16) to follow Travis to a car repair place and then take him to work, across the valley. I had gone back to sleep, a few minutes had passed, then I sat upright in bed. I "knew"...had been told by the Spirit, that Tanner was going to be in a car accident. I was frantic. I was beside myself. I fell to my knees in the deepest prayers of my heart. When the phone call came from the policeman, I started to cry the instant I heard his voice telling me that they had taken him to the hospital but that he was going to be okay. In retrospect, I wondered why I would have been given that pre-knowledge if he was still going to be in the accident, if I couldn't have done anything. But I realized, of course, that I could. I could pray. And I did. And I believe it made all the difference in the world....
Spiritual gifts. I don't know how you raise children without them....
Here are a few more quotes that I had on the board.
What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God. ~Eleanor Powell
God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame. ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning
"If all you know is what you see with your natural eyes and hear with your natural ears, then you will not know very much." Boyd K. Packard
"The gifts of the Spirit can lead us to God. They can shield us from the power of the adversary. They can compensate for our inadequacies and repair our imperfections." Dallin H. Oaks
1. ordering cupcakes for two weddings
2. arranging tables for two weddings
3. planting the last of tomato plants, and about a dozen herbs and a couple of veggies into pots and moving outside plants to the greenhouse
4. washing clothes (and how awesome I have a MIL that keeps saying, "Give me a load to do downstairs!" Heaven....) and picking up clothes at the dry cleaners and packing
5. reorganizing youth conference and making a list of assignments/sending out
6. touch base with BFF Cathy who just got in from Hawaii either last night or early this morning.
7. get a few birthday presents delivered
8. arrange and make phone calls concerning helpers for Stake girl's camp.
9. dig good frozen food out of the old, malfunctioning freezer and move to the new freezer. Grrrr.
10. pay bills
-I will think of the contest rules.
I was suppose to help with our service group at the Ronald McDonald house today...making lunch and cleaning the house. But I finally crashed last night.......all of our company left (Pretty Patty Petty...we had a wonderful time together!) (and two nieces and a baby...I loved spending time with them) (and newly weds Trista and Tobin) (and all the Young Men from Ryan's ward and their dads), after we had a birthday party here after church for all the May birthdays (4), said farewell to Ryan and Marci and kiddos who are leaving to Guatemala tomorrow for 3 months (breaking my heart), talked to David on the phone (he's in Montana when I really needed a hug), back-tracked in my mind my Gospel Doctrine lesson (feeling insecure about some things), had a happy moment when Heidi Stapels had me come in to her Young Women's class and talk for a few minutes about journals, had a little pent-up cry at bedtime about some of my weaknesses....went to bed at 9:30 last night because I could. At the same time, I think of my daughter and DIL....and all the young mothers who have busy weeks and responsibilities everyday...and can't just tune out and go to bed. It is hard to give from an empty bucket. I know that.....
So, today I am refreshed. And grateful. Amazing what a good night's sleep can do. I'm ready to tackle my to-do's.
I loved teaching the lesson yesterday on receiving spiritual gifts into our lives. I mentioned that when I was young, I learned REAL early that if I wanted lots of presents at Christmas, I had to be especially good! The principle is true. We reap what we sow. I feel like God has a big storehouse of spiritual gifts waiting to give us, but we need to ask. We receive gifts of the spirit when we put our lives in tune with God, have desire and eyes to see and recognize His gifts. It is evidence of His great love and mercy. Even though this past week was a little nutso....in the middle of the individual storms, I could see His hand, helping. I shared the story (if you clicked on my Mother's Day link from last week, you'll have just read this story) about knowing beforehand that Tanner was going to get in an accident. He had earlier come in to ask me if he could take my car (he was 16) to follow Travis to a car repair place and then take him to work, across the valley. I had gone back to sleep, a few minutes had passed, then I sat upright in bed. I "knew"...had been told by the Spirit, that Tanner was going to be in a car accident. I was frantic. I was beside myself. I fell to my knees in the deepest prayers of my heart. When the phone call came from the policeman, I started to cry the instant I heard his voice telling me that they had taken him to the hospital but that he was going to be okay. In retrospect, I wondered why I would have been given that pre-knowledge if he was still going to be in the accident, if I couldn't have done anything. But I realized, of course, that I could. I could pray. And I did. And I believe it made all the difference in the world....
Spiritual gifts. I don't know how you raise children without them....
Here are a few more quotes that I had on the board.
What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God. ~Eleanor Powell
God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame. ~Elizabeth Barrett Browning
"If all you know is what you see with your natural eyes and hear with your natural ears, then you will not know very much." Boyd K. Packard
"The gifts of the Spirit can lead us to God. They can shield us from the power of the adversary. They can compensate for our inadequacies and repair our imperfections." Dallin H. Oaks
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Photo Box
Thought I would share my latest photo download. I just sent out our Lake Powell letter...giving our friends their food assignments, giving times and dates...and I mentioned that Kathy and Greg just got back from Israel so I expected we would be treated to a 1257 slide presentation and monologue about their trip. Well, fortunately for you, I didn't have 1257 slides on my camera card.
First of all, new sandals for the year. Have you heard of Switch Flops? I think they came out last year, but you know how I am totally behind the times.
They look cute in black but when you get bored, or change your outfit....you rip off the top (velcro underneath).....
and put on a new topper! I love magic shoes.
I got some nifty gifts for Mother's Day. This is one, from Ryan and Marci called Slice (from Making Memories.) It is similiar to a Cricut...a cumputerized die cut and vinyl cutter but smaller, cordless and about half the price! I'm excited to use it!
Speaking of temples, this is the outside of Timpanogas Temple...where Elsa, Lynda, Debbie and I went last week. Kathy Wilson does gardening at the Salt Lake Temple...and attended a gardening class there with a master gardener...and he said that in a 10 foot by 10 foot area, they plant 200 flowers! No WONDER the temple grounds look so beautiful!
And speaking of plants, Sophia and I met for lunch on Thursday at California Pizza Kitchen and had these (Avacado egg rolls) .....she loved them as much as I do ....we had a great lunch although it was FAST since both of us had a million things going on.....but even just a quickie is fun with a friend.
PPP (Pretty Patty Petty...for those just new reading, she is my friend from Boise and I've called her Pretty Patty Petty since we were newly wed best friends at BYU.) has been here visiting (came on Thursday afternoon) and yesterday we made a big dent in her wedding list and my youth conference list. Brandi had called me and told me we needed to check out a new gourmet donut shop called Beyond Glaze. You know how I get gaga over beautifully decorated cupcakes or cakes. Well, now they've taken the art to donuts. The donuts are a basic glazed donut but the icings are incredible! Take a look at their bakery case.....
And finally, this is part of the sight in our backyard. It is a multi-purpose yard. Last week it was a giant eggstravaganza...with dozens of littles running with baskets. In a couple of weeks, it will be filled with the first of wedding celebrations. But now, this weekend, it is a campground! Son Ryan brings his Young Men here each year.... they made tinfoil dinners in the fire pits last night, then swam forever.
This morning they are down at the arena with David- riding and terrorizing the steers. Pray no one gets hurt! Honestly, each year I just hold my breath! You know how easily this could happen...... 
First of all, new sandals for the year. Have you heard of Switch Flops? I think they came out last year, but you know how I am totally behind the times.
They look cute in black but when you get bored, or change your outfit....you rip off the top (velcro underneath).....
and put on a new topper! I love magic shoes.
I got some nifty gifts for Mother's Day. This is one, from Ryan and Marci called Slice (from Making Memories.) It is similiar to a Cricut...a cumputerized die cut and vinyl cutter but smaller, cordless and about half the price! I'm excited to use it!
David and Brandi both chose Draper pictures for me. Brandi was so bummed since she had this one for weeks before Mother's Day...then David surprised me with a giant one. His is a winter scene, Brandi's is a autumn. They both know that "this" is MY temple and I love them both. (both temple pictures AND David and Brandi.)
Speaking of temples, this is the outside of Timpanogas Temple...where Elsa, Lynda, Debbie and I went last week. Kathy Wilson does gardening at the Salt Lake Temple...and attended a gardening class there with a master gardener...and he said that in a 10 foot by 10 foot area, they plant 200 flowers! No WONDER the temple grounds look so beautiful!
And speaking of plants, Sophia and I met for lunch on Thursday at California Pizza Kitchen and had these (Avacado egg rolls) .....she loved them as much as I do ....we had a great lunch although it was FAST since both of us had a million things going on.....but even just a quickie is fun with a friend.
When we were leaving, the restaurant across the walkway had this vine growing in pots along trellis' which neither Sophia or I could identify. It was a fragile vine, with giant leaves....and I thought I got a picture of the opened flower but it looked like a large petunia. It isn't like any vines I have or have seen. Any clues?
PPP (Pretty Patty Petty...for those just new reading, she is my friend from Boise and I've called her Pretty Patty Petty since we were newly wed best friends at BYU.) has been here visiting (came on Thursday afternoon) and yesterday we made a big dent in her wedding list and my youth conference list. Brandi had called me and told me we needed to check out a new gourmet donut shop called Beyond Glaze. You know how I get gaga over beautifully decorated cupcakes or cakes. Well, now they've taken the art to donuts. The donuts are a basic glazed donut but the icings are incredible! Take a look at their bakery case.....
They had flavors like key lime, mango-raspberry, cherry chocolate, German chocolate. I'm usually not an icing person unless it is cream cheese but these icings were fabulous...so flavorful you could distinguish the individual flavors. If you live around the valley, check them out. If you don't, get out your piping utensils, buy a box of good glazed donuts and go to town! We are thinking we need these, in addition to the cupcakes, for the weddings (Nikki's wedding and Kyle's wedding...both being held here, at our home.)
This morning they are down at the arena with David- riding and terrorizing the steers. Pray no one gets hurt! Honestly, each year I just hold my breath! You know how easily this could happen...... Thursday, May 14, 2009
Thursday Trivia
I have a revolving door in my house.....not really but it seems that way sometimes.
David is so in and out, I forget at moments that we are married. He went to Miami Monday morning, came home last night, left this morning for someplace else until Friday night. He gets tired of the travel. He doesn't always do this but frequently he does and it seems to come in spurts. I have mentioned that he is a trial lawyer...and he represents the University Hospital here. There is a med. school with it so when the docs leave, they go all over the country. I have wondered at times what my MIL thinks of my crazy lifestyle. I'm always running here or going out to lunch there or taking a class here, meeting friends there. The other day I mentioned it to her and said, "When I realized that my husband's career was going to leave me alone so much, I had to make a life for myself." He's always had 60 hour plus work weeks....we had dinner when the kids were growing up between 7:30 and 8:30....because if we didn't, the kids would have never gotten to eat with their dad! Besides being busy, David is a great dad and husband. I love him to death. (how about to "time and eternity?") (to infinity and beyond....)
I forgot to mention last week I got a message on my answering machine- a voice singing "Going to the chapel and we're gonna get married....." PPP (Pretty Patty Petty) was calling from Boise and I knew right away that Kyle, her daughter, got engaged! Kyle lives in Salt Lake and works for the new IHC hospital and I knew that she had met someone she really liked. They will have a small reception (in our yard!) in July. PPP came down for the weekend to help with wedding plans. I get to have her tonight until tomorrow noon! I've mentioned how PPP and Kyle would come and stay with us and Kyle, being a year younger than Tanner, would have sleepovers in Tanner's room. When they got about 10/11, it dawned on us that sleepover time was over! Kyle always called Tanner "THAT boy" and also called Lagoon (the amusement park) "The Goon."
About ten minutes after PPP called, the newly weds, Trista and Tobin called from Provo. Their summer jobs didn't work out and they had just gotten back from Colorado and were homeless. Could they stay until Saturday? Of course!
Today is "THAT boy's" birthday. What can I say about my baby that I haven't whined about, cried about, gone on and on about since he just got married a few months ago. Tanner has been a gift to me, given after I regained my sanity from the other children....5 years (planned) after the last child. He was joyful from the day he was born....was so easy that Elaine was sure I was giving him drugs! Even as an adult, he wakes up happy and goes to bed happy. He is good and kind and funny (always makes me spurt chocolate milk out of my nose) and I adore him.
I just want to mention for any Williams relatives that might be reading this, Jenny Jaggi (Jared's wife) had their baby Sunday evening. A boy....Jacob (Jake) Scott Jaggi. All is well!
This morning is a jam-packed day. I'm going uptown and meeting Sophia for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. She's bringing me the wedding tablecloths she borrowed and I'm taking her Liza's and Barbie's contest winning cookbooks. We missed out on our get-together this weekend so this will have to do. Pottery Barn afterwards to get a gift for Ashley Davies shower this evening. Since it is Tanner's birthday (and dinner) and a house full of company and a shower, it should be a wild night!
I got art re-scheduled at Rochelle's tomorrow since Patty will be here...but in the midst of everything, son Ryan will bring all his Young Men here tomorrow night to camp on our backyard! They swim, ride horses and always do a service project for us. Since Ryan serves in a Hispanic ward, their bbq is carne asada rather than hamburgers. YUM! I think this is their 3rd year coming here. (no park fees!)
In the midst of this craziness, I'm also trying to prepare my SS lesson for Sunday. This week it is on Spiritual Gifts (1 Corn. 12:4-11, also in D & C and B o M.) I've loved reflecting on the topic and things (gifts) of the spirit that sustain us. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
The best fruits are plucked for each by some hand that is not his own. C.S. Lewis
Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.~Ruth Ann Schabacker " (this is actually in vinyl over my French doors in my bedroom)
President George Q. Cannon taught: "If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections. If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which suffereth long and is kind. Am I an envious man? It is my duty to seek for charity, which envieth not. So with all the gifts of the Gospel. They are intended for this purpose. No man ought to say, "Oh I cannot help this; it is my nature." He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them."
Discernment is a light of protection and direction in a world that grows increasingly dark. You and I can press forward safely and successfully through the mist of darkness and have a clear sense of spiritual direction. Discernment is so much more than recognizing right from wrong. It helps us distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant, the important from the unimportant, and the necessary from that which is merely nice. Elder David Bednar
David is so in and out, I forget at moments that we are married. He went to Miami Monday morning, came home last night, left this morning for someplace else until Friday night. He gets tired of the travel. He doesn't always do this but frequently he does and it seems to come in spurts. I have mentioned that he is a trial lawyer...and he represents the University Hospital here. There is a med. school with it so when the docs leave, they go all over the country. I have wondered at times what my MIL thinks of my crazy lifestyle. I'm always running here or going out to lunch there or taking a class here, meeting friends there. The other day I mentioned it to her and said, "When I realized that my husband's career was going to leave me alone so much, I had to make a life for myself." He's always had 60 hour plus work weeks....we had dinner when the kids were growing up between 7:30 and 8:30....because if we didn't, the kids would have never gotten to eat with their dad! Besides being busy, David is a great dad and husband. I love him to death. (how about to "time and eternity?") (to infinity and beyond....)
I forgot to mention last week I got a message on my answering machine- a voice singing "Going to the chapel and we're gonna get married....." PPP (Pretty Patty Petty) was calling from Boise and I knew right away that Kyle, her daughter, got engaged! Kyle lives in Salt Lake and works for the new IHC hospital and I knew that she had met someone she really liked. They will have a small reception (in our yard!) in July. PPP came down for the weekend to help with wedding plans. I get to have her tonight until tomorrow noon! I've mentioned how PPP and Kyle would come and stay with us and Kyle, being a year younger than Tanner, would have sleepovers in Tanner's room. When they got about 10/11, it dawned on us that sleepover time was over! Kyle always called Tanner "THAT boy" and also called Lagoon (the amusement park) "The Goon."
About ten minutes after PPP called, the newly weds, Trista and Tobin called from Provo. Their summer jobs didn't work out and they had just gotten back from Colorado and were homeless. Could they stay until Saturday? Of course!
Today is "THAT boy's" birthday. What can I say about my baby that I haven't whined about, cried about, gone on and on about since he just got married a few months ago. Tanner has been a gift to me, given after I regained my sanity from the other children....5 years (planned) after the last child. He was joyful from the day he was born....was so easy that Elaine was sure I was giving him drugs! Even as an adult, he wakes up happy and goes to bed happy. He is good and kind and funny (always makes me spurt chocolate milk out of my nose) and I adore him.
I just want to mention for any Williams relatives that might be reading this, Jenny Jaggi (Jared's wife) had their baby Sunday evening. A boy....Jacob (Jake) Scott Jaggi. All is well!
This morning is a jam-packed day. I'm going uptown and meeting Sophia for lunch at California Pizza Kitchen. She's bringing me the wedding tablecloths she borrowed and I'm taking her Liza's and Barbie's contest winning cookbooks. We missed out on our get-together this weekend so this will have to do. Pottery Barn afterwards to get a gift for Ashley Davies shower this evening. Since it is Tanner's birthday (and dinner) and a house full of company and a shower, it should be a wild night!
I got art re-scheduled at Rochelle's tomorrow since Patty will be here...but in the midst of everything, son Ryan will bring all his Young Men here tomorrow night to camp on our backyard! They swim, ride horses and always do a service project for us. Since Ryan serves in a Hispanic ward, their bbq is carne asada rather than hamburgers. YUM! I think this is their 3rd year coming here. (no park fees!)
In the midst of this craziness, I'm also trying to prepare my SS lesson for Sunday. This week it is on Spiritual Gifts (1 Corn. 12:4-11, also in D & C and B o M.) I've loved reflecting on the topic and things (gifts) of the spirit that sustain us. Here are a few of my favorite quotes:
The best fruits are plucked for each by some hand that is not his own. C.S. Lewis
Each day comes bearing its own gifts. Untie the ribbons.~Ruth Ann Schabacker " (this is actually in vinyl over my French doors in my bedroom)
President George Q. Cannon taught: "If any of us are imperfect, it is our duty to pray for the gift that will make us perfect. Have I imperfections? I am full of them. What is my duty? To pray to God to give me the gifts that will correct these imperfections. If I am an angry man, it is my duty to pray for charity, which suffereth long and is kind. Am I an envious man? It is my duty to seek for charity, which envieth not. So with all the gifts of the Gospel. They are intended for this purpose. No man ought to say, "Oh I cannot help this; it is my nature." He is not justified in it, for the reason that God has promised to give strength to correct these things, and to give gifts that will eradicate them."
Discernment is a light of protection and direction in a world that grows increasingly dark. You and I can press forward safely and successfully through the mist of darkness and have a clear sense of spiritual direction. Discernment is so much more than recognizing right from wrong. It helps us distinguish the relevant from the irrelevant, the important from the unimportant, and the necessary from that which is merely nice. Elder David Bednar
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Zupas Summer Chicken Salad/Brandi's Strawberry Salad
Today one of my BFF friends, Penny, is coming to my house where we are doing taste tests for the perfect salad for the wedding open house for Penny's daughter, Nikki. Penny and I love Zupas, a local restaurant that I believe is a chain, and for sure, Penny wants strawberries in the salad. This is a great salad from that restaurant. Of course, when I made the dressing, I had to substitute 1/2 cup of frozen strawberry jam for the 4 strawberries, because when it comes to cooking, I am full of false pride that I can improve the recipe beyond what a mere professional could invent! (which I might say has gotten me into trouble on more than one occasion!)
Zupa's Summer Chicken Salad
Ingredients
4 ounces mixed greens
2 fresh sliced strawberries
10 dried cranberries
5 red grapes
1 ounce diced cooked chicken breast
1/2 ounce chopped cashews
Zupa's strawberry vinaigrette (use 2 ounces)
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup canola oil
4 strawberries
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
Directions
In a medium sized bowl toss the mixed greens, dressing, and chicken. Transfer into serving bowl.
Top salad with dried cranberries, red grapes, and sliced strawberries.
Sprinkle chopped cashews on top to finish.
Dressing:
In a medium sized container mix the strawberries, salt, sugar, and vinegar. Blend well in a blender.
While blending slowly add in all of the oil, blending until smooth.
The other salad that we will taste test is Brandi's Romaine and Strawberry Salad...one of my FAVORITE summer salads. The dressing is by far the best I've had...but because it is mayonnaise based- I worry about tossing it with the greens and serving it to several hundred people outside. I think it might make it wilty. But for sure, you're going to want to run out to the store today and make it...or just make the dressing and lap it up with a spoon, then call it a GREAT day!
Brandi's Romaine and Strawberry Salad
1 heads romaine or
1/2 head romaine and 1/2 bag baby spinach
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 med. red onion (opt.)
½ c. pinenuts, toasted
1-2 large ripe avocados
grilled chicken if wanted
feta cheese, if desired (everything is beta’with’feta)
Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 c. half and half
1 T. poppy seeds
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. strawberry or raspberry vinegar
2 T. strawberry jam
Zupa's Summer Chicken Salad
Ingredients
4 ounces mixed greens
2 fresh sliced strawberries
10 dried cranberries
5 red grapes
1 ounce diced cooked chicken breast
1/2 ounce chopped cashews
Zupa's strawberry vinaigrette (use 2 ounces)
1 cup red wine vinegar
1 cup canola oil
4 strawberries
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup sugar
Directions
In a medium sized bowl toss the mixed greens, dressing, and chicken. Transfer into serving bowl.
Top salad with dried cranberries, red grapes, and sliced strawberries.
Sprinkle chopped cashews on top to finish.
Dressing:
In a medium sized container mix the strawberries, salt, sugar, and vinegar. Blend well in a blender.
While blending slowly add in all of the oil, blending until smooth.
The other salad that we will taste test is Brandi's Romaine and Strawberry Salad...one of my FAVORITE summer salads. The dressing is by far the best I've had...but because it is mayonnaise based- I worry about tossing it with the greens and serving it to several hundred people outside. I think it might make it wilty. But for sure, you're going to want to run out to the store today and make it...or just make the dressing and lap it up with a spoon, then call it a GREAT day!
Brandi's Romaine and Strawberry Salad
1 heads romaine or
1/2 head romaine and 1/2 bag baby spinach
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 med. red onion (opt.)
½ c. pinenuts, toasted
1-2 large ripe avocados
grilled chicken if wanted
feta cheese, if desired (everything is beta’with’feta)
Dressing:
1 cup mayonnaise
1/3 c. half and half
1 T. poppy seeds
1/3 c. sugar
1/2 c. strawberry or raspberry vinegar
2 T. strawberry jam
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
On What We Give
Today is a look-forward- day! One of those days you can't wait to wake up in the morning and get started!
-Cleaning this morning with Jan. She hasn't been here for two weeks since Paige had her baby and I can't wait to hear all the good news. Jan and I have been friends forever and I miss our weekly solve-all-the-world's problems when she isn't here.
-Attending our book group. This week is the beginning of Christ's ministry, John the Baptist's ministry, etc. As always, this book excites me and teaches me so much. The question I found is when the Pharisees see John baptizing in the river, they asked by what authority he baptized. But Jews don't baptize. They do this thing called immersion for purification means (like if you've touched something unclean) but they don't call it baptism. Apparently they USED to do it...since they recognized it, it had a name, it was done in the temple. Interesting.
-After class, I am picking up Lynda Raddon, Elsa Gray, Gayle Howe and Debbie Stowell and we are heading to Alpine...to lunch at the Blue Moon (oops! Blue Lemon...thank you Karla!), then we're going to the Timpanogas temple, then stop by Highland Gardens and maybe Dear Lizzies on the way home. What a great afternoon with friends. We are celebrating Gayle and Debbie's birthdays as well.
-Come home to plant a few more tomatoes and pots of basil. I know, I can't quit!
-Tonight is GNO- hosted by Loretta at Smokey Mountain Pasta and Pizza. I love this group of friends and am anxious to see Joanne and Terri...to hear about their experiences of the last month, dealing with their losses and to give them their beautiful gifts. This group has been through a ton together....the ups and downs of raising a family, financial reverses, health concerns with our kids or grand kids. Old friends are the best friends.
I wanted to share a story I ended my lesson with on Sunday. The lesson was on the law of consecration...which is taking care of the poor among us and "loving our neighbor as ourself." Often the things we give are minimal or not in the best condition or maybe our service is done begrudgingly. I actually passed out Junior Mint patties...then told this story.
When my niece, Ashley, was little, her mother Angie took her to the store and bought her a Look candy car. When they got back into the car, Ashley started peeling off the paper and eating the candy. Angie said, "Ashley, can I have a bite of your candy?" to which Ashley replied, "No! It's mine!" Angie muttered that "that wasn't very nice." A few seconds passed and Ashley then said, "But mom, if you're real good, I'll let you lick the wrapper."
You know, all our candy bars come from the Lord. There is enough for all, but sometimes we have a hard time "letting go" of the abundance He has blessed us with...and are content for our "down and out brothers" to just get to lick the wrappers.......
-Cleaning this morning with Jan. She hasn't been here for two weeks since Paige had her baby and I can't wait to hear all the good news. Jan and I have been friends forever and I miss our weekly solve-all-the-world's problems when she isn't here.
-Attending our book group. This week is the beginning of Christ's ministry, John the Baptist's ministry, etc. As always, this book excites me and teaches me so much. The question I found is when the Pharisees see John baptizing in the river, they asked by what authority he baptized. But Jews don't baptize. They do this thing called immersion for purification means (like if you've touched something unclean) but they don't call it baptism. Apparently they USED to do it...since they recognized it, it had a name, it was done in the temple. Interesting.
-After class, I am picking up Lynda Raddon, Elsa Gray, Gayle Howe and Debbie Stowell and we are heading to Alpine...to lunch at the Blue Moon (oops! Blue Lemon...thank you Karla!), then we're going to the Timpanogas temple, then stop by Highland Gardens and maybe Dear Lizzies on the way home. What a great afternoon with friends. We are celebrating Gayle and Debbie's birthdays as well.
-Come home to plant a few more tomatoes and pots of basil. I know, I can't quit!
-Tonight is GNO- hosted by Loretta at Smokey Mountain Pasta and Pizza. I love this group of friends and am anxious to see Joanne and Terri...to hear about their experiences of the last month, dealing with their losses and to give them their beautiful gifts. This group has been through a ton together....the ups and downs of raising a family, financial reverses, health concerns with our kids or grand kids. Old friends are the best friends.
I wanted to share a story I ended my lesson with on Sunday. The lesson was on the law of consecration...which is taking care of the poor among us and "loving our neighbor as ourself." Often the things we give are minimal or not in the best condition or maybe our service is done begrudgingly. I actually passed out Junior Mint patties...then told this story.
When my niece, Ashley, was little, her mother Angie took her to the store and bought her a Look candy car. When they got back into the car, Ashley started peeling off the paper and eating the candy. Angie said, "Ashley, can I have a bite of your candy?" to which Ashley replied, "No! It's mine!" Angie muttered that "that wasn't very nice." A few seconds passed and Ashley then said, "But mom, if you're real good, I'll let you lick the wrapper."
You know, all our candy bars come from the Lord. There is enough for all, but sometimes we have a hard time "letting go" of the abundance He has blessed us with...and are content for our "down and out brothers" to just get to lick the wrappers.......
Monday, May 11, 2009
Happy Thoughts
Yesterday was so wonderful...being with all our family after church (except for Ben and Susie mountaineering in Washington.) The cousins, all 13 of them run through the house, in and out, like crazies, laughing and squealing. They have so much fun together. I did some measuring on a wall in the furnace room....the kiddos get their height measured and marked. The wall is getting full of marks! It was so beautiful outside, we got to eat on the patio. I made Libby's wonderful unique potato salad and also the lemon fruit salad. They were delish. Brandi and Ryan made it home from their trip to Las Vegas so we could visit with them too. Ryan and Marci are going to Guatemala next week for 3 months with their kids. I'm sorry if I keep mentioning this but 3 MONTHS! Can you tell I'm stressed to say the least? I'm pretty sure I made everyone sign a contract when they were married, after having children, they couldn't move more than 2 hours away. Marilyn Bawden, hug my babies when you see them!
The many other things we "give’...are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!" Neil Maxwell
The Evolution of Mothers
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes are your regular clothes. The
Baby's Name-
1st baby: You pore over baby-name books and practice pronouncing and writing combinations of all your favorites.
2nd baby: Someone has to name their kid after your great-aunt Mavis, right? It might as well be you.
3rd baby: You open a name book, close your eyes, and see where your finger falls. Bimaldo? Perfect!
Preparing for the Birth -
2nd baby: You don't bother practicing because you remember that last time, breathing didn't do a thing.
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your 8th month.
The Layette -
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can't they?
Worries -
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your 3-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.
Activities -
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.
Going Out -
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.
At Home -1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of every day watching to be sure your older children isn't squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children.
(you've gotta laugh...or else you just cry sometimes, huh? It is amazing that these little kids grow up to be your best friends! I ADORE mine!)
1. It was so fun to teach the Gospel Doctrine class yesterday. I was talking on the phone to Brendalyn before church (she's in a different ward) and she asked me if I was nervous. I said,"A little nervous but excited nervous." She laughed and said, "You are ALWAYS excited when you teach!"
A favorite quote from the lesson:
The many other things we "give’...are actually the things He has already given or loaned to us. However, when you and I finally submit ourselves, by letting our individual wills be swallowed up in God’s will, then we are really giving something to Him! It is the only possession which is truly ours to give!" Neil Maxwell
2. Brendalyn and I did errands on Saturday. We went to Utah Valley and we found wonderful gifts for our two GNO friends....Joanne lost her dad a month ago and Terri just lost her sister who has suffered from melanoma cancer for two years...defying Dr.'s and everyone else. In the past, we usually have gotten a garden ornament or a tree to plant. I wanted something a little different this time. This may seem strange but we fell in love with these handmade purses. The fabrics are rich and tapestry...with amazing embellishment. I'm putting a little tag on them that says, "Grief is a heavy burden to carry alone. We hope the love of friends can help sustain you."
3. May is our family birthday month. Today Noah turns two, the 14th is Tanner's, the 17th Joshua turns 9, Nash turns two on the 19th, My dad's birthday is 24/25th (long story) Susie's is the 25th, my nephew's the 26th, Boston turns 4 on the 29th...whew! It's a celebrating month!
Yesterday I was reminiscing about how HARD it was to be a young mom. It is exhausting even though you love your family. One of my girls had one of "those" mother's day. The kind spent sobbing in the car. Totally losing it and then feeling guilty. So, when I found this "Evolution of Mother"...it made me laugh. Thankfully I know SOMEDAY my girls will have a peaceful, relaxing Mother's day. Just not yet.
The Evolution of Mothers
Yes, parenthood changes everything. But parenthood also changes with each baby. Here, some of the ways having a second and third child differs from having your first:
2nd baby: You wear your regular clothes for as long as possible.
3rd baby: Your maternity clothes are your regular clothes. The
Baby's Name-
2nd baby: Someone has to name their kid after your great-aunt Mavis, right? It might as well be you.
3rd baby: You open a name book, close your eyes, and see where your finger falls. Bimaldo? Perfect!
Preparing for the Birth -
1st baby: You practice your breathing religiously.
2nd baby: You don't bother practicing because you remember that last time, breathing didn't do a thing.
3rd baby: You ask for an epidural in your 8th month.
The Layette -
1st baby: You prewash your newborn's clothes, color-coordinate them, and fold them neatly in the baby's little bureau.
2nd baby: You check to make sure that the clothes are clean and discard only the ones with the darkest stains.
3rd baby: Boys can wear pink, can't they?
Worries -
1st baby: At the first sign of distress - a whimper, a frown - you pick up the baby.
2nd baby: You pick the baby up when her wails threaten to wake your firstborn.
3rd baby: You teach your 3-year-old how to rewind the mechanical swing.
Activities -
1st baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics, Baby Swing, and Baby Story Hour.
2nd baby: You take your infant to Baby Gymnastics.
3rd baby: You take your infant to the supermarket and the dry cleaner.
Going Out -
1st baby: The first time you leave your baby with a sitter, you call home 5 times.
2nd baby: Just before you walk out the door, you remember to leave a number where you can be reached.
3rd baby: You leave instructions for the sitter to call only if she sees blood.
At Home -1st baby: You spend a good bit of every day just gazing at the baby.
2nd baby: You spend a bit of every day watching to be sure your older children isn't squeezing, poking, or hitting the baby.
3rd baby: You spend a little bit of every day hiding from the children.
(you've gotta laugh...or else you just cry sometimes, huh? It is amazing that these little kids grow up to be your best friends! I ADORE mine!)
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day
Oh, happy day! I'm so happy to be a mom...and a grammie. Yesterday I read a quote that although childhood ends, motherhood never does. I was blessed to have a great mom, who I still love to hang out with and spend time together. We have so many fun and crazy memories together. Can't wait to see her in a week!
This morning I am working on my Gospel Doctrine class that I am teaching for the first time. I team teach (take turns) with Bob Bailey. I have had weeks of preparation and I'm anxious to teach the first one to see how it goes. I feel good about my preparation, my studying, the material I'm choosing to concentrate on....now let's hope my memory and jumbled speech isn't an issue.
Friday was such a crazy day. I had Addison for the day and got the two other little girls in the afternoon. I made two cakes for the funeral dinner (thankfully David came home early so he could run them over to the church) (truly, you need to make the pina colada cake with whipped cream and strawberries.) After the funeral, all of the Mortensen family (about 60 or so) came to go through the house. A few couldn't emotionally come through. Most were very anxious to see what we had done with it. It was bittersweet for them to be here, walk the property, laughing and pointing out the things they had helped build. I think I mentioned before that JD and Eve bought this property to teach their children to work. All over the almost 6 acres is stones walls and outbuildings....the tennis court, the pool....the orchard of sorts.....all projects for not just their children neighborhood children as well. Two of our boys worked on projects here when they were young.
The big disappointment was that I was planning on Sophia and Doug coming for the night. Sophia and I had big play plans....but at the last minute, she couldn't come. Mothering came first, which I admire her for. We've actually had Parker, our oldest grandson overnight. He spent the day with David....helping with the roping, running errands, last night swimming with Tanner (who was hosting a party here.) The three of us went out to dinner last night and he and I have played games, games and more games. I've missed being with him...he's growing up way too fast.
No more time to write, but I wanted to share one of my favorite Mother's Day posts. Just click here. I hope you have a wonderful day today. No crying allowed!
http://constantgrowingamazement.blogspot.com/2007/05/it-is-good-to-be-mom.html
This morning I am working on my Gospel Doctrine class that I am teaching for the first time. I team teach (take turns) with Bob Bailey. I have had weeks of preparation and I'm anxious to teach the first one to see how it goes. I feel good about my preparation, my studying, the material I'm choosing to concentrate on....now let's hope my memory and jumbled speech isn't an issue.
Friday was such a crazy day. I had Addison for the day and got the two other little girls in the afternoon. I made two cakes for the funeral dinner (thankfully David came home early so he could run them over to the church) (truly, you need to make the pina colada cake with whipped cream and strawberries.) After the funeral, all of the Mortensen family (about 60 or so) came to go through the house. A few couldn't emotionally come through. Most were very anxious to see what we had done with it. It was bittersweet for them to be here, walk the property, laughing and pointing out the things they had helped build. I think I mentioned before that JD and Eve bought this property to teach their children to work. All over the almost 6 acres is stones walls and outbuildings....the tennis court, the pool....the orchard of sorts.....all projects for not just their children neighborhood children as well. Two of our boys worked on projects here when they were young.
The big disappointment was that I was planning on Sophia and Doug coming for the night. Sophia and I had big play plans....but at the last minute, she couldn't come. Mothering came first, which I admire her for. We've actually had Parker, our oldest grandson overnight. He spent the day with David....helping with the roping, running errands, last night swimming with Tanner (who was hosting a party here.) The three of us went out to dinner last night and he and I have played games, games and more games. I've missed being with him...he's growing up way too fast.
No more time to write, but I wanted to share one of my favorite Mother's Day posts. Just click here. I hope you have a wonderful day today. No crying allowed!
http://constantgrowingamazement.blogspot.com/2007/05/it-is-good-to-be-mom.html
Friday, May 8, 2009
And the Winner is....
I love this little girl. She makes me laugh. She loves to pick winner's names out of a cup.
She studies the winner's name on a slip of paper......
Oh, man, oh man! She is a smart cookie but if she could only read!
After I read "Barbie" ...she squealed, "I LOVE Barbie!" She drew Barbie's name...while watching Barbie and the Diamond Castle!
Barbie! Barbie! You will love this book. I'll send it home with Sophia who is coming today! And I will tuck a bag of fresh bay leaves from our trees in as well! You know I am your biggest fan!
Joyful!
Don't forget the "joyful" contest. It ends in 2 1/2 more hours. See two posts back! Have a joyful spring day!
More Climbing
The other day I posted a beautiful quote about mountain climbing (in tribute to my son Ben, who climbs, treks, guides and lives to ski. The above pictures were taken in Alaska.) I have a few others that I want to share but share in another light. Often in the scriptures mountains and temples and holy places are synonymous.
When Moses left the children of Israel for more instruction from the Lord, he went up into the mount to pray. Christ, after his baptism, in awe after the miraculous manifestation of the Father and Holy Ghost, went into the wilderness, and mount to pray. I love living with these wonderful mountains around me. I feel strength and protection. The mountains in my life take me to a higher elevation. You don't have to live by mountains to do that. I'm thankful for scriptures and the gospel, the temple and classes, the sacrament that help lift my thoughts, my actions, my desires to a higher plain. In this world it is easy to become discouraged. It is very easy to be distracted by worldly things...that "things" become the most important or "play" is the purpose of life (and you know how I love to play.) As I read these quotes, I thought about going to the temple and the elevation that takes place there. I mentioned the other day, when talking about Eve M., that I suffered depression when I first moved to this area. We had just built the home that BFF Cathy lives in. Even though I was just literally minutes from my former home, I felt lost and lonely. My baby was starting school, Brandi was getting ready to finish school...several other things were going on physically and mentally. It was difficult. I'm really grateful for that difficult time because each day I would go into my backyard, that literally faced the mountain and talked to God. Just Him and me. It was quiet. It was internal. It was a healing time and a time of learning. I'm so glad I had that alone time. I thought of that when I read this quote:
"Climbing is not a spectator sport." — Mark Wellman
I'm grateful for the many times I have stood in holy places. In that, I mean, when I have witnessed the hand of God in my life and the lives of others. I always wish I could constantly stay at that high but I have learned that life is a series of ebb and flow. In the low moments, I'm sustained by the witnesses that I have received in my life and the memory of those witnesses carries me through.
"You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again. So why bother in the first place ? Just this: What is above knows what is below, but what is below does not know what is above. One climbs, one sees. One descends, one sees no longer, but one has seen. There is an art of conducting oneself in the lower regions by the memory of what one saw higher up. When one can no longer see, one can at least still know." — René Daumal
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Spring Contest
Spring makes its own statement, so loud and clear that the gardener seems to be only one of the instruments, not the composer. ~Geoffrey B. Charlesworth
Yesterday I planted two flats of blue salvia, watched two little girls for a couple of hours, cleaned a large garbage can of leaves and dead plants from pots from our bedroom deck, cleaned the guest room, followed Tanner to drop his car off at a fix-it place and then drove him across town to work, swam for about 1/2 hour, made a gift bag for BFF Cathy to take on their trip, went to Distribution and got new temple clothes for David...came home and hemmed his pants (I have a hole now in my finger to prove it...darn! Why didn't I wear a thimble?), went with David and Kirk and Cathy to dinner at Cafe Trang, then to the Draper temple, afterwards going out for ice cream. Whew! What a happy day! It is beautiful and springtime outside. The birds are almost giddy with song....they sound cacophonic (is that a word) with everyone trying to sing at once....sounds like an orchestra warming up before the show. It is morning and I've already got my work clothes on, to plant another flat of flowers, 4 more tomato plants, a couple of bunches of other things (more chives, more sweet woodruff.) Guests are coming tomorrow and spring housecleaning is underway! Springtime isn't the time to stay inert. The joy of it gets me moving...fills my day with pleasure.
It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain
So, tell me three things you did yesterday or are going to do today that bring you joy. I'll do a drawing tomorrow at noon (Mountain Standard) so it will be a short contest...but you'll want the Simpable Things cookbook! Brandi made the pina colada cupcakes for a luncheon and they were a hit...both with guests and family.
Yesterday I planted two flats of blue salvia, watched two little girls for a couple of hours, cleaned a large garbage can of leaves and dead plants from pots from our bedroom deck, cleaned the guest room, followed Tanner to drop his car off at a fix-it place and then drove him across town to work, swam for about 1/2 hour, made a gift bag for BFF Cathy to take on their trip, went to Distribution and got new temple clothes for David...came home and hemmed his pants (I have a hole now in my finger to prove it...darn! Why didn't I wear a thimble?), went with David and Kirk and Cathy to dinner at Cafe Trang, then to the Draper temple, afterwards going out for ice cream. Whew! What a happy day! It is beautiful and springtime outside. The birds are almost giddy with song....they sound cacophonic (is that a word) with everyone trying to sing at once....sounds like an orchestra warming up before the show. It is morning and I've already got my work clothes on, to plant another flat of flowers, 4 more tomato plants, a couple of bunches of other things (more chives, more sweet woodruff.) Guests are coming tomorrow and spring housecleaning is underway! Springtime isn't the time to stay inert. The joy of it gets me moving...fills my day with pleasure.
It's spring fever. That is what the name of it is. And when you've got it, you want - oh, you don't quite know what it is you do want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! ~Mark Twain
So, tell me three things you did yesterday or are going to do today that bring you joy. I'll do a drawing tomorrow at noon (Mountain Standard) so it will be a short contest...but you'll want the Simpable Things cookbook! Brandi made the pina colada cupcakes for a luncheon and they were a hit...both with guests and family.
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