Oh My Gosh I'm there!

Well, almost.  Half of them apply to me (especially the last two!)  Today is BFF Cathy's birthday...and my gift to her each year is that I'm always older than her. 

Bits and Pieces

Just playing catch-up on a few things- when niece Ashlee came last week, she brought a delicious lemon cake.  Thankfully she shared the recipe and  I made it this weekend for several people and I think it is a winner.  I like the taste of lemon and raspberry together so I dolloped some homemade raspberry jam on top (which I had) or sprinkle fresh raspberries on top (which I didn't have) or leave it just glazed (like the recipe calls for.)  Find the recipe on the cooking blog.  Thanks, Ashlee!

The other nieces that have been here a ton lately (from Idaho)- are Kaitlin and Mallorie.  Kaitlin isn't a niece in the blood respect but she's here enough and does call me Aunti M- so it's a loose adoption.  When they were here this past week, we also went to City Creek (a new downtown Salt Lake development)- for me it was the first time.  It was beautiful and it is always fun with these two crazy girls.  College starts so I won't see them until we do Witchie Days in October. (nothing like hanging out with two college girls for a week and talking about "tru luv" and "tru luv" and more "tru luv!")
 









 


The week before last was the home shows.  Cathy and I went to just a few homes on one day, a few on another.  (they are scattered all over the valley...not the like good old days when they were all on one block.)  Here is one kid's room that had great detail:

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday's talks keep me thinking.  The theme was "Integrity" and one of the young men that spoke said that he had never really thought about the definition before...just thought integrity was not cheating on a test.  In Spanish, the word is used meaning complete. (I misplaced my notes that I took or I would tell you the word) as "whole bread" or a "complete tithing."  In our language we talk about integers- whole numbers, (in architecture) - the integrity of a building (meaning soundness) and being "integrated" or whole.  (I remember from writing a poem once where I stated that "whole" comes from the same root as "holy.")  The other speaker also spoke about integrity....reminding us that in olden days, sculptors might sculpt something inferior, with cracks or defects....and they would fill those chips with colored wax to match the marble.  Wax was said to serve as cover-up, masking imperfections on what was most likely cheap pottery. Eventually, in time, the wax melts and flaws are exposed.  True artisans would be a seal on their work, which contained the words "Sin ceras"....meaning "without wax." (it is also folk history to say this is where the word "sincere" comes from although they are similiar.  Sincere comes from "sincerus"- meaning a clean or pure sound.)

 

Such good words to ponder to try and live lives of integrity.  No cheating of course but also only truth that falls from our lips.  Only truth is exhibited by our actions.  No half truths and little white lies.

 

Don't try to be different. Just be good. To be good is different enough. ~Arthur Freed

 

Tidbits

~David took the two oldest grandsons- Parker- 13 and Josh-12 on a guy trip.  It will be a shortie but jam packed.  Yesterday they drove to Jackson Hole, Wy., did some hike (where they were within 10 yards of a young bear eating berries) and last night went to the dinner and show at a ranch there. (The initials are eluding me.  Bar J ranch?  Bar J Wranglers?)  Staying in cabins last night.  Today they are going on a river trip. And then the plan is to drive over to Yellowstone, which neither of the boys have seen.  Fun times!

~Here's a couple of little house projects I'm been working on.  First of all, I found three cute, plain stools at a consignment shop.  I think they were a blond wood.  I took them to my furniture painter who did a great job....except she also sprayed the metal foot rest...which I liked metallic.  So this week I've had to strip the paint from the foot rest....then I tried to do a little Pinterest project I saw on stools...with antiqued numbers on them.  Liked how they turned out BUT the dang sticky paper on the letters pulled off some of the yellow paint on one of the chairs.  Grrrr.  I would like to be done with a project instead of fixing....

~ I also decided my bed needed a little up-do since I've had the same bedding on it for about 10 years.  At least.  I think I was dreaming of the islands and maybe got a titch carried away.  I now need to paint a funky picture for over the bed.  It's not a finished product but you can see where I am going.

Love the skirt.

Love the Euro shams.

Love the long pillows detail.  (I bought the fabric and have a fabulous gal- Becky Davies sew them.  If you need drapes or pillows or bedding, she's your girl.  Adore her!)

Here it is....almost 3 o'clock.  Niece Mallorie and friend Kaitlin came last night from Idaho and (after they slept until 12:30!!!!) we just finished playing Hand and Foot before heading out for Cafe Rio lunch.  Then back to watch Hunger Games.  And then whatever we want to do. 

It is a happy talent to know how to play.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Cougars

~ this past weekend, Mallorie and her two sisters (also my nieces that I love) and their Mom, Angie (whom I adore) stayed with us (from Idaho) since they were helping with a wedding somewhere here in the valley.  It was perfect that they could also be here for my MIL's birthday party.  Saturday night when they got home, exhausted, they hit the pillows.....and immediately sat up again.....there was an animal wailing outside. (It is hot, we sleep with the french doors open...)  One looked at another in amazement and said, "Did you hear what I think I heard?"  "Could it be what I think we heard?"  A mountain lion.  In our back area!  Mallorie was afraid and wondered if he (she) could possibly get in their room.  (Not unless he could leap to a second story!)  The next morning when they told me about it, I laughed and told Mallorie she didn't have anything to worry about- that we were BYU fans (the cougar is their mascot.)  Now if you were a U of U fan, you'd totally be in trouble....

~scary to think we just had over 50 kids camping out there the previous weekend......whew!

~several months ago, someone from our old neighborhood that moved away over ten years ago called me.  She has had a hard life, a husband that did her wrong, a life in shambles that she can hardly cope with, a difficult time living in the now since every conversation is filled with the same story over and over (her husband did her wrong.)  This is someone that I really cared about (still do) and I tried to serve her as best I could but one of those situations where it is so draining.  Regardless, she called and said she was lonely and needed a friend and decided to reach out to me.  Because I have been gone so much and also health-wise indisposed, that request has haunted me.  Finally, yesterday - thinking David was roping for the evening- I called her at work to see if she wanted to go to dinner and a movie last night.  She was excited and picked the movie.  I didn't know anything about it but just said I didn't go to R-rated movies and she said this was a comedy and she just wanted to laugh. We had a pleasant time together (first of all, I ran her to a wedding reception on the other side of town that she needed to make an appearance at)- then because of time, we picked up dinner at the theaters and hit the movie.

Oh my.....    I can't remember the last time I walked out of a movie.  And I felt horrible...not for walking out....but having to tell my "friend" that I just couldn't watch anymore when she was obviously enjoying it.  Awkward but we lived.  She finished watching the movie and I sat in the lobby and played with my Iphone.  It truly wasn't a judgment on her, just I know what my spirit can't handle.

Funny how quickly you are taken back to high school.  So many times saying "I don't want to do that" or "I don't smoke that or drink that."  It truly was a lonely time. 

and I said to David, later, that it is also frustrating when you are trying to do something nice for someone, when it goes astray.  (i.e. I always burn "something" when I take dinner to someone else, recently one of the kids borrowed David's truck while doing service for someone else and creamed the whole side of it, our sweet friend gets hit (and disabled) by a tree while helping clear debris from the girl's camp, etc.)  I had a stomach ache all evening.  (If you get offended, don't see the new reviving marriage comedy with Meryl Streep/Tommy Lee Jones.) 

~ on the other hand, my friend's son just released his first solo cd.  Itune- Ryan Darton and have a listen.  It is amazing!!!!  I could listen to it all day.  (you have to like indie/altern. rock)  He is gifted.  Love, love, love his sound.

To know what is right and not do it is the worst cowardice. ~Confucius

Joe's Valley and celebrating

Last week David and I went with BFF's Cathy and Kirk- to their cabin in Joe's Valley as a getaway and also to celebrate our anniversaries. (Kirk and Cathy's anniversary is the day before ours.)  I laughed as I got into our car and saw David had packed his golf clubs, his new shooting bow and arrows and guns.  I asked how many activities could he possibly squeeze in?  He and Kirk are two peas in a pod...and the entire 3 days they rode ATVs and golfed and shot.....they never can do too much.  Cathy and I, on the other hand, just vegged.  We were both in "wind-down" time...and we'd look at each other and say, "So, should we go out on the ATVs?"  then we'd say, "Nah- let's just relax."  We read and napped and talked and then started all over.  And of course we played "hand and foot" when the guys came home...and ate marvelous meals. (We actually did shoot with them one afternoon.  When I hit one balloon, I was done.  Short attention-span.) (and I DID write a  poem for my upcoming writer's lunch.  Done!  Pressure off!) One night we went to a "Lamb Fry" as part of the local celebrations going on (my second time eating lamb so now I'm a pro.)  Also went to the Castle Valley pageant held out on a bluff.  The above picture is the scene before the pageant.  You could watch lots of old time demonstrations- lots of them interactive, go on wagon rides, braid a rope, learn blacksmithing.  A marvelous production (if anyone is thinking of going next year, call me so we can discuss it) and a great time with our friends.

While there, and chilling....I ran across this quote- which I love:

"I remember as a young schoolteacher (with a large and active class) asking my wife, "when does life even out?  why does it always feel like a roller coaster with so many highs and lows all in the same day?  I wish life would just level out."  Being a nurse, Debi replied, "Brad, when you get hooked up to the heart monitor, you don't want to see a straight line.  That's bad news.  It's the up and down lines that let you know you are alive."  (Brad Wilcox)


My MIL had gone to Idaho for the week while we were away and niece Ashlee brought her home when we got back.  My MIL celebrated her 89th birthday in Idaho and Ashlee was so darling to throw a party for her family there, take her to see dad's grave and also visit a brother in a rest home.  It meant so much to mom (and Ashlee, to me for your thoughtfulness!)
Came home to company for the weekend Mallory, and two sister's- Cambria and Ashlee and mom, Angie came back with mom and stayed the weekend....they had a wedding here they were helping with....plus on Saturday I threw a big  birthday party for my MIL for the "here" family.  50 people came and it was a big success.  We had such a great time.  I was going to keep it simple....just a basic taco and nacho bar.  Friday I got all the taco meat cooked....and then decided I had time enough to do some pulled pork for burritoes. Then Saturday I decided I needed to do some shrimp and pineapple cooked in honey butter for shrimp tacos with fresh mango salsa.  Etc.Etc.  The simple meal was off and running....

Bon Appetit - August 2012

We had the Cook's over for our Bon Appetit dinner last night.  It's been months since we've had our last one.  Valene always teases me that I practice each dish a hundred times before I make it....so this was the first one that I've done "first try."  Just as a refresher, we've been doing this with George and Valene for about a year and a half.  One of us hosts and cooks the dinner (trying new recipes)- and the other brings dessert.  The next time we switch places.

Last night we grilled salmon on a plank in the BBQ for a salmon salad.  Anxious to share that recipe later on the cooking blog.  I also made Brazilian Limeade, Savory Monkey Bread, Grilled Lemon Chicken with Kalamata olives (you can leave off the olives if you like), Brazilian marinated pineapple spears and green bean bundles.  Valene brought a fabulous "Not Yo' Mama's Banana Pudding."  After dinner we always play "Hand and Foot"- girls against the guys....and we girls always win.  We fill them up with a yummy dinner and then shoot them down!  Good times.

check out recipes here:  constantgrowingamazementcooks.blogspot.com

Choosing Joy

Whew!  This past week has been crazy/nuts/wonderful/exhausting/memory-making/joyful.....and any other words I'm too tired to think of.  I've mentioned we had kiddos- anywhere from 2 to 5 at a time for over a week.  In addition, Brandi had responsibilities for her Ward's Youth Conference this weekend....and the entire group (50-60) came here Friday night and camped overnight and swam and rode horses and had various activities and ATE!  Brandi was in charge of the food....and she did at least 2 meals before they got to our house...but she and I cooked non-stop for two days.

 

Friday night we provided dinner - baked Ritz chicken, baked potatoes, bread sticks, watermelon on a stick, corn on the cob.  Dessert was pina coladas and warm out-of-the-oven cookies.

Breakfast was-  a pancake bar- blueberry, cinnamon or chocolate chip, strawberries and whipped cream, etc.  I cooked so much bacon my house still smells like it. (My funny kiddos were getting some of the good breakfast and asked me if it was pig bacon or turkey bacon.  These are little healthy raised kiddos- who seldom have sugar (they asked if I had healthy cereal or sugar cereal) and don't watch t.v. or play WII......EXCEPT WHEN THEY COME TO GRANDMA'S.  Those kiddos were scarfing down the "ham" bacon as well.....)

Lunch was-  a taco and nacho bar.  More melon.  Creamies for dessert.

Whew!  All done.

 

The Youth conference theme was finding Joy in the everyday.  They did an Amazing Race day....which included things to figure out and hopping on Trax (our rail system) and going to various places in Salt Lake.  Part of their journey was Random Acts of Kindness and it was awesome to hear how those touched the kids.  One of my favorite scriptures is found in Paul- where he states that whatever his circumstances, he is content.  That means so much more to me when  I learned he was in prison at that time.

Brandi spoke one night and these are just bits and pieces of what she shared:

I would like to start by sharing one of my favorite scriptures, it is found in Proverbs 15:13 “ a happy heart makes a cheerful countenance.” I believe this! I want you to know that I do have a happy heart and I believe there are various reasons for this.

First, there are many, many things that make my heart happy. My heart is very happy when I see cute things! (This might happen to some of you when you see cute humans, you know your heart starts to beat a little faster, that’s a happy heart!)

My heart is happy when I am spending time with those I love. My heart is happy when I accomplish a hard or difficult task or witness others do the same. My heart is happy when I eat really good food (I do this a lot and is probably one large reason I am so very happy)!

My heart is happy when I witness others being kind to those around them. A few years ago my daughter Addison was about 3 years old, she was having a difficult time as most 3 year olds do being kind. One day I was trying to positively reinforce some good behavior and I said “Addi, it makes mommy so happy when you are kind to your sisters.” To which she quickly responded Mommy, I no kind. I assured her that yes she was very kind. She cocked her head, placed both hands on her hips and replied, “Momma, you and I both know I no good at being kind.” Sometimes we feel as Addi did. IT isn’t always easy to be kind to others and sometimes frankly we might feel we are no good at it. But as we reach out to those around us in kindness and we speak kindly to others our hearts will be happy. We will be filled with the Spirit. I testify that this principle is true and that as we practice this specific skill our hearts will be happy. 

My heart is happy when I try new things. This past weekend I had the opportunity to try paddleboarding and speed karting for the first time. I loved them both and had a wonderful time learning new skills. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face despite falling repeatedly off my board and spinning out off the race track. I encourage you each to take advantage of every opportunity to try new things. In doing so I know that you will find things that make each of your hearts happy. 
 

My heart is happy when I look forward to something. Now looking forward doesn’t mean thinking “Oh, I’ll be happy when this happens.” For instance you may relate to the following,….. I will be happy when I turn 16 or when I can drive or when I get asked to the dance or when I move out, the list could go on and on. Looking forward means anticipating something good and by doing so increasing your own excitement and joy in the journey. 

 Recently, I decided that I needed to have some fun things to look forward to. I wrote down some very specific things that I wanted to do this year. One of these things was skydiving. I coerced a group of friends and coworkers into going. We were all eagerly looking forward to this! One of my patients at work and I created a paper airplane count down chain, similar to the Christmas paper chains you made in elementary school. Each day a patient or coworker would cut off a link as we eagerly looked forward to the event. Looking forward……………………………

Conversely, looking back is something that robs us of joy. In D& C 67: 14 we read “ Let not your mind turn back.” 

Sometimes unsteadiness occurs as we allow our minds to turn back and reflect on hard times, trials, unfairness, hurt, betrayal, frustration or just better days. The scriptures are filled with verses about the mind. There is power in controlling our thoughts and having a firmness of mind, looking forward with an eye of faith. As we choose to look forward instead of looking back we will be filled with joy!

Finally, my heart is happy when I have a grateful heart. Elder Busche from the quorum of the Seventy stated:” The more we express our gratitude to God for our blessings, the more he will bring to our minds other blessings. The more aware we are of things to be grateful for, the happier we become.” I remember a time many years ago when there were a lot of circumstances in my life causing pain and anxiety. Each day I would write down one or two things I was grateful for. As I did this, I was overwhelmed with God’s goodness and hand in my life. My heart that previously had been consumed with grief and fear was able to feel and experience gratitude and joy. Specific things that I did to express my gratitude included praying, writing things down, sending thank you notes or thanking people verbally for the influence and blessings in my life and testifying to others as often as possible about the goodness I experienced in my life. 

 

In Alma 26:1, Ammon gives thanks and acknowledges his great blessings despite his circumstances. Later in verse 16 we read that his joy was so great he could not express even the smallest part.” In 1 Nephii 2: 7 we read that Nephi too gave thanks despite traveling in the wilderness. I testify that our hearts can experience joy even in the midst of hard times, not just when we have endured or survived the hard thing, but in the middle of it as well.

In 2 Nephi 2: 25 we learn that Men are that they might have joy! The Lord’s will is that we have joy, happy hearts and cheerful countenances. I testify that as we spend time with those we love, look forward, try new things, and have a grateful heart our hearts will each be filled with joy. President Hinckley reminded us that “The gospel is a thing of joy. It provides us with a reason for gladness. Of course there are times of sorrow, of course there are hours of concern and anxiety. We all worry but the Lord has told us to lift up our hearts and rejoice.”