Going Berserk

My Oh My!!

2012-02-09T13:58:00.000-08:00

It's been more than a year since I have blogged... I knew it had been awhile, but wasn't aware really how long it HAD been. I've gotten too involved in Facebook, so have not blogged.. It's easier to post pictures there, so that's what I've been doing..

Perhaps I need to try to get back here more often.

I don't fancy myself a writer, so that may contribute to the

fact that I don't blog much...

One of my cousin's kids, a cousin as well, asked if any of us

had blogs... so she inspired me to look... here it is! She may not

learn much about my current life, but there may be a few things

from the past few years that she might find...

It's just a bucket...

2011-01-16T14:27:00.001-08:00

When my mother passed away, my dad was able to sell their house, and nearly all of their belongings were packed up in a big crate, and stored away. The Lakeshore Ward Relief Society ladies came and helped pack things up, after we'd taken some of the things we wanted or that couldn't be packed. One of the things that came to my house was Mom's flour bucket. It was a clear, restaurant quality, 16 quart bucket with a tight lid - she may have had one for sugar too, but I don't know what happened to that one. It had been stored in her hall closet, so whenever she baked, which was often, out came the bucket. I'm sure a time or two she sent a grandchild to the hall closet, around the corner from the kitchen, to fetch flour for a recipe.

One habit, or practice, of my mother's that I have tried to carry on, is bread baking. She used her Grandma Bloomer's recipe - but adapted it to use powdered milk, from food storage. This is the same recipe that I use today.

Grandma Bloomer - is my Great Grandma Bloomer. My grandfather's father, Frank Arthur Mauzy White, was killed in the War (in 1918, I think..) , shortly before my grandfather, Frank Arthur White, was born. His mother was left with him as a baby, and eventually she married George Bloomer, who raised my grandfather as his own. So, my mom had her Bloomer grandparents, and she got the bread recipe from Grandma Bloomer - I am also glad that I have this recipe written in my mother's handwriting...

Anyway.. back to the bucket... I have kept it on my shelf, full of flour, or empty of flour if I've baked alot. The other week I found myself with an empty bucket, needing to go to the store for more, when I figured I should wash it out. It was getting a little grubby on the outside... after, yes, nearly 5 years of not being washed. I don't recall ever washing it since it has been here, I'm sad to say ( but flour doesn't leave stuff that dirty...you know? ) So it made me think that there were possibly some of my mom's fingerprints that I was washing from the outside of the bucket...and it got me thinking about her. I'm grateful for the little remembrances I have of her around my house, there are plenty... I'm thankful for the skills she taught me, and the recipes she left - I made her rice pudding recipe this afternoon. I hope that I am teaching my children good practices, and habits, and skills... sometimes it feels like I'm banging my head against the wall... but I know that she is cheering me on... but I still miss her.

Happy 2011!!

2011-01-01T17:15:00.001-08:00

I have neglected my blog for far too long... thanks to that fun spot called Facebook! I don't know if anyone still checks my blog anymore, but I am going to make a concerted effort to post more often! Wish me luck!!

For New Year's Eve, Mark & I took our girls, and cousin Aspen to the Family Dance at the Kimball Stake Center - 7-9 pm - Yahoo! There was to be a 5 stake Youth Dance afterwards, so decorations did double duty! We had fun doing all kinds of dances - the Chicken Dance, the Electric Slide, and we even tried to pull off Thriller! I learned some of the moves going to an exercise class at the church this fall, and a couple of the gals were there - Holly Ashby, who taught it to us, was not, be we tried to do what we could remember!
We came home and watched the movie Salt, with Angelina Jolie, in a spy thriller - I must have enjoyed it because it kept me awake! Normally, if we start a movie after 9 pm, I usually miss quite alot of it.

Mark & the girls went outside to ring in the new year by banging pots and pans, and seeing who in the neighborhood set off fireworks! Mark saw some floating lanterns set aloft - said it was cool! I was a chicken.. I stayed inside... it's been too cold for me. We've had some freezing temps here in AZ, which are not very often.

Brennan spent the evening, well, the night, at his friend Tanner's. He said they just listened to music and "hung out" . We tried to encourage him to go to the Youth Dance , but he and friends were not interested...

So.. there is my first post for 2011 ! Happy New Year, Friends!

I'm going back in time!

2010-06-23T11:40:00.000-07:00

This year marks the 25th year since I graduated from good ole' Evanston High School in Evanston Wyoming! 2 years after graduating, and 2 years of University of Wyoming, my family packed up and headed for Arizona... looking for work. And now... it's home.

Anyway... I have NEVER been to a high school class reunion, because it is so far to go. However, we have been in Utah visiting in-laws during the reunion times, which is always 4th of July weekend... but I've never had the desire to go. I've kept in touch with my close friends from high school anyway.

With the advent of Facebook, I have also recently gotten in touch with many of my friends from Junior High School - from Vernal Utah. It has been great seeing where they have gone on their paths in life. When I graduated from EHS, the next day I drove to Vernal to see my friends graduate from Uintah High School . I'd wanted to go there SOOO badly. My friends Carol Jo and Paulene were older than me, so they'd gone, and told me about all the fun they had their. I'm certain I was fairly devastated when we moved after 9th grade to Evanston, and I didn't get to go to UHS.

I had lived in Vernal from 2nd grade thru 9th, so I knew alot of people and had many friends. It has been fun getting into contact with them on Facebook. I stopped to see Kim Wall and Cory Hacking in Utah last summer and really enjoyed that. So, I've become an honorary member of the UHS class of 85, and now??? I'm going to attend THAT class reunion instead of my own. I am really looking forward to it. One of my Jr High choir buddies Dana Day Romeny lives in Tucson, and we are going to drive up together the end of July!. One of the reunion activities is going down the Green River from Flaming Gorge - something I used to do with my family. I'm really looking forward to it!! I'm hoping that many of my friends from 9th grade choir will be there also...

YahoO!!! I'm excited!

Lame... I know

2010-06-09T14:28:00.001-07:00

I have been a terribly lame blogger lately.

Things have changed, I am no longer employed.. so one would think that I would have time to blog. I spend far too much time on Facebook. I don't know if anyone still checks on me over here.

I knew back in December or so that my job would be ending - due to work demands my position was to become full time, which I did not want to do. It originally was going to end in January... but it took a bit of time to find my replacement, and then I was kept on until the end of May, preparing things for a move of the department to a new location. It worked out nicely, I took the last two working days of May off, went to Colorado with my family for a family reunion, and school is out so I am here with the kids!

They are busy with Volleyball camps, and swimming, I'll have to write more later.
I really need to get busy planning for my Cub Scout den meeting tomorrow! Ack!

Yum, yum, Yum!

2010-03-08T18:07:00.001-08:00

I am so not a food blogger, but LOOK!!!

Mark is usually the one who peruses Foodgawker.com looking for

yummy things to eat. He happened to leave it open the other day,

and I saw this Recipe for Gingersnaps with Lemon-Ginger Cream Filling.

My most favorite cookie is Carr's Ginger Lemon Cremes...

SO, what could be better than HOMEMADE! I made them this afternoon

and they are Delish! However, only getting 20 cookies out of all that work, hmmm..

gotta enjoy them. Maybe next time I'll make them a little smaller to get more!

These'll be in the fridge, due to the Cream Cheese... now I have to decide who I'm going to

share them with... Who's been good lately??

Two down, one to go...

2010-02-17T15:01:00.000-08:00

Mom's birthday, and today is mine, one more birthday girl for this month.

Mark and the girls put together Lemon Bread pullaparts last night, we baked them this morning. It was kind of funny, though frustrating... the house was filled with smoke, as the angel food cake pans used to bake the bread tend to leak sugary juices in the oven. Three pans made, one bundt and two angel food (removable insert) pans, one for my work, one for Mark's work, and one for home... and then I didn't get the oven cleaner turned on this afternoon. Will have to plan to do it when we'll be away, because it basically burns it all away.... yep, stinky...

I took it in to work, though my coworkers didn't seem too excited. It was really yummy to me however, so it doesn't really matter!! Thanks family!

Mark & the kids also got me a sport cover for my new HD Zune - so I can clip it my belt, or it has an armband as well. It will make it easier for me to take on walks or rides, so that I don't have to just put it in my pocket. Yeay! At least it is getting warmer, so I can ride more... just have to get the motivation going again.

I love all the Facebook birthday wishes! I really enjoy being in touch with so many people from all stages of my life! Probably my oldest friend (longest, not age oldest) is my 2nd grade teacher Kris! I've mentioned her here before. We moved to Vernal Utah from Magna, where I knew her. Then I've had wishes from friends in Vernal, then Evanston - high school friends, then Laramie college friends. Mission friends from England = got called a bonnie lass by Steve Cain from Jarrow . Lol ! Of course friends from Arizona, Oregon, and also several of my online friends from RTVW *waves* most of whom I've never met or spoken to! They are mostly the reason I have a blog!

I feel very blessed today - thankful for my life - it's not the best ever, but I'm trying to make the most of what I have.

I asked Mallory yesterday - "Do you know how much I love you?" She said... "more than anyone else..." which is so true. I'm glad she knew that. Sometimes, oftentimes, my kids are grumpy and don't get along, don't always speak politely... but I'm glad above all, that she knew that.

Remembering Mom

2010-02-09T17:42:00.001-08:00

Sunday the 7th was my mother's birthday.... she would have been 67 years old. Of course, it is nearly 4 years since she passed away.

On Monday night, we got all the family in town together at Nathan's house to celebrate her birthday. I made a Pineapple Cheesecake that she used to make - I rarely make it because my family doesn't care for it, but I always liked it. I do know that it is a recipe that her mom used to make as well. I couldn't find the original recipe in my recipe books or box, but I found a similar one online that worked out pretty well.

Pineapple No Bake cheese cake

1 lg. lemon Jello
1 c. boiling water
8 ounce. cream cheese
1 lg. can crushed pineapple, liquid removed
1 can Pet lowfat milk, chilled (I added Whipped Topping instead)
Graham cracker crust
1/2 c. sugar
Directions
Mix Jello and boiling water till dissolved. Chill. Then beat.
Beat cream cheese and sugar till creamy. Add in beaten Jello to cream cheese. Beat Pet lowfat milk to thick, mix in cream cheese. Add in liquid removed pineapple. Put graham cracker crust in 9"x13" pan. Pour mix in chill.

It really needs probably overnight to set up well enough - I didn't give it quite long enough so it was a bit soupy.

I asked my children to write any memories that they had of her, to share that night.

Mallory's is as follows.. (with her spelling)

Grandma Nancy

What I loved about Grandma was she would always read to me Pickles to Pitsburgh. I also loved when she gave us orange creamcicles. I remember sitting on the swing when we got out of the pool. And I remember sometimes going to there house and getting babysat. I do love being with her because she was always kind and loving to everyone. I loved her very much. She was pretty fun to be with. I remember going into a room holding her hand while she was gone. (when she passed away) . Those are things I remeber.

Pretty good spelling for a nearly nine year old. Mallory is a great reader - she tries to hurry a little too fast sometimes.

Jessica wrote a poem - lets see if I can find it.

Well.. havent' managed to get it from her, but wanted to get this posted anyway....

Mashed Potato Cake

2010-01-22T20:33:00.000-08:00

Okay , yes I have been a LAME blogger lately.. I really don't consider myself a writer.

On Facebook, friends have said I should blog my recipes, since I'm always cooking..
I'm by no means a professional, but figured I could share some of the things I make.

Mashed Potato Cake is a recipe from my mom... I'm not sure if she got it from her mother or not.. When I mention it, I get funny looks from people, but really.. it's just a starch, like flour, I suppose. It's a great way to use up leftover mashed potatoes, even if you put salt and pepper in them.. makes no diff, but not if they are garlic... (obviously...)
It is a cake that needs no frosting, but is more like a snack cake.
Cocoa, raisins (optional, but we like them) and cinnamon, nutmeg & allspice make it almost a spice cake, I suppose.. so.. here goes

Mashed Potato Cake

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Grease and Flour a 9x9 pan

1/2 cup shortening

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 cup mashed potatoes

1/2 soured milk or buttermilk

1/2 cup raisins

1 1/2 tsp vanilla

1 cup flour

6 Tbsp cocoa

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp allspice

Mix together sugar, shortening, eggs & mashed potatoes.

Mix dry ingredients together and then add alternately with

milk and vanilla to sugar mixture. Then stir in raisins.

Bake in a greased and floured 9 inch square cake pan

at 350 Degrees for 20-25 minutes.

Do not frost it... we never have.. it is yummy best just out of the

oven with a glass of ice cold milk!

I hope someone is daring enough to try it.. let me

know if you like it!

Alternate Stockings!

2009-12-07T21:59:00.001-08:00

Many years ago, I saw this cute little craft

and always wanted to do it. I've carried the

pattern around for at least 15 years, and finally

got around to making some for my family!

The tag says, Dear..... We searched for another stocking

but couldn't find a spare, so we stuffed this long underwear!

Merry Christmas!

It is two pieces of felt, hot glued together,

with the "seat" drawn on and buttons, pom poms

and the ribbon tie glued on!

It's been too long since I blogged! Hope you like my treat!

And if I don't get back here soon... Merry Christmas!

The Meanest Mom

2009-11-11T15:39:00.000-08:00

This has got to be one of my favorite posts... The Meanest Mom is a great blogger!

Soft Pretzels!!

2009-10-23T19:47:00.000-07:00

Weltek inspired me!

She made Alton Brown's soft pretzels to take

to an Oktoberfest this weekend!

Mark has been eyeing a pretzel recipe lately

from somewhere else... so I thought I'd make them!

I am soooo not a food/blogger/photographer, but I

think these look pretty good, no?

We Brown Girls...

2009-10-20T14:09:00.001-07:00

This little miss got new glasses !

This little miss slept with curlers in her hair...

This little miss isn't sure whether she likes brown hair or not..

For comparison... thoughts anyone??

Bonus points to the first person who knows

where this was taken!

Some summer faces...

2009-09-18T15:36:00.000-07:00

I wonder if they were really having fun....

This summer we went to Lagoon - an amusement park in Utah..

It was WARM for us Arizonans.. because we

don't normally stand around in the sun.

Cousin Alissa and Uncle Fon went with us, we really did have lots of

fun, despite the faces below..

Brennan wasn't super thrilled to have to go on the Tilt-a-Whirl,
and Mallory was just tired of waiting.

Brennan and Alissa did the daredevil stunts -
flying and the catapult!

I think they loved it!
I'd consider the flying, but when they let you go, you end up face down, feet up..

That? I don't think I could take..

I found that I LOVED the Blastoff - Mallory, not so much!
My BIL Fon had fun on it as well - was good at encouraging Mallory..

Yes - we got pretty wet!

Rattlesnake Rapids
Perhaps Brennan & Alissa enjoyed it the most!

I'll have to soon get some of Brennan's football pictures up.

I've put them on Facebook. I'm really proud of him.

He has never played organized sports,

except for an afterschool basketball team in 5th or 6th grade.

But this year he has gone out for 9th grade football, and

has been the punter for his team. He has really gotten into shape, and enjoys it!

My little boy is growing up..

See...

He's taller than me...

She wanted short.. she got short...

2009-08-25T15:45:00.000-07:00

Mallory has been asking for a hair cut for a little while..

Our usual stylist is recovering from Carpal Tunnel surgery, so

we ventured across the street to our neighbor Carli,

wife of The Biggest Loser's Dane!!

Quite a bit of summer swim damaged hair came off..

Carli did some cute styling with the blow dryer...

And lo and behold... a little more grown up girl she is!

Whether I'll be able to get it styled decently with

a blow dryer remains to be seen...

Randoms

2009-08-23T14:07:00.001-07:00

1> Just made 80 Turkey Ricotta meatballs - we'll have some for dinner this afternoon, and the rest I'll freeze for later use. I still have a pan of Pumpkin Enchilada's in the freezer to take out sometime... I'll have to adjust the recipe when I make them again! (too much pumpkin, not enough meat..)

2> Mallory is growing up too quickly for me.. I don't remember if I did my own hair when I was 8... I'm sure that I combed it and all - it was straight as a stick and I had bangs, so it didn't take much doing. Mallory put sponge curlers in her hair all by herself last night - well Mark put the last one in on the back. She actually did a great job - when Blogger lets me, I'll put the picture up.
3> I am now a Den Leader for Cub Scouts - I recently had been working with the young girls age 10 & 11 in the Church, but now I get Cub Scouts. We only have 6 boys in both the Bear and Wolf dens combined - so it's pretty easy - weekly meetings - and fun things to do. I've never done Scouts before, and my son is 14 - so I'll have to get immersed in it all over again!

4> Jessica is loving choir in 7th grade! I almost wish that I'd started choir before 9th grade. We insisted she take choir for her elective, instead of band - she's been playing the flute for 2 years, like her mom. But she sings well, and we thought it would be a great experience. After the first day she came home exclaiming she LOVES choir! And they hadn't even sung anything yet! I knew that she would. An old director of mine claimed "all the best people are in choir!!" So True! In 20 years, it's not the people in your biology or math class that you'll remember, it's the people you met in music classes!! 5> I LOVE riding my bike- I get up at 5 am and ride for about an hour. Alongside the canals here it is paved so I ride a few miles there, and near a Riparian Preserve. It is a great route not on any main roads, so I get to avoid the traffic. My neighbor Beth goes with me Tues Thurs & Saturday - but the rest of the time I'm alone... Someone I go to church with said she's been watching for me to take my picture while riding... PEGGY is STALKING me! Lol! She takes pictures of EVERYONE she possibly can!

6> We are making S'mores in the oven for dessert this afternoon. I'm not sure how far two Hershey bars will go for 6 people, but we'll probably substitute some chocolate chips to make more.

7> Brennan is going out for the football team at the Jr High - he's grown so much over the summer - he is now taller than me. If we'd known how much of a time commitment it is for him, we may have been a bit more hesitant (not that we weren't already..) During the summer he did weight training for a 2-3 hours in the morning, and now along with his A-hour class that starts at 7:45, he gets out of school at 3:55 , comes home for a bite to eat, and back to practice at 6-9pm. Thankfully his last hour is his PE class, where they actually go to the library to do homework. We feel like we haven't seen him much the last couple of weeks!

8> I've made a few cutesy burp cloths - this is something I had a picture of, that wouldn't load! Using cloth diapers bought at Walmart or Target, sewed some fabric and or ribbon onto the ends, to make them a little cuter! I wish I'd have thought to done it when I had my own babies! I've seen others make them, this was not my idea... but it's fun to give them for shower gifts! 9> I vow to be a better blogger - I've gotten so hung up in Facebook... I should be better about better documenting things, rather than just doing one liners..

10> I had a wonderful 17th Anniversary at the beginning of this month with my dear husband - we went out to dinner at Coup de Tartes - a bistro type place in Phoenix. We had a three onion tart for appetizer - the crust was Sooo buttery. Mark had a filet, I had chicken, and we had a three berry tart for dessert.. aaaahhhh. So good. I love him- he is such a good man - he works so hard for our family - it's tough at his job - the drama gets to be too much sometimes, but he continues on to support our family! Thanks Mark, I love yoU!

Friends, and more friends! Thanks Facebook!

2009-08-02T16:08:00.000-07:00

Here I am finally getting around to blogging some of our vacation.

We drove to UT on July 17- spending the night in St George,

and continuing up on Saturday to stay at Marcy's house.

Thanks to Facebook, I have been able to reconnect with some

old friends. It's been lots of fun finding out what is going on

in their lives in the past twenty-some years.

On Sunday, Mallory and I went and had dessert with

The Hacking Clan!

Cory and Kim and I went to Junior High together. We believe

we all had Mr Bishop for 7th grade math - we think it was

an Accelerated class (us smarties!!)

I vaguely remember 8th grade math with Cory, and Mr Hoyt, I think.

I remember that class more because I had a huge crush on Cory.

But... I've moved on... (hee hee!)

He and Kim dated all through the rest of school, (I moved away

after 9th grade) and the result is this cute family!

Next time I go visit, I'll try and meet up with them to teach

Kim how to make bread! Will be fun!

The next day I got to meet up with these cute girls, not far

from the actual scene of the below crime.

My partners in crime were Tami Jackson Meadows, and Wendy Lou Hughes!

This is us at a church dance when we were in High School -I think

it must have been during my senior year, but not sure.

( absolutely LOVED the sweater vest I have on, and sad to say,

I still have it. But I don't wear it.)

I think we had planned to coordinat e our outfits that night!

Before we drove to Evanston on Monday, Tami told me that Wendy was

living there again. I don't remember the last time that I had

seen her! I see Tami usually every time we go to UT/WY, but

had no idea that she (Wendy) was in town. We planned to

meet in Evanston at Bear River Park, and bring our lunches.

Here we are - with so much more experience and wisdom in our lives!

And 11 kids between us! (although half of them are Tami's so.. )

Also thanks to Facebook, Kristin Nixon Hopkin came!

Kristin and I met my sophomore year in PE class.. I had just

moved to Evanston from Vernal - and didn't know many people.

She was excited because I was TALLER than she was.

We shared a locker that year- and although she was a cheerleader (ha ha)

we were good friends! She and Vern have been living

in Evanston for several years - I didn't know it..

I haven't seen her since our wedding open house in Alpine.

We've talked once or twice - but it has been so long!

Here are Vern and Kristin with their three youngest -
sorry, can't remember their names. They got married
like a month after we graduated, so Kristin is already a mother-in-law,
with her daughter getting married in August, and she's a grandmother-to-be as well!
It was great fun getting together with them!

And later that week I saw these two great ladies!
I met both of them at the University of Wyoming.
Toni's sister Carolyn is my age, and was in
Lambda Delta Sigma with me.
Karen Heath Penman and I were only at UW for one
semester together - my last before my mission.
She and I sang a song in church, His Hands (no, it's not the
one everyone thinks,) and I've carried that copy around for all these years!
Karen now sings in the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, so when
you watch the broadcast on Sunday morning, look for her in the
back row - she's tall like me (I think even taller!)
Toni Buckley Wilkins is a teacher - 5th grade, I think,
at the same school for 19 years!
How's that for dedication and longevity?!
Funny story is that when Toni was coming up to Ogden to meet us,
she had slow traffic and was rushing thru Ogden, and got pulled over
for speeding! She turned on her charm (she IS very charming)
and told the officer she was going to meet her friends!
She got away with a warning and no ticket! Way to go Toni!

I'm super glad that my family humored me on our Family Vacation

and let me meet up with my old friends! I had a great time!

Next blog post about all the fun family stuff we did!

It's almost over...

2009-07-25T08:05:00.000-07:00

We'll be heading back home today after a week in Utah.
We have enjoyed visiting family and friends - some friends that I have
not seen for 20+ years - and it's like no time had passed.

I am, though, looking forward to getting home, and getting some of my
photos uploaded -

Posts to come soon!

An afternoon with Bobbi...

2009-07-14T19:38:00.000-07:00

This is my cute and multi talented-scrapbook queen-dance teaching friend Bobbi!

I've known her for about 11 years! A few of my loaves of bread

have entered her home, so she asked if I'd show her how to make it!

Don't you love her cute apron?

She let me wear one too!

She has an ancient Bosch mixer - said she got it for a wedding present 30 or so
years ago... it takes a licking and keeps on ticking!

I love that the Bosch mostly kneads it for the baker all on it's own!

Doesn't take much elbow grease!

What a lovely dough ball! Ready to rise!

She stole the camera from me... Love the apron!

(I also love her scrapbooking station in the background!)

And then she brought me a warm loaf!

Not bad pay for an hour's worth of work!

(although it wasn't much work... glad to visit with you, Bobbi!)

A look back...

2009-07-12T16:37:00.000-07:00

Three years ago we had a long.... for us, anyway... summer vacation. We drove to Northern Utah, across Wyoming, down into Colorado, through New Mexico and back home. We drove over 2200 miles that trip... Mark driving most because my TN was acting up and I wasn't well medicated. Nevertheless, I was looking thru some pics.. and found this cute one of Jessica. She was 9 at the time.. and we went up Pikes Peak with my brother and his family. We stopped in a beautiful area for our picnic lunch - and loved the quaking aspens there...
Now?? she is growing up... somehow she's now got her ears pierced, and will be starting Junior High in a month.. where has the time gone?

We'll be heading North again.. out of the desert... in a few days.. looking forward to seeing some old friends... and hanging out with family!

Okay, Okay!

2009-07-02T08:22:00.001-07:00

Yes, I know I need to update... will try to come up with something clever today... hmmm.

My Dad

2009-06-21T15:03:00.001-07:00

I love my dad.

I am grateful he chose a beautiful wife.

I am thankful he did things with me.

(I don't know if that's really me, though..)

He always provided an adequate and safe home for our family.

When he became a Grandpa - to Megan Michelle.

Megan will soon make him a Great Grandpa.

Summer 2009And with my sweet boy Brennan... Summer 1996

Thanks Dad - I love you, and Happy Father's Day!

Friday Night Lights...

2009-06-20T01:09:00.001-07:00

Friday night clouds- and the sun setting..

We were headed towards Scottsdale for a Drive-in Double Feature...

Mark noticed how ORANGE the sky was..
We loaded up the lawn chairs...
Some sandwiches,
Caramel popcorn,
Buttered popcorn,
Sonic drinks...
A mom, a dad...

and a coupla cute girls...

(the boy was gone with the Scouts to a cabin..)

Oh, and a pig and a monkey came too..
The weather was beautiful - even took some blankets..

it tried to rain, but we only got a few sprinkles.

Although there is no longer playground equipment up near the screen,

the drive in can be a fun place...

No more poles with speakers on them to hang on your car window..

Bring a radio and tune it in (my Zune was awesome !)..

Hope that the kids nearby aren't too rowdy.

Maybe the girls will fall asleep in the car -

oh, and maybe I will too.

If double headers started at 6ish, maybe I'd see more of the

second movie!

A finished project

2009-06-06T14:01:00.000-07:00

When fabric is on sale at Joann's, I often will buy, not always sure what I'll make..

I started this a few weeks ago - and finally finished it today - Hope it doesn't make your

eyes buggy... I know that stripes get me a little.

Let me say I am NOT a regular quilter.. there is no handsewing here - it's just squares and

all machine stitched.. and it just has the stripes on the back. Not even a real binding..

I really did try to make a pattern - really..

Anyway, I'm proud of it. There is also something oddly satisfying in finishing off a spool of thread! It is for my sister who is having a baby in the next few weeks...

A night out.. with my baby...

2009-06-03T21:13:00.000-07:00

Who taught this kid manners?

A few weeks ago, we found ourselves alone with Mallory on a Friday night.
We tried to find a place for dinner that wouldn't have a long wait...

it had been a long week, and we were hungry.

Suddenly it dawned on us to go to The Landmark !

We hadn't been there in quite sometime!.

It is an old two story churchbuilding in Mesa, West of downtown. Our first apartment was only a few hundred yards away from it, but way back then, we in no way could afford to eat there! They have a salad ROOM, not a salad bar.. but a salad ROOM! All kinds of thinks like quail eggs and pickled stuff...It's kind of a fun place.

It has beautiful wall paper, wooden divider type things that have old china pieces on display. Probably the best part of the meal is that they give you SORBET , a small scoop, between courses to "cleanse your palate". Yum! The lemon sorbet is the best, but we had raspberry this night.

Mallory was being her usual fruitcake self.. it was fun to hear her talk- without any competition for attention from her siblings. She was getting goofy putting her pinky up in the air... She absolutely LOVED the chocolate mousse for dessert - we split one- yum!

I suppose I shoulda made myself a little more presentable..

Blog-avoider

2009-06-02T08:02:00.001-07:00

Yep. That's me. I am going to try and do better.

Here's a fun picture - rats... doesn't want to load.. I'll try later!

We met Anthony about 14 years ago! When Mark & I moved to Oregon, we knew no one there!
We asked around at church for referrals for a babysitter - Brennan was only a month old, and I had to go back to work.

Anthony's mom Kim was who we were referred to! She was a nurse- now doing child care- and the fit was wonderful. She lived not far from us, so we dropped off Brennan on our way to work.
Kim was wonderful- she had a houseful of fun kids she tended - and they always had fun.

Not knowing anyone in Oregon- the Libonati's kind of took us in as family- I still consider them family now. Anthony was just a little guy then - maybe 8 years old? Precocious little guy - tough, he played ice hockey in a league. Well- he is still playing, although now in a semi pro status. He is all grown up and married! Wow! We were able to meet him for lunch on Memorial Day when he was in town for a Hockey tournament. We had a great time visiting with him and catching up on his family. We've all reconnected via Facebook - so that was great.

It was great to have a little time with him - now we have to figure out how to see his parents, Kim & Dana again- Guess we'll have to make a trip up north again!

While in OR, we also had a chance to become acquainted with the Jazz group New York Voices.
Dana met Darmon Meader in New York - a birthday present from Kim, if I remember. Kim Nazarian, of the group, came out to help Dana with a workshop for his Choir kids, and one night she was at their house - and we were invited to come and listen! Dana on the piano, Kim N singing, and Glen, Dana's brother, on the drums I think. It was awesome! I got a tape recording of Kim singing an acapella Somewhere Over The Rainbow! It was the best - also Soon It's Gonna Rain - I wish I could find that little cassette tape - although it probably won't sound so great anymore.

Anyway - memories - of the great time we spent in OR!!

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T13:39:00.001-07:00

It's hard to find the words to say how much I miss my mom.

She left us far too early.

I'm sure that I didn't tell her often enough how very

thankful I was to her.

But, because she was a Mother, she knew.

Here she is, age five, with her favorite flowers - Peonies.

I don't know where this picture is, probably Illinois,

where she grew up. We also had them at our

house in Magna, UT, other places the climate wouldn't

support them. But she loved them.

Mom with her parents Frank and Jessie White, and her brother Larry.

I don't know if this one above is before my parents married?

I believe so, though.

February 1969 - I was age 2 - my parents had been married

not quite 5 years, with 3 kids 3 and under. I don't know how she did it!

Somewhere along the road, my mom started wearing flowers

in her hair. She had a little drawer with all different colors

of silk flowers, and an abundance of bobby pins to put them

in her hair. Mom & Dad came to visit us in Oregon - we moved there

shortly after Brennan was born. I know it was tough for

them for us to be away - but we made some great memories when

they came to visit. Mom's parents left Arizona in April every

year, and went to Canby Oregon with their trailer, and parked

it on the land of some friends. We went to visit them

this particular summer , and stopped at a roadside market

for fruits and Vegetables, and to see goats that climb in the trees!

I could go on and on with stories about my mom. She was

a wonderful woman, who loved Jesus Christ and wanted to

share her testimony with anyone she met. She loved her children

and grandchildren, and read to them whenever she could. She also loved her

heritage - she loved to do family history, and was thrilled to go to

the Netherlands - place of her mother's birth, in 2004.

A year or so ago, I ran into some friends of my parents at a

bookstore, and Elaine said that I reminded her of my mom.

That was one of the greatest compliments I ever received.

I miss her so.

I resemble that remark!

2009-05-08T15:15:00.000-07:00

At work today Dawn asked me if I had abandoned my blog.

Um. Didn't mean to.

I'll try harder.

Not to, I mean.

Here's a pic to tide you over...

Mark had a birthday - I made chocolate ganache to put on his cake.
I didn't eat any of it. But everyone else seemed to like it.
He's now in his 40th year! Woo HoO! Love ya honey!

Seriously????

2009-04-22T06:31:00.001-07:00

Mark got a new book for his birthday.

called

A MAN, A CAN, A PLAN

No, not that kind of can...

it contains

50 Great Guy Meals even YOU can Make!

The following has to be the most disgusting of the bunch..,

the one at the bottom...

Spaghettio's, 2 eggs + 2 egg whites,

2 Tbsp shredded Parmesan, Milk & garlic powder.

It's like a Spaghettio's Fritatta.

As Tara would say...

Seriously??

And then she was TWELVE!!

2009-04-19T16:39:00.001-07:00

Bright and early one April Morning, 12 years ago, Miss Jessica came to our Family.

She was named after two of her Great Grandmothers -

Tjitske Germeraad (Jessica in Dutch)- my grandmother

and

Esta Marcella Webb- Mark's grandmother.

She's wanting to grow up - of course I don't want to let her.

I had to wait until I was 16 to get my ears pierced -

Mom said... if God had wanted holes in your ears,

He would have put them there.

But.. Mark convinced me we shouldn't make her

wait that long..

so... Voila... holes.

Jessica has a beautiful voice - plays the flute, and Grandma Brown teaches her piano.
Her birthday was piano day - so she got to see Nana.

Riding in the front seat for the first time.. on a trip to Sonic!

Our friend Tara stopped by - always good for
a chocolate bar and a hug for the girls!

For a party, Jessica invited some friends to go see

HANNAH MONTANA!!! AAACCCKKK!

(actually enjoyed it...I did!)

Kylan is a cousin, Erin is a neighbor -

these two have a lot in common,

besides the obvious. They also

both love TOMATOES!

Celeste is in Jessica's class at school.

At the theatre, all sugared up.

Came Home and Frosted Cake.

I love you , my Jessica!

How to stay young!

2009-04-14T16:08:00.000-07:00

We all need to read this one over and over until it becomes part of who we are!
HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Try everything twice. On one woman's tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph:
Tried everything twice...loved it both times!

2. Keep only cheerful friends.?The grouches pull you down.

(keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches)

3. Keep learning: Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.

Never let the brain get idle.
'An idle mind is the devil's workshop.' And the devil's name is Alzheimer's!

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

And if you have a friend who makes you laugh,
spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.

6 The tears happen: Endure, grieve, and move on.

The only person who is with us our entire life, is ourselves.
LIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love:

Whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.
Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health:
If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it.

If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips.

Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country,

but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
I love you, my special friend.

11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance.

Remember! Lost time can never be found.

Be kinder than necessary, for everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.

There were some really cute pics that I got in an email with this..

But I don't know how to save them and upload them... bummer!

She's got lots of Glass!

2009-03-24T19:04:00.000-07:00

Monday night we went with our friends/neighbors the Haws' to the Desert Botanical Gardens near Phoenix. There is currently a Dale Chihuly exhibit there - the blown glass is spectacular!

The exhibit is there until the end of May, I believe, so if you are local, I'd encourage you to attend if you can, but make reservations, check their website at http://www.dbg.org/ . It's fabulous!

Finally... Miss Mallory!

2009-03-15T17:12:00.000-07:00

While we were in computer Limbo... my Miss Mallory had a birthday!!

Eight years ago she came to join our family!

We were all prepared to have her come, when a couple of days before her due date,

we went to the hospital to do the "become familiar with us" tour. Actually, it was

Dr Linnerson reviewing things for the not first time parents, but had been awhile,

or something like that. We left the Banner Desert, pulled out onto Dobson Road to get on the

freeway. While we were waiting, a big ole boat of a car rear ended us. The poor lady felt

so bad.. her mom or grandma or someone was in the hospital, and she was stressed, and

wasn't paying attention.

Of course, with me 9 months pregnant, the firefighters wanted me to get checked out.

I said I was fine, and we went home. I sat in my glider-rocker with my feet up, when

all of a sudden - the baby was doing somersaults! Huge ones! That is not something that

should be happening that late! Needless to say, she turned head up.. not good.

We went to the hospital two days later, and Dr Linnerson was on call for the weekend, so he

tried to do a Version - which involves turning the baby. Grease up the belly, and try to turn

her like a wingnut- crazy! She did turn around to head down, but she never engaged, and the

next day, Feb 24th, I had a c-section, my first. Not very fun.. but it did bring our Mallory.

Her name was not because of anyone, but one that we liked, and because it fit the pattern that

we'd inadvertently started with the other two. It has two consonants in the middle, and is seven letters long. Weird, but it just turned out. Don't know what we'd do without her!

We kind of had a splurge out on her Birthday dinner, we as a family had finished reading the Book of Mormon, between stake conferences, a challenge by our Stake President. We also had Grandpa Michael in town, so we went to Ah-So for Tepanyaki style Japanese dinner! That was YUMMY! Here are a few pictures documenting her day - from waking up - to going to bed

In My Neighborhood...

2009-03-04T15:03:00.001-08:00

For awhile I have wanted to take a tour of my neighborhood to show you (out-of-towners) what it is like, and challenge you to do the same.

So, the other night when we walked the dog, I snapped some pics.

There are many of these in our area...

My son wishes he could buy that car...

Who can tell me who's house the flower is in front of?
Bonus points for you!
(those of you who live near me!)

Here is Milo, taking Jessica for a walk!

Please Recycle!!

Wildflower time!

Sweet Mary Lynn, on a walk with

her mom and siblings!

Yep, it's wintertime in Arizona!

My famous neighbor Dane, and cousin Blaine,

who have appeared on the recent season of

The Biggest Loser!

For more pics of Dane, see http://www.fatsassyandmrwonderful.blogspot.com/

So, my challenge to you is to take a walk, take some pics, even if

it is snowing outside, and let me know when you do! I suppose it is a tag,

but I won't name names.. just do it!

Blame it on Facebook!

2009-02-02T13:50:00.000-08:00

That's why I have become an even more lame Blogger.

Really.

It's His Fault.

Not mine.

Another first...

2009-01-13T14:27:00.001-08:00

Well, I would have to say, a couple of firsts...

This picture cracks me up... it is most likely during my 5th grade year - or the summer before. My sister, Laura, in the high chair, was born just after I turned 10, so it can't be much after that. My brother Matthew is behind me, and our Indian Placement girl, Maurita, is with us. She came from the Navajo Reservation to live with us during the school year - for a better education. I think she came for 2 years, and then we had another girl, Sarah.

Anyway... This was my first instrument.. so to speak. My parents bought the flute - I'm not sure how they paid for it - money was pretty tight all those growing up up years - but they did it. I still have it! I played the flute thru Jr High school, and I think only my Soph year in HS. Some friends convinced me to try out for concert choir in 9th grade - and I made it - and I haven't stopped singing. I learned to love harmonizing - now I'm trying to teach my girls how to do it!

Music took me lots of places - in 9th grade we travelled from Vernal to Durango Colorado - an awesome trip! With my new obsession with facebook - I have seen the names of some of the gals on that trip with me - I will never forget that trip! In High school, we had a band trip to Disneyland, in addition to festivals around the state of Wyoming. My biggest trip was when I was selected for All-Northwest choir (ID, MT, WY, OR, WA, AK, and UT maybe) and travelled to Portland Oregon. In college I was also able to be part of the Wyoming State Choir that travelled to NYC and performed in Lincoln Center.

All in all - I'm a firm believer in the arts in schools - it is sad that many programs are being cut due to budget shortfalls.

Anyway... on to the 2nd first that is documented in this photo...

My first Fashion FAUX PAS!! LOL!!

Yes, I am wearing orange plaid polyester shorts, and a nautical print shirt - both made by my mom. I'm sure that I didn't go out of the house in that getup, at least I don't think that I did...

My mom made quite alot of our clothes back then.. many of them the stretch polyester that was prevalent in the 70's. One year we had individual pictures, and we mostly match in our polyester shirts - same material, which had been purchased on sale, for sure.

Anyway, that's a brief look into my life as a 10 year old in the 70's - at least I was smiling, and it goes to show how STRAIGHT my hair was back then, not curly like it is today!

How does the saying go?

2009-01-01T08:30:00.000-08:00

Whatever you were doing at midnight on New Years Eve, you'll be doing all year long?

Well, I did kiss my husband then,

but we were in the midst of a rousing game of Phase 10!

This was the continuation of a game we started with the kids on Sunday!

Mark insisted we finish it - and we didn't get to bed until after TWO!

Mallory was even a trooper and stayed up!

Needless to say, my internal time clock won't let me sleep later than about 7:30!

So, I've been scanning in photos from college all morning!

However, I commit to playing more games with my family this year!

And, just for posterity's sake,

and to embarrass my teenager,

here are some pics of us last night!

Mallory had a wreck on her bike earlier in the day,

so she has quite the fat lip! Poor kid!

Saying goodbye to one friend, and hello to another!

2008-12-31T05:48:00.000-08:00

I'll give the sad news first!

About a hundred years ago,

well, maybe less than 40 and more than 30,

my mom did an activity at the women's Homemaking

Meeting in our church. She traced pictures for everyone

family from a Peanuts coloring book, and then

they were sent off to be put onto plates!
Here is mine!

For those of you who know me now,

my hair has not always been curly- it was straight as a stick!

Hence the joke!

But yesterday brought the end of an era...It was

dropped on the floor and split! I was sad because I

have had it for so long - actually I guess my mom kept it for so long,

and then gave it back to me several years ago- I still have my dad's plate too!

Who knows how many meals I've had on that plate?

So long, farewell, good friend!

And to my new friend!

Well, not exactly a new friend, but an

old friend/boyfriend from college

(I'm not sure if he considered himself that, but I did!)

My friends convinced me to finally start a facebook page,

and I've been able to reconnect with him -

I think I blogged about him once !

( I'll have to see what I wrote about him before I give him my blog address..)

Anyway, I am SOOOO glad I got on Facebook to connect

with him, he was a major part of my life, and has been absent

from it for 18-19 years! So

Yeay for Facebook!

Chocolate, almonds, caramel, repeat...

2008-12-29T05:31:00.000-08:00

Yum.. these are my favorites, in almost any combinations!

Someone sent in chocolate covered almonds to work, and I just
happened to see them.. I think I ate more than I should have... ugh.

Then, Mark bought me Almond M & M's (well, I convinced him to buy them)
for my stocking, and I have definitely made a dent in the bag. Good thing I
am going to work today, away from the M&M's . (the almonds at work are GONE!)

We got a box of See's chocolate - variety - from his mom , but the kids aren't too
happy that any caramels in the box.. are MINE!

Thankfully, checking the scale this morning, all these almonds have not
been too detrimental to the weight loss...

What are your favorite Christmas candies or cookies? I know mine are available most of the
time...

I didn't even make my favorite cookies this year - only made gingersnaps (soft ones!)

We are having a game night with neighbors on Friday, so maybe I'll make them for that.
My family hasn't complained much that there weren't any cookies this year - I made banana
bread and chocolate zucchini bread this year for neighbors.

Apparently the zucc bread was a hit! And you can eat it with butter if you like, Sassy!

Happy New Year Everyone!

So says my son...

2008-12-18T06:00:00.000-08:00

"Mom, have you ever heard of the group Journey?"

Oh, please - yes, I was a 70's 80's child... I've heard it all.

Just cracked me up.

He is getting interested in some of that older music,
"Another One Bites the Dust" is one of his favorites.
I think HE is having more fun searching for music
on my Zune marketplace than I am!

If I don't get back here soon,

Merry Christmas everyone!

Four Wheelin' !!!

2008-12-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

VACATION!!

Although it is difficult to tell, that is ME in the

driver's seat! This is the first time that I have

ever driven a go-cart or anything similar!

I didn't drive one of the quads, but I had a BLAST!

My BIL owns some property that's a bit hilly, so the day

before Thanksgiving, we met up with them,

as well as the BIL we were staying with,

and drove quads & go-carts all over, had a cookout

- roasted marshmallows, hot dogs & had hot chocolate!

The temperature was in the 40's that day - for a high!

It was chilly driving up and down and around!

We didn't get to have any snow, but we did have lots of fun!

We left for UT the Friday before Thanksgiving,

stayed overnight in Kanab, then drove the rest of the way

on Saturday to Bluffdale, to Marcy's house.

We visited with her and played with the kids,

John & Annie, who are growing up fast!

Sunday night I droveMark to the airport,

so he could be back for work on Monday for meetings.

Monday morning the kids and I headed to WYOMING!!

I went to High School in Evanston,

and my best friend, Tami, lives in Lyman, about 30 miles away.

I get to see her only once a year - when we head north.

She fixed us lunch and we had a nice visit!

I wish I had some pics of us from HS -

we were trying to remember when we became friends!

We knew each other in band,and we shared

a locker my senior year (she is a year younger!)

She is an awesome friend - always sending me

cute cards and letters when I was away from home,

on my mission and at school! Thanks Tami!!

(my dad called her mom "the mother of my other daughter.- it was awesome to have her as a friend!)

After leaving Tami's we headed back to Ogden,

to pick up some HoneyBaked Ham,

and then up to Hyrum!

We arrived at Fon & Sally's early evening,

and the kids commenced playing with their cousins -

on the Wii, and the Guitar Hero.

At one point on Tuesday,I had to prohibit Brennan

from playing Guitar Hero - he had bloodshot eyes!!

(they play on a big projection TV in the basement!

Miss Kris was my 2nd grade teacher - My class was the first one that she ever taught - she doesn't teach anymore, but is involved in education and training with the State of Utah. I suppose that she is my oldest friend, not in age, but in length of time I have known her! She live only about 5 miles from Fon & Sally, so we try to visit her whenever we go to UT.

We had a great Thanksgiving dinner,

and I think we got tired of dinner rolls,

after teaching Josh how to make them! (I think he'll be a pro!)

We made Mark's yummy creamy mushroom gravy

to go with the Turkey (leaving the plain stuff for the kids!)

On Friday, Annika and her hubby Bret came over

(fun for me, Bret lived in Vernal,

as I did for some of my growing up years -

got to talk about some of the old places!)

and also her brother Casey came

and we played games, and ate, of course!

Our trip home was pretty anti-climactic -

driving, driving, driving.

We were sad that the Three Bears Creamery

was not open in Kanab -

we were looking forward to getting Ice Cream Cones there!

We were happy to get home to our dog, Milo,

and were VERY thankful to the Estrada's for keeping

the Rent-A-Dog while we were gone!

(Really, really thankful!)

So, that was our vacation for the year -

it was nice to get out of town, even though

we didn't get to go play in the lake, or in the snow!
Many thanks to Fon and Sally

for putting up with us each time we visit!

They are awesome!

Gratitude - everyone is doing it!

2008-11-27T09:44:00.001-08:00

I have seen many blogs of late where people describe the things they are grateful for! I hadn't really thought about doing that, and I just don't have the time each day to do so. However, I have been thinking about it a little more this week.

We are in Utah visiting my in-laws this week - on Saturday evening, we asked Mark's sister what time her church meetings were. She suggested that we go into Salt Lake City to see the broadcast of Music and the Spoken Word. It was an AWESOME suggestion.

We had to get up fairly early and brave the cold (it was in the 20's and 30's that morning), and drove into SLC and parked near the Conference Center. We were seated in the Tabernacle by about 9:00 and the choir and orchestar were finishing their rehearsal. It was the Thanksgiving program by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and the Orchestra at Temple Square. The songs they were doing were ones that am familiar with after years of singing in church and in choirs.
For the Beauty of the Earth arranged by John Rutter is one of my favorites, and also Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing, arranged by Mack Wilberg. The latter was the last number - Just WOW! It was incredible and brought me to tears. I don't recall ever seeing/hearing the Choir in person as a child, but after checking with my dad, he said we'd probably gone at some point in our Utah years.

Most amazing of all - after the broadcast was finished, Lloyd Newell came to the front of the Tabernacle and spoke for a moment. Afterwards, he, the Choir, the Orchestra members, and all technicians sang God Be With You Til We Meet Again - acapella. That was amazing!!

I am thankful for the sound of music... I'm thankful for the influence it has had in my life, and for the opportunity I have had to share it with others, including my family. (Of course there are MANY other things I am thankful for, but this is an important one for me this week.)

Here is the message that was presented in the broadcast on Sunday (and others).

Daily Gratitude and Thanksgiving
Delivered By: Lloyd D. Newell

A few years ago, two researchers conducted what they called the Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness. They found through science what most of us know intuitively: gratitude makes people happy.

For the study, several hundred people were divided into three groups and asked to keep diaries. The first group listed the day’s events in their diaries, the second group recorded any unpleasant experiences they had during the day, and the last group made a daily list of things they were grateful for.

The researchers found that the simple act of taking time each day to count your blessings makes a person more enthusiastic, determined, optimistic, and energetic. Those who expressed gratitude experienced less depression and stress, exercised more regularly, and made more progress toward personal goals. Researchers even noted a relationship between feeling grateful and feeling loved, and they observed how gratitude inspires acts of kindness and compassion.1
Remarkable, isn’t it? All this from daily gratitude and thanksgiving.

Of course, the best way to discover the benefits of gratitude is not by observing them in an academic study but by experiencing the miracle for ourselves: When we daily count our blessings, we feel better about life, even in the midst of adversity; we garner a strength of character and largeness of soul that will help us through hard times; and we see life as basically good, despite its challenges and heartaches.

Gratitude does not need to be reserved for holidays and special events. Every day is filled with miracles and blessings. If we open our hearts and look, we’ll find reasons for gratitude and thanksgiving each day, all around us.

1 See Robert A. Emmons and Michael E. McCullough, “Highlights from the Research Project on Gratitude and Thankfulness,” http://psychology.ucdavis.edu/labs/emmons; see also “Gratitude Theory,” http://www.acfnewsource.org/religion/gratitude_theory.html.

Since I won't be here..

2008-11-20T07:11:00.000-08:00

I would like for those of you who know my neighbor Sassy to wish her a Happy Birthday on the 29th! I somehow manage to forget until the day after or so... and now this year I will be out of town, enjoying the snow!..

Sassy, you made an impression on me the day we moved in 10+ years ago! It was a hot July day, and you brought a half gallon of ice cream over for my bored and hot wee ones! You are a kind and loving person, and although you have been thru many trials, you always somehow manage a laugh and a smile, sometimes much later..

I love ya, and Happy Birthday Sassy!

Randoms...

2008-11-06T18:17:00.000-08:00

(but then aren't I ALWAYS random?)

1. I went to the dentist today for a cleaning. I think it's been a couple of years.
Still, she said my teeth were great. I think she forgot to give me flouride (oopss!) Yeay for me!

2. It's finally autumn, I think. We had to close the front door last night... too chilly for me!
(yes, we have a security door on it!) Mark was ready for the lovely cool air... Sorry dear!

3. Sleepwalking - Jessica came out while we were watching tv the other night -asked if we'd called for her.. Um, no?! In the morning I found her top sheet and blanket on the kitchen table, and she had a smaller blanket on top of her, trying to keep warm. Weird.

4. Sleeptalking -well, since I'm on the topic... do you do it? Mark tries to talk to me when I am really sleepy, and sometimes he gets lovely responses. He always teases me saying "fuzzy wallpaper" - something I said a long time ago.

5. "I'm shrinking" (a la "I'm melting" - the wicked witch.) - As of Wednesday, I have lost
40 stinking pounds! Yahoo!!

Craziness..

2008-11-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

One holiday skips another...

One day after Halloween,

I go to the grocery $tore, and

they are setting up the

Christmas trees

at the front of the store!!

Yikes!

I guess I am one to talk, because I've

been finding Christmas music for my Zune!!

It's not as bad as it sounds..

2008-10-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

Yup, Gamma Knife surgery sounds bad.. it isn't so bad, really.

http://www.irsa.org/gamma_knife.html

There is a website if you are interested in getting into detail.

Gamma Knife® surgery is recognized worldwide as the preferred treatment for brain tumors, arteriovenous malformations and brain dysfunctions such as trigeminal neuralgia. the Gamma Knife® allows noninvasive cerebral surgery to be performed in one session and with extreme precision. Based on preoperative radiological examinations, such as CT scans, MR scans and angiography, the unit provides highly accurate irradiation of deep-seated targets, using a multitude of collimated beams of ionizing radiation with scalpel-like precision. The "blades" of the Gamma Knife® are the beams of gamma radiation programmed to target the lesion (in my case, the nerve and blood vessel) at the point where they intersect. In a single treatment session, 201 beams of gamma radiation focus precisely on the lesion.

That is probably more than you all wanted to know. I've had TN pains for about 14 years, before Brennan was born. Only in the last 5 or so years has it gotten much worse. I've been managing the pain lately with medication, so it's been good.

I went in for pre-op at *yawn * 5:30 am on Thurs. My veins were not very cooperative for giving blood or getting an IV started. When we went to the Gamma knife (also called cyberknife) area, we waited for the Dr's, one neurosurgeon, and the other deals with radiation. The anesthesiologist sedated me completely while I was sitting up, and then they put the frame on my head, yes, screwed into my skull. (yes, glad I was put out!!)

Don't I look really happy? Two points on the front, and two points on the back. Then I went for an MRI. When I came back from MRI, the point on my back left side was really starting to hurt, I felt the pressure. So Dr Ashman came and gave me three SHOTS!!! YOWWWEEE!!! in the back of my head.. OH>MY>LANTA! That was the worst part of the whole day!

We waited in the waiting room for an hour or so while the docs mapped out where they were going to aim/focus the gamma rays on my nerve. It was a quiet procedure - I actually fell asleep during the 39 minute procedure.

When I came out, they immediately unscrewed the frame- that was wierd... Then, you know how your lip feels after being numbed at the dentist? My whole top and back of my head was numb!! I was touching my head, but my head couldn't feel it! I came home with two tiny circle bandaids on my forehead. That's all the evidence. I've had evidence, I think, that it has worked. I go back to see the Doc in weeks, and should be able to start decreasing my medication. That is what it is all about now!

So.. i'm good... no after effects! It was outpatient, and other than the few sore spots where the screws were, I'm good. Thanks for being concerned, my great friends!!

Well, I did it.

2008-10-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

I had the Gamma Knife procedure done yesterday for my Trigeminal Neuralgia.

All went well, but it will be a few weeks before we'll know if it took effect on my
silly nerve.

For those of you who don't know about it, I'll try to come back with some links
tomorrow, and maybe a fun picture of me in the hospital with a frame on my head!

(Loads of fun, that!)

Another First...

2008-10-17T16:31:00.000-07:00

Kind of in the same as the first.. well it was in the same town , anyway.

Webster Elementary, Magna, Utah

This was my first school - it was straight down the street from the aforementioned house. My big brother (2yrs older) and I walked each day - passing plenty of bars , the firestation , and the Rexall drug store. The bar doors were open during our walk home, so when we peered in, all we saw was neon beer signs, and darkness, and the occasional bearded man sitting on a stool.

When I started Kindergarten with my teacher , Mrs. Hiatt, (if I really tried, I could find a class picture) there were portable buildings in front of the school on the blacktop (to the left of the picture. ) Mrs Hiatt was fairly old, with grey hair and glasses.

First grade was on the bottom floor, with Miss James, who was tall and young, with brown hair and a lovely smile.

2nd grade was on the 2nd floor, in the corner room on the right. She had an aide that taught us Spanish sometimes. (My kids learn some Spanish now, but just going to school, they have friends whose parents don't speak any English at all.) We had opportunity to earn "Webster money" or something like that. Miss Dobson would keep track of it, and occasionally we'd get to up to the 3rd floor to spend it. The 6th (and maybe 5th) graders built Websterville up there - complete with a store, a beauty shop, a post office, and other fun places. Our incentive in class was to do well to earn money to go spend it in Websterville. The money was actually washers with their currency printed on it - believe they were "cm's".

When we moved in the middle of 2nd grade to the other side of the state, I was sad to leave my teacher. She and I started corresponding - and I am happy to say I am still in touch with her now. My kids have met "Miss Kris" and she frequently sends them little gifts for the holidays, maybe m&m's or advent calendars for Christmas. She lives near my in-laws in Cache Valley, whom we visit yearly, so we try to put in a visit to her as well. She even has some of my schoolwork saved, and some letters I wrote her way back when.

Honestly, I enjoyed school.. I think Miss Kris had something to do with it also!

Tell me if YOU had a favorite teacher or remember your first school!

I've been away because our computer is being eaten by viruses... time to get a new one!!

I must be getting old...

2008-09-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

Here, I'll type in larger print!!!

I bought myself a new music player, so I'll have something to listen to when I go to the gym or ride my bike, and I need to have my teenager there with me to explain it all as I set it up.

Maybe I'll just tell him what songs I want, and let him do it all. He was more anxious to get
it out of the box than I was! (surprise, surprise...)

I'll show you my first...

2008-09-25T08:24:00.000-07:00

If you'll show me yours!!

No, not like that!!

I just thought it would be fun to see some "firsts", or

hear about them if you don't have pictures!

This is my first house... well the first one I remember living in anyway.

We moved here at Christmas 1971- I was 4 years old. I remember starting school while living here. I learned to rollerskate down the driveway, but there was a gate at the end so I didn't go rolling into the street. This picture was taken within the last 10 years or so, when I went back to Magna, of course it's not quite the same... the trees are much bigger.

Up the driveway to the right is the detached double car garage - at the front of which was a sort of root cellar. We stored potatoes and carrots there in the sandbox, and pulled them out when we needed. Behind the house is an enormous garden.. well it was a garden when we were there. My dad has home video of my mom out there in curlers - hollering at him for sure, for taking her picture up to her ankles in mud. We got irrigation water for it, so we kids often played there in the concrete ditches, more home video of that..

I remember having chicken pox here, and missing the Halloween festivities at school, that was a bummer! My mom made a quilt for me while we lived here - I remember it being set up on quilt frames in the front room, and crawling around underneath it.

Also in the same room, there was a big flourescent light fixture, with a glass cover, not like the plastic ones today. My little brother, Nathan, came in with a flat basketball one day. Since it wouldn't bounce, he decided to throw it up! Well, of course it hit the glass light cover and down it came. He shielded his face with his arm, and got a lovely gash on it, which he still might have the scar from today! It may have been the first for my accident prone brother.

While we lived here, I also got to take dance lessons... (the only time in my life!) I took tap and ballet, ( more home movies...) and took part in a recital, dressed up with Mickey Mouse ears, orange shorts with suspenders and black pom pom trim on them. Too funny!

Anyhow... I've had fun reminiscing.. I'll tag anyone who'd like to do it.. tell me about the first house you lived in, and things you remember while living there! Leave me a comment telling me when you've posted! Have fun!

Note to self... Watch your step...

2008-09-18T15:47:00.000-07:00

Friday night we had dinner as a family at Nello's in Ahwatukee ( for you non-locals.. try that on for size...). Afterwards, Mark took the girls home, and Bren and I headed off for the Desert Mountain vs Mesa High game. My cute neighbor's handsome son is Qback for Mesa so we went to support him!

After getting stuck in some stoopid loop... for 15 minutes.. we finally got to the game around halftime - crowded parking lot, but found a space. We went and found Sassy, and some other friends and watched the 2nd half.

Going up the steps, I nearly tripped, but managed to get up with no problem.
We thought we'd leave with two minutes left to beat the traffic (the Jackrabbits were getting creamed..)

Bren went down first and wanted to go say hi to his friends in the band. I started down, with my waterbottle in hand.

Let's just say the next minute was a blur... I went down a few steps, and somehow missed one, and down I went... like slow motion, I couldn't grab the railing because my waterbottle was in my hand. I somehow twisted my whole body around and landed flat on my back at the bottom of the stairs! Bren came back to ask if I was okay.. I was, thankfully, with no twisted ankle.
My ego may have been bruised a little..
Next day I ended up with a HUGE bruise on my hip, almost my thigh.. gosh it was beautiful! It is a lovely shade of purple now, about 4 inches across, by 2 inches high!
I will spare you a photo...

The silver lining to this purple cloud is... I think if I'd fallen 3 months ago and 25 pounds heavier, I wouldn't have survived it so well..
I'm grateful that I've been able to get some weight off and feel alot better!

Snorker

2008-09-10T10:39:00.000-07:00

Did you know that dogs snore? This is what I see when I turn to my right, whilst sitting at my computer. When I have a day off, like today, he follows me around the house, and must be in the same room that I am. I'm sure it messes him up when I am all over the place cleaning house!
Anyhow... he lays there on the floor... and snores.

At least he is not pooting.. right now, anyway.

What do you see when you turn to the right...

What to post, what to post??

2008-09-05T16:56:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling way less than brilliant today! Glad that it is Friday.

Oh.. I suppose I should post my Peep Meet picture.

For those of my local bloggy friends, I visit an online group

regarding Reality TV shows, but they also have an Off Topic group.

People (peeps) from there who travel often arrange a peep meet with someone

from the board who lives in that area. My friend Paul came to Phx with his Lovely Wife Sandy for a family function, and I met up with them for lunch! We dined at The Spaghetti Factory in Phoenix and talked about all sorts! They are moving to Reno soon, so maybe I'll see them again! Thanks for taking time out to visit me, Paul and Sandy!

It's my blog and I'll brag if I want to, brag if I want to...

2008-08-28T08:13:00.000-07:00

And that would be because...

I've lost 25 pounds!!

Woo Hoo!!

12 weeks of Weight Watchers, and I've done it..
I've signed up for another 10 weeks, so we'll see where it goes from here..

"But Mom, there's no more water in the bottle"...

2008-08-18T14:11:00.000-07:00

Which was said after this child was asked if he/she fed and watered the dog.

Not to mention the fact that the child was standing right next to (or in?) the bathroom.

Not to mention the fact that the child was right around the corner from the kitchen.

Well, gosh, where do you think you might get the poor dog some water?
I usually think of this child as smart, but thought that was a pretty silly statement.

(give me a break...)

What crazy thing has YOUR child said lately?

Memories, Memories

2008-08-14T15:23:00.000-07:00

♥Here are the directions:
♥ 1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together
It doesn't matter if you knew/know me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
♥ 2. Next repost these instructions on your blog and see how many people have a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see their responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you are playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you.

Anyone? Anyone?

Yippee!!

2008-08-14T14:54:00.000-07:00

First of all.. School has started, we are thankfully getting back into a routine.
*whew*

Secondly, I went to my 10th Weight Watchers meeting last night and got a pleasant
surprise!! I'd lost 4.something pounds, for a total of 22 lbs! Hooray!
I was totally excited!
I had been hoping to reach 20 by the end of the session, so was rather pleased
to make it OVER that!
I initially started WW since my company will rebate me 1/2 of the
session price (ka-ching) if I lost 5 lbs over the session! I did it!

(please let me contain my excitement!)

Anyway.. I will continue to attend.. try to reach my first goal...

Then, I got in the mail today from the Animal Care and Control..
a bill for license fees for our cute beagle!
$16 annually it seems..

Where you live (if you are not in the same town as me) do you have dog license fees like that?

Blasted Beagles, Batman!!

I apparently have to pay penalty fees of $46 for not having him registered!

I don't know if the previous owners said anything to us or not,

it was two years ago, and I still was an emotional wreck from

my mom passing away.

So, it pays to have your pet licensed (blah, blah, blah..)

or else YOU'LL have to pay.

(and I want to know why they didn't send me a late notice

a YEAR AGO!!)

And They're Off!!!!

2008-08-11T07:35:00.001-07:00

FINALLY!! They're Back to School!!
If a 7 year old is ready at 6:20 in the morning, do you think she is excited to go back
to school??

If a 6th grader fusses with her hair and changes clothes a couple of times,

do you think SHE is ready to go back to school??

Um yeah.. I think so!

We went to Meet the Teacher last week, and I think the girls will

have a good year. They both have a friend or two in their class, and

some don't have students in their class that I'm GLAD are not in their

class (is that bad for me to say??)

Anyway, I can relax at work today, not waiting for a phone call

saying someone is being mean to me.

Whew...

Last one... off to 8th grade.. with his stylin' plaid shorts.

They are all the rage.

What happens when...

2008-08-05T21:03:00.000-07:00

You give a 13 year old boy a camera and send him to the mountains??

(I have no idea how these are going to be laid out.. but I thought they were funny... I especially like the pic of the knee...)

I'm just not feeling it..

2008-08-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

I have nothing to say, except..
I am SOOO ready for school to start!!

Anyone want an 11 YO & 13 YO? ?

Really.. I"ll give them to you cheap!

A funny thing happened on the way to Mt Graham...

2008-07-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

It Rained!!

We climbed and we climbed! I know that we hit 10,000 ft at some point, but we never saw the sign! It was a beautiful drive! It was so nice to be out- the temp got down in the 50's on our way up. I had the windshield wipers going full blast at one point. We thought we might be the last ones there to get boys, and we were.

Janet kept an eye out for her husband to come down the mountain, as he had been one of the directors there. We did see him, and she could have jumped in and went home with him, but she stayed with me, thankfully, to the top! Since it had rained on us going up (and then we were ABOVE the clouds, ) we figured the boys would have gotten some rain. We were a quite welcome sight to them! They were all sopping wet, as they'd been stuck OUT in the rain. They were not allowed to go back in the dining hall, since it had already been mopped and cleaned.

Janet and I walked up to the main camp while the boys got their things loaded in the Suburban. There was an extra young man who'd gotten left behind, so we gathered him up as well. It was beautiful up there, although we couldn't see OFF the top of the mountain. The boys were NOT too stinky, because they were wet!

We had a good trip! Only one fell asleep on the ride home - Since everything was wet, we rolled down the windows for part of the way- beautiful fresh air! We stopped at the Sonic in Thatcher to get some lunch, then loaded up for the drive home. Janet wanted to hear what everyone thought of the training, and they were eager to share, and many wanted to come back and serve on the staff next year, so she was happy! We were gone from 7:30am to 4:00 pm, so it was a long day on the road, but an enjoyable trip overall!

ROAD TRIP!!!

2008-07-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

Well, I haven't actually taken it yet, but I'm leaving in an hour or so...
It unexpectedly, turned out that I need to drive to Safford/Mt Graham today!
My son has been gone all week to Silver Axe Scout camp, an NYLT program up on Mount Graham. The gentleman that was going up to get him and 3 other boys was having problems with his vehicle, so I offered to go instead. I have never been to that part of Arizona, so it will be a little bit of an adventure for me.

However, I won't be going alone. Janet, a lady my husband works with and who was partly responsible for getting my son and his cousin going to the camp, is going with me. She works with the regional scout council here, and her husband is also at the camp. She is going to be my navigator, since I've never been there. It will be interesting because she doesn't like heights, and it is 11,000 feet or so at the camp! Also, I've never spent this much time with her, (it is about a 3 hour drive) other than seeing her at work, and occasionally we gave her a ride home. So, we'll see how it goes.

I'll be bringing home 4 stinking tired, make that stinking, and tired, teenage boys in my Suburban, for three hours...

Should I invest in a nose plug?

Happy Fourth of July!!

2008-07-11T16:38:00.001-07:00

Oh Wait, that was last week, wasn't it?

Okay, so I am slow in getting things posted..

We went to the Diamondbacks game on Friday night! There was a special half price ticket promotion thru work, so I took advantage of that! After the game, which was very boring and the Dbacks lost to the Padres, there were fireworks! It didn't look like we'd be able to see them from where we were.. so, when they were opening the roof, we went out and crossed the street to the top of the parking garage next door.. It was fabulous! I haven't seen fireworks that close in forever! We had smoke in our eyes and there were still burning ashes coming down! The kids loved it!

I didn't attempt to take pics of the fireworks - not really worth it! But we had a great evening!
I'm glad to live in a free country!

A 24 Hour Vacation!

2008-07-04T11:39:00.001-07:00

Tuesday afternoon, my neighbor and I took our total of 6 kids and left town! We finally left the other side of Phoenix about 5, and headed north to cooler country. Trying to make 6 kids happy with dinner would have been impossible, so we made an executive decision and stopped in Cottonwood at Casa Bonita Family restaurant. We got everyone fed and then drove the short distance to the resort. The kids had fun in the pool and then the jacuzzi tubs, we played some games and got everyone to bed.

We kind of lazed around in the morning.. had some breakfast then headed out! Our destination was http://www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/sliderock.html. I haven't been there in probably 17 years, when I went with my brother and 3 other guys! (Woo! What a trip!) I don't know if the state park was established back then.. I just remember hiking down to the creek from the road! We got there by 10 am, and the kids promptly went for the slide!

Brennan was the first to get in - they were too cute with their goggles!

Mallory was a little more hesitant! Overall, she didn't like the slipperiness of it all, and she didn't get in the water too much after her slide!

Jessica just went for it!

And as cold as it was, even I took a trip!

Here we are with the famous red rocks of Sedona as our background!

We went back to the resort, and everyone got cleaned up, we had some lunch, and were headed out of town by 3 pm! Made it back home about 5:15pm - so it was a quick turnaround, but it was really nice to get out of the hot valley, and up where the air was a little bit cooler! We love our neighbors!

Oh, and we made it to the Weight Watchers meeting, and I lost another 5 pounds ! Yeay me!!

Another wedding pic..

2008-06-26T15:46:00.001-07:00

It's the only one we have of this - it was tough to scan from the album, but one of my favorites!

Here's where it started..

2008-06-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

Tagged by Kaja..

1. WHAT DATE IS YOUR ANNIVERSARY? August 1

2. WHERE DID YOU GET MARRIED? Mesa Arizona Temple

3. WHO PROPOSED AND HOW? Mark originally proposed in January, but due to some extenuating circumstances, we were officially engaged for real, in April.

4. HOW LONG WERE YOU ENGAGED? Around 3 months

5. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF YOUR WEDDING DAY? (AND IT CAN'T BE YOUR HUSBAND) . I spent the night at my friend Leisa's house, who lived across the street from the temple. So it was fun spending time with her!

6. WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE IF YOU COULD? I'd make it not in August when it was so stinking hot!

8. REMEMBER ANYTHING SPECIAL ABOUT YOUR WEDDING CEREMONY? Not really, (it's been so long..) ..kissing him!

9. WHERE YOU CLEAN OR MESSY WHEN YOU CUT YOUR CAKE? Clean, if I remember correctly!

10. WHERE DID YOU GO ON YOUR HONEYMOON? Here's where the story is.. We left Phoenix in August in a car with no air conditioning. We drove across the desert to Las Vegas with a gallon of water to drink.. no rest stops. We stayed one night in Vegas, spending only a few dollars on nickel slots, not winning anything. Then drove up to UT and stayed in the basement of his brother's house. We went to Lagoon, an amusement park, and I think mostly visited family and friends the rest of the time! But, hey, we were together!

Anyone else who is willing to share, consider yourself tagged...

My invention would be...

2008-06-20T20:04:00.000-07:00

This summer I have decided we need a new invention.
It wouldn't really be much.
Actually two versions...

A towel that talks? or a towel with legs!!

We came home from our trip away with what I think was nearly every towel in the kids bathroom dirty.. .let me rephrase that... WET! They went swimming plenty, and I think that
they used every towel possible, instead of hanging them to dry, and then reusing them.

SO.. I suggest that towels be made with legs, so that they can take themselves to the clothesline, or else to the Laundry basket.. OR.. that they be talking towels, so that when they are dropped on the floor by unsuspecting children, they shout out "PICK ME UP" or "HANG ME UP"! Wouldn't that save ME from doing so??

Or? if they made them both talking and walking? Then they could follow the children around shouting at them UNTIL they picked them up!! Sound good??

Update..!

2008-06-18T21:30:00.000-07:00

So, even though I went away for the weekend, through the airport with Cinnabon, Cold Stone Creamery, TCBY, CPK, Burger King, and ate out for 2+ days, I still lost weight!

Yeay Me!!

I actually lost 6.8 lbs! The last time I've lost weight is due to my trigeminal Neuralgia.. when my face is hurting, I can't eat.. so I lose weight. Now that my pain isn't so much, I'd been munching again, and so put much of it back on.

I made a conscious decision to make better choices. But even though I had two (yes.. two) Bear Claws this weekend at St Louis Bread Company (aka Panera) I still lost. And I also had frozen custard from Ted Drewe's. (oh, my, that was good!)

And here are a couple of cool pics (at least I think so..)

We didn't go up into the arch, as the lines were too long... didn't have and hour and a half to wait. So we drove, and drove, and drove! There are so many cool neighborhoods, kinds that we don't see out here in the desert!

Okay... I'm committed.

2008-06-09T14:36:00.000-07:00

Weight Watchers.

Stop Dieting.

Start Living.

Or so they say. I'm going to start an At Work program. If I lose 5 lbs over the eight weeks, my company will give me back half of the fees I paid. I figure I can do that.

So, here I go... starting to be healthy.
Aren't I doing great. (after I finish my Dr Pepper on the table.)

YUM!!!

2008-06-04T07:53:00.000-07:00

My friend Tara is a graduate of the Scottsdale Culinary Institute, so she knows how to make all kinds of YUMMY stuff! Every now and again we have a little mini class with her, and she teaches us how to make something! On Tuesday we made cream horns!

Wrapping strips of Puff pastry carefully..

Then an egg wash and some chunky sugar..

We can smell them baking...

Fill them with chocolate whipping cream/pudding

mixtures, or strawberry whipping cream..

And VOILA!! Cream Horns!

Tara dolled up the one below- she's good like that!

We had lots of fun! We delivered a few to some friends and

neighbors nearby! Thanks again Tara for an awesome afternoon!

Whew!

2008-05-31T20:02:00.000-07:00

Made it through another week. (Guess it's been more than one since I blogged last.)

There were no knock-down drag-out fights between my children while I was gone to work. (thankfully).

I don't want to quit my job - I enjoy the extra income, and the interaction with adults. But.. if the kids can't get it together... I think they did fairly well, but it's not good when a child hangs up the phone on her parent... sheesh. We'll get there.

On a brighter note, I want to challenge you to do something, my loyal readers (hee, hee).

This last week we went to my nephew's first birthday party. It's a family tradition of ours to let the 1 year old have his own piece of cake and let him dig into it! Jessica also had her hair cut to donate to locks of love - it looks really cute!!

Anyway, I pulled her close to me while we were at the party, and had my hubby take a picture of us! She tried to squirm away.. silly girl! Some of you may know how temperamental 11 year olds are. Anyway, I told her that I would give anything to have a more recent picture with my mom! Or even more when I was younger - there aren't many.

So, my challenge to you is to get a picture of you and your mom! You don't have to post it to your blog - but if you live in the same vicinity as your mom, get a picture taken of the two of you!

I used to think that I didn't look much like my mom, but I guess more and more I do..

The Beginning, and The End

2008-05-22T15:56:00.000-07:00

Alternative post title... SCHOOL'S OUT!

They started on August 13th - more than ready to get back into the swing of things...

And May 22nd, they are done!! I think Brennan has grown a few inches since then..

And now they are going to have to figure out what to do with themselves two and a half months before school starts August 11th!

Brennan was accepted into National Jr Honor Society - He's had mostly A's this year... now he tells me he got a B.. in English. He went to California with the Symphonic Band to play at Disneyland. He also tried out for the District Honor Band, but didn't make it.

Jessica was her class finalist in the Spelling Bee - did a great job! She also performed in two acts in the School Variety show this last month. She plays the flute in the 5th grade band, and will be attending the Taylor Jr High Band camp in July!

Mallory.. has had a great year in 1st Grade! She's had different "friends that are boys" during the year, but I won't name names! I've enjoyed sharing the Art Masterpiece program in her class this years! It's been fun to hear "Hi, Mallory's Mom" from the kids in her class. I also did AM in her class year - so there are plenty of kids who know me!

I don't have the same flexibility at work as I did last year, so the kids will need to figure out how to get along better than they have.. I think there will be some financial incentive to not call Mom every 15 minutes while she is gone!

Happy Summer Everyone!

Happy Mother's Day!!

2008-05-11T09:20:00.000-07:00

I think my favorite quote lately is..

There is not one way to be a perfect mother,

but there are a million ways to be a good mother.

I have given up trying to be perfect, but I will keep struggling to be

a good one.

I am thankful for the opportunity to be a Mother, I know it is an important job, and I am thankful for the help I receive in doing it.

I am grateful for the example that my own mother set for me. I miss her dearly. Whenever I am going thru a rough spell, either with parenting or something else, I know that she would have done whatever she could, and wished she could take away my pain.

(Dec 1994, right after I became a mom, with my mom, and her mom.)

I am also thankful for the opportunity that I had to look after both my mother and my grandmother when they each became ill. It was the least that I could have done for them, after all that they had done for me.

(Yeah, and I'll try not to cry too much today. Stop it already!!)

Tagged by Lisa

2008-05-06T21:05:00.000-07:00

Hmm.. 6 Random things about me! I've been thinking about it for a few days, and I think I might have it.. (those who have done 100 random things.. more power to you, I don't think I could do it!!)

1. I have never had a manicure or a pedicure. I think I am way to thrifty, and don't like my toes anyway. My fingernails grow well, so I don't feel the need. Also, I waitressed for a long time, and we couldn't wear polish much, so I didn't get used to it.

2. I have a Hippo birdfeeder. Amazingly, birds have gorged themselves from it lately (I think its the pigeons.) I have alot of hippos, mostly stuffed, so this is my most unique hippos. (If it weren't dark outside, I'd take a photo..

3. I have never tasted alcohol. Just never felt the need, especially as I was taught growing up that it was not good. I was floored when I found out my younger brother drank himself sick one night with the swim team. He never did it again, however.

4. I have sat on what is purported to be St Patrick's grave. I went to Northern Ireland when I was 17, and we visited the site - a large stone, and I mean large, covers the grave. We joked that when Christ comes again, St Patrick will have a difficult time getting out!

5. I have a condition called Trigeminal Neuralgia. It is something more common in OLDER people, not young like me. I've had it for 14 or so years, and it has become increasingly worse over the past 4-5 years. I am considering a Gamma Knife procedure very soon to take away the pain that recurs.

6. I kissed a boy on top of the World Trade Center. We were on a choir trip to NYC in college, I liked him, we had sort of dated previously, but somehow I managed to get him to kiss me while we were there! Ahhh, blond haired, blue-eyed, cute boy. We couldn't have married, though, and I'm okay with that.

The rules:
a. Link to the person who tagged you.
b. Post the rules on your blog.
c. Write six random things about yourself.
d. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
e. Let each person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment at their blog.
f. Let your tagger know when your entry is up.

I tag..
http://www.fatsassyandmrwonderful.blogspot.com/ Kayola
http://lynnewsnyder.blogspot.com/ Lynne
http://puffyspatter.blogspot.com/ Puffy
http://www.kristyskritters.blogspot.com/ Kristy
http://blueberrybuckets.blogspot.com/ Kerrie
http://dfliesblog.blogspot.com/ Dragonflies

(and then would someone please tell me how to get this linky thing to work!! It is driving me nuts!!)

Whew.. that was tough! Good luck ladies!

Bucket List

2008-04-29T14:01:00.000-07:00

I don't even really have one.. but a post on one of the message boards I visit asked,
what are two things on your bucket list? Two things you would like to accomplish before you die.. Hence... "kick the bucket.."

I posted that I would like to visit the Netherlands, where my grandmother was born.
Another is to write my personal history. There are many things that I would like to know about my mother's side of the family, that I don't believe are written down. So, I don't want to leave my life in pieces for my children to pick up... that's assuming that SOMEDAY.. they will think I have been an interesting person.

What do you have on your list?

Can you guess?

2008-04-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

What Mallory's favorite color has been this last few days?

I just had to giggle when I pulled these all out of the washer to hang to dry! (Yes, I'm trying to do my part to conserve energy, and not have such a high electric bill! )

So here is her variety of green shirts, and she may have more in her drawer! Guess Mom needs to do better when shopping!

On this Day, 38 years ago...

2008-04-21T15:07:00.000-07:00

My Sweetheart was born!

He is the older boy here..

There aren't many pics of him as a boy, but he was a good big brother to Matt.. and obviously STRONG to pick up his mom!Can you pick him out here, in his senior picture? (btw.. it's hard to get the yearbook placed just right on the scanner!

And then.. he convinced me to marry him, and I'm glad that I did!

Mark, thanks for all that you do for me! I hope that you have a Happy Day!

Tjitske is Dutch for...

2008-04-15T07:41:00.000-07:00

Jessica!!

Jessica is named for my grandmother Tjitske, Jessie to us common folk.. She was born in Holland, and my Jessica was born 11 years ago today! I will have to find some of her baby pictures this afternoon!

Oh, the joys of a preteen girl.. she is emotional, I hesitate to use the word drama queen, but...

I struggle with her, Mark says because we are too much alike, both headstrong.
Thanks alot my Dutch grandmother...

I love you, Jessica!

Not a member of the ASPCA...

2008-04-10T07:22:00.000-07:00

Now, I am not normally one to encourage cruelty to animals.... but,
there is a little yappy thing, a chihuahua, or a rat terrier or something,
that lives behind me, that I would really like for it to have its vocal cords clipped.
It is really grating on my nerves this morning.
It's yapping echoes over the entire neighborhood.
Other than the sky-high electricity bills, it makes me look forward to summer when I can
shut my doors and windows to turn on the a/c and block out the sound!

Now, I will go turn on the tv, so I can't hear it, and eat my breakfast.

That is all.

I met WHEEZY!!

2008-04-09T07:56:00.000-07:00

Last night I went to Borders at Superstition Springs, and met Lisa McMann, who is the author of a new teen book called Wake. I haven't read the book yet, so I can't give any reviews, but I had to go and meet her anyway!

For my non-OT friends, Lisa, aka Wheezy, is a former poster at Off Topic, which is part of a Reality TV message board where I occasionally post messages. I found the board when I started watching The Amazing Race, and eventually made my way to the Off Topic - where Lisa used to post. That is also what led me to blogging, as many of the posters there had blogs, and in order to comment, I needed to have a blog as well. Occasionally, these posters from around the country would have Peep Meets - meeting up when travelling around, and many have become good friends as a result, and I believe two marriages have come about, and consequent babies also.

I'm not terribly bold when it comes to arranging peep meets, as there had been a couple of posters here in the area, but this one was easy for me, simply go to the mall, and talk to Lisa for a few minutes! Anyway, it was exciting for me to meet her, although we didn't talk for long, it was fun!

Tagged by Robin!

2008-04-05T17:00:00.000-07:00

Robin has tagged me, although I didn't find out until I read my neighbor's blog and then went back to hers!

1. Pick up the nearest book (at least 123 pages)

2. Turn to page 123

3. Find the 5th sentence

4. Post the 5th sentence on your blog

5. Tag 5 people

Okay, the nearest book to me is...

Fifth sentence.. "And it is wondeful training for the prospective power pilot : knowledge of air currents, landings when his motor has failed."

Wow, that was pretty boring! I picked up this book for 50 cents, I think, at the used book place just outside the library, I tried reading it, but it did get a little boring. I didn't know that she flew so many places with her husband! And, I didn't get to the end of the book. If anyone is interested in it, I'll send it to you.

Now, for the fun part... I tag... MTW, Nutz, and Silvergirl, (some of my OT friends) , Aileen S. and Heather R.

Have fun! (Hope your books are less boring than mine..

Whew!

2008-04-04T15:46:00.000-07:00

It's found.. where I suspected it to be.. In B's bedroom. Such is the bedroom of a 13 yo boy.

He took something out to the freezer for me on Tuesday, and that's the last we saw of the key.
He told me that he checked all of his pockets - but I went in this afternoon and went thru his laundry basket myself.. and found it on the floor next to it. Well, he tried.

It's going to be a weekend of cleaning stuff up - we have a neighborhood exchange in a couple of weeks down at the church, and I am hoping someone will want some of the stuff that I have!

What in your house would YOU like to give away - or what do you need to get rid of?

Me? Mostly kids clothes that they have outgrown.. but also stuff from my parents house.. When my mom died, Dad sold the house, and he now lives in MN. A lot of stuff is now at my house, dishes, books, decorations.. that I really need to get rid of. My hubby always tells me how much STUFF we have.

Oh, and now I'm going to make peach pie with the peaches I found in the freezer!

WHERE IS IT??

2008-04-03T17:33:00.000-07:00

Does anyone know where my freezer key is?

It's kind of hard to figure out what to get out for dinner

when I can't even look in the freezer...

So Long, Little Red Car

2008-03-31T14:47:00.000-07:00

It's been a great 11.5 years. We bought this Taurus just before our family expanded to two kiddos. It has taken us on trips to Utah and California, but mostly was used as a commuter car.
A few years ago, someone stopped and asked if it was for sale... uh, no, I need it to get to work!!
Now that I have my new car, we don't need it anymore. I had meant to get a for sale sign on it, but didn't get there. Yesterday as we were fixing dinner after church, someone came to the door, interested in it. I talked with them, and they looked at it, but told them they had to come back, because I wouldn' t do business on Sunday.
So, they came after two this afternoon - handed me the cash and they drove off in my little car.. We got nearly 120k miles out of it - I think we got our money's worth! I got rear ended once in it - after M was born - but other than that - it's been a good car. But - I'm not sorry to see it go! So long, farewell, auf wiedersen, adieu!

It's Spring!!!

2008-03-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

Well, in Arizona it is anyway!

Brennan and I planted tulip bulbs back in.. November maybe?

And here are some of the results!

I am excited to see them!

It is supposed to be 90 degrees today, but we're supposed to have a cooling trend coming along..

Oh, and I love the smell of Alyssum. Along with the few blossoms on my grapefruit tree, my yard is smelling pretty good, even though it doesn't look great!

Anyone else having spring weather??

Whew...saved by the.... receipt?

2008-03-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

Note to self... again... don't procrastinate!!

On the previous episode of As the Toilet Flushes...

Well, the exhaust fan in our bathroom was not working.

No, not that kind of exhaust..

We had been having alot of moisture in our bathroom, and were wanting to
get a new fan, and have some other work done. So, I went out and bought
a new fan kit at my local home improvement store. I thought this had been done
only a few months ago.

Since we are on Spring Break, I thought I'd get up and try to take the motor out of
the fan above the toilet! It came out pretty easily! However, when I opened the box
of the new one, it was the WHOLE UNIT - that needed to be installed in the ceiling.
Not really what I needed. It turns out that the same fan is in my laundry room, so I
took that motor out and put it in my bathroom, so we have a fan working in there now.

My brother suggested that I see if I can find a replacement motor by calling the company
who made it! Turns out the company is located in Phoenix, and I was able to pick one up
at a nearby hardware store! I replaced that one in my laundry room, and then
determined to return the whole unit that I had purchased.

A trip to Home Depot - it wasn't their product, should try Lowe's. Finally today I made it
to Lowe's and found that I had the receipt still in my planner. I knew I'd saved it for a reason!
The helpful customer service person scanned the box, "this item has been discontinued." Then she continues to look at the receipt - "this is from Last Year!!" but then.. "let me see what I can do." She talked to the Higher Up Muckity Muck manager type guy, and he said if the scanner recognizes the receipt, then she can still refund it to me.

Well, Praise be to the Almighty Scanner!! It recognized it, so I got my $55 something returned to my account. Then I took a look at the receipt, to see how long ago I'd actually bought it...

Sad to say.. May 2007. For Pete's sake.. I really need to stop procrastinating.
Maybe tomorrow.

Do I get Great Mom points for this??

2008-03-16T10:31:00.001-07:00

Sunday morning... what for breakfast?? I found some great looking strawberries at the grocery store last night... so how about this??

And I was thinking about a coffee (breakfast) cake that my mom used to make.. Royal Danish Kuchen... cinnamon and nutmeg in it, with raisens.. but the best part is the topping... cinnamon sugar and WALNUTS!! Yumm!

This has got to be better than boring old cereal, right?

I guess my Mallory thinks so... (even though I think this is the first time I ever dipped strawberries), looks like I am famous to her, and that's all I need!

TGFMB*

2008-03-15T09:03:00.000-07:00

I honestly don't know what I'd do without it! How would I live??

I got my Bosch a few years ago, when it was on sale. This Concept 7 machine came with a blender, and a grater slicer attachment as well. I also make my bread in it about once a week.

When I was not working during Summer 2006, I ended up making a lot of bread, and selling to neighbors and friends. There were some kids who were coming around the neighborhood selling bread, and I figured I could sell my own. So I got a little more proficient at it. I use my Great Gramma Bloomer's bread recipe, which I got from my mom, so I feel like I'm doing something handed down.

I don't know how my mom made bread for years without one.. I'm sure with a family of 7, and not alot of money, she made plenty - I know she got a Bosch years later, but I'm not sure when. I do remember toast made from homemade bread - it just can't be beat!

Nevertheless, I do make alot in my Bosch - bread, cookies, crepes (in the blender) - I don't know that I'd bake as much without it!

For all those of you with Kitchenaids, come over from the dark side and get a BOSCH! They are the best!

*Thank Goodness For My Bosch!

A Grandpa story.

2008-03-12T10:30:00.000-07:00

Not long ago, Lynne http://lynnewsnyder.blogspot.com/ posted about her grandpa, and chocolates. One of the stories I remember about my grandpa, was before I was born. I asked my dad to clarify a bit, because it's been awhile since I heard the story. We usually heard it every time we went to Wellington, but it's been awhile. My great grandmother lived there, and is buried there, along with my Grandma Rita.
In my Dad's words..
I was born in November, 1940, a year before Pearl Harbor and the beginning of World War II.
Vance was born in 1945, at the end of the war. Mom was “on again, off again” with my father during all those years of the forties and early fifties. She met and married Vance’s father, Walter Sullivan, in 1944/1945 sometime, and Vance came in September, 1945.

As long as I knew them my mother’s parents, Semon and Myrtle Golding lived in the little town of Wellington, Utah. Their little, two-bedroom home had the spacious yard and driveway, and corral, and behind the yard was a nice pasture, all common to homes in rural communities, especially in Utah. The pasture bordered on one of the Southern Pacific main railroad lines.

Their home was a refuge for Mom, and Vance and me, sometimes all three of us together and at other times, one or two of us. Mom was not successful in marriage, or in keeping a home for us to live in together.

Dad was always a cook, and in the navy during the war he was stationed at San Francisco, and his assignment was to ride the troop trains that carried troops back and forth between the coasts. As a cook, he had access to the supply cars of the trains.

The trains often used the line that went through Wellington, and passed behind the house. Food was short for everyone during the war, and well appreciated when it came, from whatever source.

This event must have been close to the end of the war, because I was old enough that I still remember it. The “folks” would all go down to the side of the tracks when Dad had phoned that he would be going through. When the train came Dad would have the side doors of the food supply car open, and whatever foodstuffs we needed, and would survive being tossed to the ground from a fast-moving train, he tossed.

The train came this day, and we waved to Dad as he passed, and he would kick the containers out the door. The stuff would be strewn along the side of the tracks for us to retrieve. What I remember is the bag of sugar, which was always in REALLY short supply, breaking open, with a cloud of the white stuff settling down in and on the black rock beside the tracks. I can still see the adults, and even me, bent over with fingers and utensils scooping what we could of the sugar into containers, so the precious white stuff could be saved.

I am the only one alive who would remember this story, because it was before Vance came, and all the folks are long gone from the world.

My kids didn't know my Grandpa McCabe - as he passed away shortly after Brennan was born. But, I hope to be able to keep him alive for them, in stories such as this.

And Lynne, if you can tell me how to put the link in with just your name.. inform me!!

Warning.. rambling ahead...

2008-03-06T20:00:00.001-08:00

We moved to Evanston Wy when I was 15 - it was tough to move, I soooo wanted to attend High School in my old town, with all of my buddies. I'd watched the activities my older friends went to and I really wanted to go. But my dad was selling real estate, and he hoped to get in on the housing boom in WY.

I had worked in a coffee shop bussing tables and then waitressing, so I had some experience. I applied at JB's, and although the minimum age for working was supposed to be 16, Doug hired me anyway, since I had experience. I also looked older than my age so it helped. I worked at JB's all through high school, and with it being a fairly small town, I got to know lots of the regulars.

My mom was custodian for one of the church buildings in town, and she would see and talk to people as they came through the church during the week. That is where my mom met Bryan. I don't remember first meeting him, but he was a talker... he talked and talked - always had a story to tell. I waited on him plenty of times I'm sure, but he was 8 years older than me, so I don't think he ever asked me out, since I was still in high school. He was a nice guy, but I wasn't terribly attracted to him or anything. I did consider him a friend, however.

I graduated from HS, and went to the University of Wyoming, on an academic scholarship. The scholarship was a blessing, because I didn't have any money to go to school, nor did my parents.

I worked at the JB's in Laramie as well, and Doug was good enough to let me work when I was home on Christmas break and in the summer. After two years in college, my family moved to AZ. I went back to college in WY -(DH always teases me about that.. I was then in AZ in the hot summer, and in WY in the wintertime freezing - crazy!!) Since it was too far to go home for Thanksgiving, I caught a ride back to Evanston and stayed with my best friend, Tami. It was that year or the next that Bryan asked me out!

I don't remember how we stayed in touch, but we did! Bryan and I drove down to SLC, about a 80 mile drive and went to Crownburger. He had said it was "the " place to go. Then we went to Temple Square to see the lights turned on. This always happens the day after Thanksgiving. He held my hand for the first time there, mostly out of necessity, because there were alot of people there! However, it didn't send any electric shocks thru me or anything.

Bryan and I had been out once before, when he drove me to Ogden for Japanese food. I think it must have been before this- my memory escapes me! There was just not much to do in Evanston, that's why we had to leave town to go on a date!

Anyway, when we got back to Evanston from SLC, Bryan walked me up to Tami's door, and he kissed me. Um.. nothing. Like I said, I wasn't attracted to him really, but he was a nice guy. Again, no electricity happening. "Um, thanks for the date." We didn't go out again. But we were still friends. After I finished at UW, I wasn't back in Evanston regularly, so, I don't think I saw him again - so the last I would have seen him would have been 1988.

Fast forward a few years... When my mom passed away two years ago, I posted her obituary online in the Evanston paper, because we'd lived there 7 years, and I thought maybe people who had known her would like to know. Then in December, work was kicking my butt, and I was tired. I must have been away from home when Bryan called. Mark took a message and his phone number - said he'd seen the obit or something, and recalled my name, and tracked me down! His parents still live in Evanston, although he lives in St George now. It took awhile for me to find time to call him back, it was into January sometime. It was a little weird, but we talked for a little while. He kept telling me that I sounded like my mom, or that I looked like her, and kept bringing up memories of her.. meanwhile, I'm bawling away. My heart is still very tender missing my mom, so it kind of irritated me that he kept bringing her up! At that time, my face pain was hurting more with me getting emotional, so it was hard for me to talk to him! He left me with his email address and website (he's into real estate) but I hadn't emailed him, I hadn't thought too much about it again. He'd told me that he was back in Evanston more frequently with his mom being ill, and spending time with her in SLC as well at the hospital. And I thought that was the end of it.

Tonight.. Mark was working late, I'm trying to get the kids to finish their dinner, and the phone rang with a double ring, meaning it was long distance. Lately we've been getting more telemarketer stuff, so I almost didn't answer. The caller id showed a 435 area code, which I knew was UT, so I answered. It was Bryan. His mom had passed away last month, she was only 68. He saw my phone number on his cell and thought he'd call, knowing I could understand. We had a good talk... the kids finished their dinner and went out to fill up water balloons. (they are going to jump on the tramp at the neighbors with them on Sat.) Bryan and I talked for awhile - remembering the times we went out, and how we met and stuff - which is why I am writing it down. He is married and has 3 kids - I don't think I know his wife - I don't think she was from our town. He still always has a story to tell - I remember the names of people he mentions, but I probably know their younger siblings who were closer to my age.

All in all, I was glad to talk to him this time - I wasn't emotional, my face didn't hurt, and it was easy to talk! Not awkward at all - and no mention of the nonelectric hand holding or kiss! I got his email address again, maybe I'll keep in touch - in case I need to ever buy a cabin in the mountains near St George!

Thanks for indulging me.. I hope to write more stories, for my sake, and for Lynne's Somewhat Invented Life's sake... :-)

Happy Birthday Mallory!

2008-02-25T06:55:00.001-08:00

It was Sunday, but I just want to wish my cutie youngest a Happy Birthday! I'm glad she came along to our family!

Anyone else heard of these FurBerries things?

It's All about Me!!

2008-02-17T08:54:00.000-08:00

My Dad was quite the photographer around the time I was born - and my mother was very photogenic as well. So, there are plenty of pictures of us. I believe he won a prize for a photo of me and mom when I was only a few months old. To the right is my big brother and me! He was good and protective!

My first Christmas to the right, and I'm not sure how old to the left!

My youngest brother asleep in the high chair, I am probably 4 or 5 in this pic!

My hair was straight as a stick as a kid... it was to the point of waiting to take out the foam curlers until JUST before the pictures were taken, so that there would be SOME curl!

Yeah, it looks like curls.. but .. Yes, my mother made my dress.. but don't ya dig the beaded purse?

Fast forward a few years.. probably 7th grade here. My grandparents grew roses in their garden.. next to my wannabe Farrah Fawcett hair.

One of my favorite pictures from college.. wish I still had the sweater!!

Ack! Dig the big old bangs?? This was when I was about 22.. on my mission for the LDS church in England!

My four generations.. my son Brennan, my mother Nancy, and my grandmother Jessie (Tjitske) who was born in Holland.

And then my sweet Jessica, named after her great grandmother!

I'll need to get a pic of all of us.. I just love this one taken in my parent's backyard!

Just a few highlights of my life!
Happy Birthday to me!

(okay, and so my layout doesn't look so great... I'm working on it!!)

I could eat myself silly!!

2008-02-13T22:08:00.000-08:00

With my birthday coming up, I'm getting emails with yummy invitations!

Cold Stone Creamery for a Love It creation!

Red Robin for a Gourmet Burger of my choice! (Mushroom Swiss burger, most likely!)Molly Branigan's for a Complimentary Entree (local Irish pub - yum!)

So, when will the feasting begin?

What is YOUR favorite place to go for your birthday?

This is me and my Mallory, and my little sis Laura. We got together to celebrate my mom's birthday last week. Not a great pic.. but oh, well.

Hannah, Montana, Bobana, Fofana...

2008-02-01T16:24:00.000-08:00

If you ever need to get a preteen girl to help you do some dirty work? Let her bring her cd player and whatever music she wants and you will get a good chunk of time out of her!

When it rains here, I swear that there are weed seeds in every raindrop! And the fact that we have no grass in either the front or back yards means that shortly after the rain, the weeds start popping up.

In times past I have pulled them in the back yard myself, rather than fight with my children. Well, with the promise of a Sonic treat, I lured my girls into the back yard to pull weeds. So, we listened to Hannah Montana and Sugarland and cleared probably 75% of the green monsters! They are fairly easy to pull, so I promised dinner out if we kept going! Now we are just waiting for DH to finish work, and we'll go to Red Robin, and everyone will get shakes! (Usually I am a cheapo, maybe one shake gets shared..)

Happy Weekend, everyone!

Po-tay-to, Po-tah-to

2008-01-27T17:46:00.000-08:00

No matter how you say it, they are yummy. But tonight, I'm talking about fried potatoes.

It's cold and rainy, and I needed something to warm up with!

Several years ago, we went camping with two other families from church. One family lives 2 houses down and we'd probably call them our best friends - after 9 years of living so close. On the camping trip, we decided we'd do common meals so we worked out a menu. We suggested fried potatoes along with something else.

"Huh? Fried potatoes, what's that?" was Allen's comment... "ACK" was our combined response!

Chop up an onion or more, peel (or not) and slice some potatoes.. Heat up a few tablespoons of vegetable oil and fry them up until a little crispy! My dad used to say the ratio of onions to potatoes s/b 1:1, but that's a bit much! Of course, when we had them camping, fried up in a cast iron pan, they were even better! We just couldn't believe they'd never had fried potatoes!

So, do you like fried potatoes? Onions or no? Or have you never had them?
We now like to put shredded cheese on top, though we really should cut them there calories!

And I'll try not to make my next post about food...

Next Question..

2008-01-17T14:28:00.000-08:00

Cauliflower.

Yes or No?

Cooked or Raw?

In Soup?

With Ranch dip?

DH has had a cauliflower gratin- I didn't taste it.

I made cauliflower soup for my lunch today, I think I'm going to go make Cranberry Almond scones... found here.. don't they look yummy?
http://blog.narons.com/2007/10/05/coffee-break-for-everyone.aspx

I found in a roundabout way from Pioneer Woman, to Country Doctor's wife to this lady..

whew...

A Survey..

2008-01-13T19:35:00.000-08:00

If I was your neighbor and I was making you cinnamon rolls to thank you for doing something for me, would you like them with:

cinnamon alone,

raisins,

nuts,

icing,

cream cheese frosting,

or all of the above.

Please answer.

*just finished a loaded roll... nuts, raisins, and almond flavored icing!*

To answer ...

2008-01-07T20:56:00.000-08:00

Zombs asked about my work at home job...

It's not really a work at home, but some stuff I can take home.

I work for Treasury Mgmt at our bank, and Lockbox is a part of that.

One of our "clients" (not customers..) is a local diocese which has private schools around the area. People can donate up to $1000 tax deductible for married couple which goes to the private schools. This time of year, er, December & November, the donations get pretty heavy - as the year end push for tax deductions goes on. We process the deposits for the diocese, and then we also do the data entry for each donor into the database - noting which school they want their funds to go to, etc. I can access the database at home, and we have been overwhelmed, as it's mainly me, and sometimes one other gal that do the data entry. I am still working on 12-31 work, as we received 900+ items that day. It takes about an hour to do 50 items... so I'm plugging away.. and getting a few extra hours in..

Which will help pay for...

My New Car!!

it is a Tango Red Pearl Honda CRV - it's pretty basic, no fluffy stuff on it, but I like it! It will get better gas mileage for running the kids around. (no moon roof either!) This is what we spent New Years Eve doing... I didn't really want another car registration due at the end of the year.. (our suburban's is due in November.) We don't have cheap registration here.. For example, it was $550 on the burb. Who has them cheap? Other than Oregon, I know it's pretty reasonable there.

Anyone want a Ford Taurus with 120k miles on it?? I've got one for sale, really cheap!

Hope everyone's New Year has started off well!

Whew

2007-12-28T21:53:00.000-08:00

Anyone else glad that Christmas is over?

1. To answer MTW, Diamond Earrings - which I traded up today - I wanted a little more sparkle. Is that bad? I am paying for it with earnings from my part time job, which I've sort of been socking away.

2. DH and DS are watching the 4th Harry Potter. The DD's are watching HSM2 - Me? working my part - time job - some data entry from home, well, I'm taking a break.

3. My dad & his wife have been visiting, I'm glad I've been able to spend time with them. Glad I get along with Jean much better than I did a year ago. It doesn't make me miss my mom any less, but I can accept his happiness a little easier.

4. I am the loser at OTSS. My SS has still not received their gift - granted- I didn't send it until the 18th, but I would have figured it would be received by now. Perhaps I should not play next year. Or I should plan a little better.

5. Dad is giving us a wireless something (for Christmas) for the other computer in the house, he already gave us his wireless router he didn't need anymore. This will allow us to get on the internet in the other room. Though.. DD got on a chat room whilst at her grandma's the other week... her dad was not happy. She is 10, and where she went wasn't great. So? there will be settings & passwords & such set up.

6. Milo. He cracks us up. He has a new bone that he is carrying around from room to room, as if looking for a place to bury it. Hasn't found the perfect spot yet. After all the years of resisting a dog, I'm glad we've got him. He's cute. He'll lay down right on top of our feet if we sit still on the couch. Automatic foot warmer! (and yes, it's a bit chilly here now!)

7. Now, he's scratching on the door to take it into my bedroom! Not!

8. I have not sent one Christmas card out this year, and I would like to be better. Work will slow down after the first of the year, so I'm sending them delayed this year. (and I should send something BIG to my SS giftee.

9. When someone wants you to pick them up at the airport at 11:55 on Christmas Eve?? the airport is NOT crowded, but?? their plane may be delayed, as well as baggage delayed, and you might not get home until 2a.m. *yawn*

10. I think I'm going to go to bed, and read a bit of "It's Not Easy Being Green." (from the bargain price table at Barnes & Noble. )

gnight everyone!

(wow... I made my first list!)

SURPRISE!!

2007-12-25T16:44:00.001-08:00

I think everyone was here by 2:05! It was amazing!
Closest thing to being on time my family has ever been!

We had a good meal together! My DH makes the BEST
mushroom gravy when we have turkey!

And,

"he went to Jared"!