Life in the mitt

Christmas tree!

2011-12-19T16:22:00.000-05:00

We wanted to wait until child #3 came home before we got our tree so he could be part of the traditional finding, cutting, etc. Unfortunately, he got home a week before Christmas--so the pickins' are a bit lean now. Here's our tree, in the midst of setup:

Getting Shroomy

2011-10-19T09:22:00.042-04:00

I had a "doh" moment last week.

Last month in our RSM (that's what we call our monthly Relief Society Meeting) we taught the sisters some recipes that are contained in a jar. It is from a book called "Dinner is in the Jar". The ingredients are usually pasta, grains, legumes and dried foods and spices. Add ons can be canned meat or vegies.

So . . . one of the recipes had dried mushrooms in it. I thought it would be difficult to find dried mushrooms but Sam's sells them, and the price isn't too bad. Then someone mentioned you could dry them yourself. So this week as I was perusing the local grocery ads and saw that baby portabella mushrooms were on sale I thought "Doh! I could dry my own for half the cost!

So I did. 11 pounds worth. My basement still smells like mushrooms.

Dried mushrooms can be thrown into anything. They can be blended up into a powder that makes a nice rich broth. Dried mushrooms are used in Lipton's onion mushroom packets. I could make my own Lipton's! Doh!

Happy little bellas just dying to be dried!

All sliced. You don't need to be too picky about size. And don't wash them. Just brush off the dirt.

On my drying rack. I got this at a garage sale years ago. Still works!

All dried after about 9 hours. Looks kinda like a pizza!

After drying them, I store them in a mason jar. I got this handy dandy pump-n-seal a few years ago. Here's how it works. Poke a hole in the top of your canning lid with this official hole poker.

That wasn't hard!

Then take these special seal tabs . . .

. . . and cover the hole. They are designed to let air out, but not air in. Clever!

Then place your pump-n-seal over the hole and pump away.

Voila! One bottle of sealed, dried mushrooms. Bon a petit!

Next . . . dried apples.

Something Green

2011-10-18T09:21:00.000-04:00

Hi! I'm back.

The next picture on my list was something green. I didn't want to go with the typical--an outdoor picture. There is plenty of green here. At least there was . . . At any rate, I thought I would show what I had for breakfast one morning.

I have been making smoothies with fresh spinach but often had the problem of some in the bag going bad before I could eat it. I sometimes forget I have spinach in my fridge . .

At any rate, I got the brilliant idea of using frozen, rather than fresh. I could always have it available, it would add a nice cold splash to my warmish shake. I hacked off a chunk and threw it in with some applesauce, carrots, celery, cucumber, flax seeds and a bit of water. It worked great! And I actually don't need to put in as much as I thought I would. The applesauce adds a nice sweet taste. I use unsweetened. So here is my green shot:

Yummy, eh?

I can hear my kids groaning.

So try substitute frozen spinach and see if you like it!

Clouds

2011-09-06T09:47:00.000-04:00

Today is cloud day. I had a lot of fun with this assignment. When I woke up this morning it was a bit grey and I didn't think I would get a good picture. We decided to go up north for the day and visit our property. The sky began to clear the closer we got. Here's my first picture:

Then I started to see possibilities from where I was standing:

As we were pulling into our driveway this caught my eye

It's funny, when you have a camera around your neck, you start to see things differently. We were walking on a pier and the differences in the water on each side caught my attention.

A casualty of a windy day. The bottom was full of water. There was a box of Little Debbie Cakes on the front by the steering wheel. I wonder if they meant to leave that behind.

We drove to our property and snapped more interesting photos. We are planning on putting the property up for sale, but as I was walking through I felt sad at the thought. It is so quiet and peaceful there, until . . .

We left and were swarmed by the neighbors dogs. Then I remembered why we wanted to sell.

These dogs barked for at least 1/2 hour after we arrived. And there is a dog kennel at the end of the street. They usually start up at 9:30 pm and bark until 2 am. Not our idea of peace and quiet.

It was a relaxing day just walking, looking and driving. People up north live a different kind of life. I like it.

Taking pictures. . . or trying to . . .

2011-09-03T13:39:00.006-04:00

So, friends and family, here I am again. Blogging. No guarantees on how long it will last.

I was inspired by Mari's post http://www.just-me-and-t.blogspot.com/ and thought I would try to take some photos to improve my, er, lack of ability to take decent pictures. Here's the challenge:

Sounds, fun, eh?

So I decided to start by taking some up close photos of myself yesterday. Without makeup. Without a shower. Risky. Here's the first one . .

Hmmm, not so good. Camera too high. Trying again . . . How about one of those artsy sideways shots?

Oh dear. Camera is a bit too close? Bad lighting? Backing up . .

Oh my. Am I still breathing?

Husband?

Yes?

Can I take a picture of you?

Sure.

*Sigh*

So much for that!

But, today after a shower and some much needed makeup, I tried again. With photoshop. Amazing what that program can do. Here's my headshot:

Not bad!

And here's the next challenge:

Go Cougs!

The Big Storm

2011-02-02T15:14:00.003-05:00

I thought ya'll would like to see what has been happening here over the last few days. It's been interesting! I assume you have all heard about the monster storm that was headed our way. Here's a little video clip:

Spring will come, eventually, I hope. I'm headed out to shovel!

Back again!

2010-09-12T10:33:00.000-04:00

Well, after an 11 month hiatus, I've decided to blog again.

I guess after kid #4 left home, it seemed our life together here in the mitt was rather blah. All, I could write about was, work, church, hubby, repeat. Didn't seem all that interesting even to me. My kids' lives are WAY more interesting than what I am up to. But perhaps I can find something to share occasionally.

Lately we have been ripping up the house. I have been pressuring DH to do something about the lack of insulation under our entry way floors. When they were built, the lazy contractor couldn't be bothered to do it right. I have been freezing every year since. We finally found someone who was interested enough in the problem to actually come up with a solution.

He is the dad of a piano student. That helps.

The problem? The insulation had to be put under the floor.

The only access? Through the floor.

So, last week I spent many hours tearing up tile so the floor boards could be cut. The guy that put in the tile? He did it right. Unfortuntely for me. Here is a picture of the front entryway with the floor cut out.

We also decided, since we were in demo mode, to add insulation around the perimeter of our house, where the basement walls meet the upper part of the house. Here's a look:

My house looks like a war zone:

To be continued. . . when blogger allows me to upload more photos . . . .

More baby photos

2009-10-02T17:52:00.002-04:00

Warning **Grandma gushing** ahead . . .

I know that when you see these pictures you will agree. . .

This is just the cutest baby ever.

I mean, how can you resist this face?

Or this one? . . .

Nothing warms your heart more than daddies with babies:

Too, too cute!

Baby is here!

2009-09-27T13:02:00.006-04:00

Our new baby has arrived. And he is so considerate! He waited until the day after I arrived before he made his appearance. And he is the most adorable thing ever, of course. I know most of you read his momma's blog, so I will try to put some pictures in that you haven't seen already. And these also are for the benefit of missionary son, who has been waiting patiently for news.

So here we go . . . on to the hospital, during a contraction.

Six centimeters!

Labor is getting tougher.

Welcome baby!

Look at those long fingers!

Cute baby

Proud papa

Getting ready to go home.

I'll try to post more later. This has been a fun time.

Basement Renovations

2009-09-21T11:05:00.008-04:00

I have been itching to redo my basement. Remember the post awhile back where I was choosing tile colors? Well, early August I picked out slate and carpet for the work and now it is finally being put in. I think I watch too much HGTV.

Before they came I had to paint. I hate picking paint colors. It is such a big responsibility. Especially if I don't like it.

Anyway, I did the ceiling first. I know you can tell its different, right? hehe, I know you can't. don't lie.

Then the wall color:

Here is the stove, with a bit of the original wall color in the background.
see our woodpile outside? we are getting ready for winter.

Then . . . the tile guy came, yeah!

I picked out these decorative metal accents. Aren't they cool?

Completed, except for grout. I was drooling. Wall color looks good!

With grout in:

Next . . . carpet! Stairs took a LONG time.

Carpet man, doin' his thing.

I like the color.

Before . . .

After . . .

Chicagoland

2009-09-19T10:41:00.005-04:00

Shortly after we arrived home from our western trip, DH and I took a trip to Chicago.

It was great fun.

We took the train, a new experience for me. I really liked it. I like keeping my body close to the earth.

I don't know why we feel we need to tip our heads back when we take a picture.

Here is Union Station--huge and very cool. We ate lunch there.

We stayed in a hotel right in the downtown area. When I saw our room, I didn't want to leave! It was tiny, but oh so gorgeous.

And the bathroom! The shower was heavenly.

While in Chicago you must eat pizza. So we did. Based on the advice of friends who had just been there, we ordered a small one. We still couldn't eat it all.

The next day we left our hotel and went out on a little adventure. We decided to go to the museum. Here we are on our way, with Chicago in the background.

The museum was featuring pirates. Arrgh!

I decided to get acquainted. He was nice enough, but not very talkative.

This guy greeted us as we walked in the door. I am glad they're extinct.

It was a fun trip. Made me smile.

Letters from the field

2009-09-02T09:16:00.004-04:00

We received these precious pictures this week from Elder H. He wants to know what has made you a better person? If you have thoughts for him, please write. If you don't have his address, contact me and I will get it for you.

Not sure where this is. Looks like a little robot in front.

This one is precious. I hope the hat comes home with him. Poor Elder, so far away from home, still has to chop wood.

The Washing Machine did it

2009-08-26T14:02:00.003-04:00

You know how clothing items seem to disappear after the laundry is done? Like socks? And it is always a mystery where those things go? We can only assume that the washing machine is the culprit.

Well, I have a story to tell you about missing clothes. I can laugh about it now.

After all our travels were finally over, DH came to me and told me a pair of his pants were missing. I went through the usual questions, "When did you wear it last" When was the last time you saw it" "Did you look in the closet", etc.

He insisted it wasn't in the closet. Now, some of you can relate, as our eyes age it is much harder to see things, especially in a dark and small closet (did I mentioned that our closet is the size of a breadbox?) So I went through the clothes, checked the laundry, checked a few other less obvious places.

Huh.

No pants.

Then we wondered "Did we leave them in Chicago? In Utah? In the airport?"

Meanwhile, DH was getting desperate for his favorite pair of pants.

A day later I noticed that one of my capris was missing. And another one of DH's pants and a shirt! This was getting weird. I do hear strange sounds in my house at night, do we have a clothes thief?

I looked everywhere. And was completely stumped. Couldn't find anything.

Fast forward to last Monday when I decided to mow the lawn. As I went into the garage my eye caught sight of one of our backpacks, looking suspiciously full of something.

No way.

I had a faint recollection of DH going on a slap-dash hike with the scouts before their official trip. I slowly walked to the backpack and opened it up. You guessed it. It was full of the missing clothes, and some others I hadn't noticed were missing.

H (no longer DH), when confronted with the findings, started to remember that he had filled up the pack from the dirty clothes hamper for extra weight and "padding".

Well.

After he got out of the doghouse we went for a walk. He said to me "Remember when you told me that so and so said he heard so and so say that so and so should do something?"

I said, "When did I say that?"

He said, "About 4 years ago, I think."

What a memory!

Go figure.

New Post . . .! Ta da!

2009-08-13T19:43:00.010-04:00

Back from Utah . . .

But you all knew that.

So I thought I would post a few pictures from the trip with just a few keys words so you wouldn't nod off before you got to the end. So . . . here we go!

There was . . .

LOVE

HIKING

FAMILY

FLOWERS

FISH

And more . . . but that is for another day

Happy 4th!

2009-07-04T20:25:00.001-04:00

Happy 4th of July everyone!

I will be taking a brief hiatus from blogging for the next few weeks--but check in a bit! If I can get computer access I will try to post.

Utah here I come!

For my beloved sister in AZ

2009-07-01T14:50:00.002-04:00

July 1, 2009

2:50 PM

62 degrees

Rain

. . . .

My door is always open

Bring a sweater

The age old question

2009-06-30T07:16:00.000-04:00

I never thought about this as a kid.

I mean, it was always there for me, every night, without question.

I would never even imagine that it would be missing.

But this week, I feel like I want to scream every time I hear the words:

WHAT'S FOR DINNER?

Lately I've been saying, "I don't know . . ."

I teach from 3-7 three days a week. If I don't plan for dinner in the morning, it is too late by 2 in the afternoon to get it started. And usually in the morning I'm trying to do something else. Then there is the problem of getting it in and out of the oven during teaching time without burning it or under cooking it.

Yes, I know about the crockpot. But after awhile, everything starts to taste the same when it is cooked in the crockpot. It gets this . . . "I've been cooking for the past 10 hours" flavor.

Some nights I resort to this:

Then I remembered that I had this!:

MMMmmmmmm. . . . . . .

Our family reluctantly tried this recently. DH was planning on a 3 day backpacking trip and needed some food to go with it. Ah, this was the perfect solution! However, once it is opened it must be eaten within 1 week. So DH portioned out his servings for backpacking, and Ems and I planned to eat it at pretty much every meal for the next week. But hey, at least I can answer that age-old question!

Pass the tums please.

Heavy Loads

2009-06-29T12:27:00.000-04:00

**Anyone else having trouble with post options? My posts are not posting when I schedule them. Just wondering. **

DH and I are trying to get ready for a potential backpacking trip when we go to Utah.

I say potential because I'm not sure which may go out first -- his back or my hip.

At any rate, we are thinking positive and are beginning our training.

We decided to go early on this morning because it was expected to reach 95 degrees. Some of you may think that's a bit chilly, but when you add humidity to it, it becomes quite unbearable.

So we headed out early, the two of us, backpacks on and a smile on our faces.

Here the lovely stretch of road lies before us. This is where we live, people. It looks like this all around us. Cool, huh? It's nice to have a trail right out our front door.

It was a nice walk. But by the end I was ready to be done. You can tell by my forced smile.

4 miles, yippeee!!

What do you think?

2009-06-27T10:08:00.000-04:00

I need your opinion.

I have an indoor project I'm working on. We are replacing our carpet with new (yeah!) this summer and I have decided that I also want to tile behind the stove. Here is the stove:

Very plain and boring. We have it on a tile platform now, but we want to replace that and also tile behind it. So here are some choices:
Tile choice #1 (The big one and the ones across the bottom:

This is a slate look.

Ok, tile #2

A little lighter in color, no?
And tile #3 - I was looking at the big one, but I'm open to suggestions.

I'm not very good at matching colors and seeing what looks best. I know that some of you are . . . :-) So please share your opinion!

Finishing up Walkways

2009-06-26T10:27:00.000-04:00

Here are some pictures of our sidewalks getting put in. They look great!

Watching this come down the driveway was scary! They decided to stop before getting on the pavement. Thoughtful of them.

Concrete had to be brought in by wheelbarrow

Spreading it out

Smoothing it up

First step completed!

Putting the stamp on. They sprinkled a charcoal colored powder on the concrete before they put the stamp on. You can see the dust from the powder flying up.

Ta Da!

They are coming back to clean up and shellac it. They they will be finished!

A Benchmark

2009-06-25T08:31:00.000-04:00

It has been 365 days since this boy

entered the MTC.

Only 365 more days to go.

I miss this.

My new love

2009-06-24T09:45:00.000-04:00

Ems saw the start of this post and said "uh oh".

I have been busy since February working on this:

Preparing this scrapbook has been a labor of love for son #1, and I have learned a lot about his mission as a result. However, do you know how difficult it is to scrapbook about an event when you were not there?

It is hard. I look forward to his input on the journaling side of things

Here is a sneak peak, son #1! But you will have to come home to see the rest:

True confession time: I really don't like scrapbooking. I get overwhelmed by all the little doodads and I HATE the mess it creates. Then when you put it all away, you don't want to get it all back out just to do one more page. I also hate those moments when you are staring at a blank page and you just can't figure out what the layout should be.

On to the theme of this post--my new love. Take a look at this:

Here is a peak inside:

I purchased Adobe Elements about a year ago, along with a nice new camera. At first I was as overwhelmed by it as I am when I scrapbook. But with a little time and a little practice I got better at using it. And then we had a digital scrapbook class at church.

BAM! I was hooked. No mess, free downloadable materials and ideas, and a place that will print and then ship for free (there's that word again!) My kind of hobby!

I already have ideas for the next book. . .

Walkway Update

2009-06-23T16:16:00.000-04:00

The boys came today and started working. They are so efficient. In just a few hours all this was accomplished:

oooh, la la

(that's DH feet, he thought I was taking a picture of him, hehe)

(you can see Em's feet too - my family is picture crazy!)

Concrete is scheduled to be poured on Wednesday, yipee!

Projects . . . more projects

2009-06-22T08:00:00.000-04:00

So, let me tell you a bit about what is happening in our household this summer.

There is something about the warm summer wind that urges me to do things. Household type things. Home improvement type things. I can feel DH rolling his eyes about now. He knows that I start the projects, but he usually has to finish them. I am the inspiration behind his elbow grease.

Case in point . .

My walkways.

I have been eyeballing my walkway to my house for some time now. They looked good in their time . . . and that only lasted about two years. Snow and ice really take its toll on walkways.

We felt so clever when we put them in. I'm sure my kiddos remember this because they were helping us do it. We purchased a concrete stamp, some bags of concrete and some sand. None of us had ever worked with concrete before, but hey. . . we could do it! Plus we were on a strict budget. We couldn't afford to pay anyone to do it.

The first walkway went well. It looked nice! We were proud. The stamp created a little stone type look. We filled it in with a mix that went in the joints.

We admired it from near and far. It did look good.

After awhile the mix that went in the joints started to decay. Rapidly. Little ants made homes and weeds grew in the joints. Our little stones started to sink deep or rise up, depending on where the resident mole would travel.

This winter, as I was shoveling, I realized our pathway was so uneven that it could be a danger to my little students as they came to lessons. Something had to be done.

So I called a local concrete guy, who also happens to be a neighbor and a former piano family, and had him come over to bid on some new walkways. When I recovered from the sticker shock, he said the magic words that got me, "You know, you could save $500 if you pulled these walkways out yourself."

SOLD!!

Well, actually I did think about it for a minute, then I signed him up. Miss Ems and I started the project. Here is a before picture, which I always forget to do until it is nearly the after:

And the after:

Here's my helper:

She benefits too. Look at those muscles!

Keep watching for a follow up to the NEW and IMPROVED walkways!

Youth Conference

2009-06-20T19:36:00.002-04:00

I have been very occupied this week with Youth Conference.

It is over now, and I PROMISE I will put some more blog stuff up. Right now I just need to sleep.

I just have to say that the youth of today, the ones who are trying to live the gospel, are the most awesome kids ever. They are truly a shining light in these dark times.

It gives me hope for the future.

Some silliness for your Sabbath

2009-06-14T07:58:00.003-04:00

In the aftermath of the open house, we just couldn't resist. *Updated version!*

Open House

2009-06-13T20:04:00.003-04:00

It is a Midwest tradition when one graduates from high school, that a big party is thrown for the graduate. When we moved out here we thought that was a rather strange practice. I mean, what's the big deal? Well, that's not entirely true. It is a big deal, but some of the open houses we have seen have been like wedding receptions. We vowed we would not succumb.

But we did anyway. So here are some events from Ems open house. I really wanted her to do a recital, followed by a reception. She really wanted to have a party. So we combined the two and printed on her open house invitations that she would be singing songs throughout the evening, a la Pride and Prejudice style. Here she is about to sing:

A view of the guests (there were more on the deck):

It was really fun to provide entertainment for the party!
We had cake:

Emily was given the job to stab, er, cut the cake:

Good friends abounded:

And the hot spot was the chocolate fountain:

We had a display area:

It was a good night, mostly because we got to spend time with good friends. Thanks to everyone for coming!

Graduation Day

2009-06-07T21:41:00.008-04:00

After a whirlwind week, about to be followed by another whirlwind week, here are the events from today. Wow. I can't believe my baby is graduated. Here is her America's Top Model pose:

It is hard to tell from this picture but it was freezing outside! We are impatiently waiting for summer. It hasn't arrived yet. I am sure it will come in one night and it will be 90 degrees by next week.

Here is proud papa:

And mama:

And the official shaking of hands after receiving the diploma:

Congrats little daughter!

Music for Life

2009-05-05T07:49:00.002-04:00

My philosophy of piano lessons has changed over the last 5 years. I think piano lessons should benefit the masses, rather than just a select few with "talent". I came across this video, which I think celebrates this very concept--and shows that music is for life! Enjoy!

Birthday drama

2009-03-31T08:19:00.006-04:00

There was a crime at our house this morning.

Some kidnappers came and took our daughter!

They were cleverly disguised in their pjs.

They crept down the stairs and into her room.

Woke her up!

And carried her up the stairs, blindfolded.

All the while she was saying "Mom, did you know about this?" hehehehe, of course I did!

They carried her out to the car . . .

Stuffed her in . . .

And drove away . . . .

To be continued . . .

A Milestone

2009-03-30T10:21:00.005-04:00

As of today I no longer have any children.

WHAT? You may say . . .

My baby, my youngest child living in my house, turns 18 today.

So now all my "children" are officially "adults".

It is a strange feeling being the mother to adults.

We were thinking of all the things she can do now without my permission.

Scary, huh!

She can check herself out of school. Hmmm.

She can go to the casino. Don't like that, but I'm pretty sure she's not interested.

She can vote.

She can legally date her 21 year old friend. hehehe

She could move out and live on her own. I think she likes us too much to do that yet.

I guess you could say she can do whatever she wants to.

But, she is a good girl. She will do the right thing. She was raised well. even if I do say so myself

Here is a little trip down memory lane.

Her knight in shining armor is waiting for her.

Happy Birthday sweetie!

Feeling Squirrely

2009-03-28T15:41:00.003-04:00

The squirrels are finished hibernating.

And boy, ARE THEY HUNGRY!

We like to feed the birds at our house. I think we have 6 bird feeders. As a result, we get lots of different species. And I think they love us.

Unfortunately, our bird feed also attracts the squirrels.

You would think they would be content to feed on the extra that falls on the ground.

But no, they are not content to be bottom feeders. They want the stuff directly from feeder, no matter how hard it is to get it.

We used to have a "squirrel proof" bird feeder. It had a spring attached to the top and when something heavier than a bird (like a squirrel), climbed on it, the spring would stretch down and the whole mechanism would slide down covering the holes that the birds would feed from.

We got such a fiendish delight watching those squirrels try to figure out how that thing worked. They were foiled at every attempt.

I would snicker every time.

Eventually the spring wore out and one day I noticed that a squirrel was eating freely from the hole.

Now we have just resigned ourselves to buying new feeders every 1 to 2 years.

One day the pole that our feeder was on was slippery. I thought maybe DH had greased it to try and discourage those little rodents. I saw one big guy climb up and slide back down. And then he did it again.

It was very entertaining.

But he finally figured out that he could leap to the top of the pole and then make his way to the feeder.

Little stinker.

This guy just reaches out and grabs it. But is he content with just that? . . .

He must possess the feeder and make it his own. Poor birds don't stand a chance.

You know it's spring when . .

2009-03-26T14:59:00.002-04:00

Spring in Michigan is always a bit unorganized.

It can be sunny and 65 one day, and the next be 32 and snowing.

It's like the earth can't make up its mind whether it's winter or summer.

Then, suddenly it's 85 and summer has arrived.

But I have my own secret gauge for determining when spring is here:

There is a small cattle ranch on a road that I drive nearly every day. It is right in the middle of houses and neighborhoods.

During March the cows start delivering their calves. When that happens I know spring has arrived. Even if there is two feet of snow on the ground, I know those little babies signal spring!

So, a few weeks ago when I was driving into town on a windy, cold, blustery day, I saw the first little tiny calf nursing with its momma.

And I breathed a sigh a relief that winter was over at last.

Escape

2009-03-13T20:00:00.005-04:00

DH and I are getting a little R&R.

We are "up north" in Traverse City. It is DH's spring break. Most people go south for spring break. They want to get away from the bitter cold and soak in the sun.

Not us. We are hardy folk. We go where it is COLDER.

Traverse City is one of my favorite places. And during the off season it is lovely here. And cheap! Another one of my favorite things.

Here is the hotel/condo we are staying it. Notice the lack of cars in the parking lot.

Here's me by our car in the empty parking lot. Notice the salt residue on the car? Notice my coat? Notice that I am shivering?

Here's the view from our room. That's the lake out there. No need to worry about anyone peaking into our room. The beach is devoid of any human life.

Our room is nice. Here's what we had for dinner. Well, the boxes that dinner was in anyway. It was yummy mexican food. It reminded me all night how spicy it was.

This is my favorite part of the room. I have spent hours in there.

This sign says that there is a maximum capacity of 45 bathers in the pool. Don't think that will be a problem today!

We went to the boardwalk for a stroll.

Cross country skiing here is fantastic. We have been skiing everyday. So much so that my legs barely work (hence the hours in the hot tub).

We will be here for another two days. It is a great place!

Wednesday blues

2009-03-04T11:20:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it's been a week since I blogged last.

I've been having fun with my girls. It was so nice seeing the two of them together. Ems was only 10 when her big sister left home. They have a whole new relationship now that they are older. They are fun to watch.

Because they get together so infrequently, they always do a "twins" thing. They go out and find something that matches that they both can wear, or something that they both can do together. This time it was big (and I mean BIG) pearl earrings. One of them really liked them, the other didn't. I don't have the pictures downloaded yet, but I'll be posting some soon.

I miss big sister already.

Itchy and Scratchy

2009-02-25T09:03:00.000-05:00

My DH has been suffering a skin ailment for years.

We have been to the doctor, to the dermatologist, and nearly went to an allergist for help.

He received multiple diagnosis, multiple prescriptions, multiple steroid injections, multiple biopsis.

The only thing that seemed to help was the steroid injections.

We thought he was allergic to some kind of food. We cut out wheat, nuts, processed foods, almost anything. Nothing seemed to work long-term.

I did internet searches, looking for matching pictures of the blotches on his body.

Finally, after yet another trip to a dermatologist and the prognosis that there really wasn't anything they could do except give him skin cream, I began deeply searching the internet, determined to find a diagnosis and cure.

I stumbled upon a picture that looked a bit like what he had. "Hey, did the dermy ever use the term 'nummular' eczema?" I asked. "Yeah, that sounds familiar," he replied. So I dug ever deeper into treatment options, and found one I hadn't tried before.

"Could it be this simple?" I thought to myself.

I began washing DH's clothing and bedsheets in gentle soap with no fabric softener and added a double rinse to the cycle. Within days his skin improved.

He is now so much better. We can't believe it. We are hoping it is not a fluke, but it seems to be working. His clothes come out just as soft as if I had used softener. But best of all he feels better!

So, if you have skin issues in your family, try this and see if it works!

A Visitor, Hurray!

2009-02-24T09:56:00.004-05:00

You know all many of my old posts have invited people to come and visit??. . . . Anytime?

WELL, TODAY'S THE DAY!!

Daughter #1 is coming here for a week. We are excited to have her! She is coming particularly to see her sister in the musical, because it wouldn't be her first wish to come in the middle of the winter when it was just 7 degrees this morning (sorry daughter!)

We'll keep you warm, I promise!

Mournful Monday

2009-02-23T09:09:00.003-05:00

Our little doggie died this morning.

We are all sad.

It was a miserable weekend for him. The worst thing is that he still had a little doggie spirit. He was lively and bouncy. He just couldn't breathe. Even going outside for a minute was rough for him.

His larynx was totally gone. He couldn't keep any food down either. We know it's for the best, but it is still hard.

Rest in peace, little Tazz.

Musicale Weekend

2009-02-22T12:00:00.002-05:00

I wish you could all be here for the musical.

It is very entertaining. I always forget how much better a stage production is when it is on the stage and not on film.

The talent in this show is amazing for such a small town. I will try to post some video later on in the week so you can all see it. We are not allowed to video during the show, so I'll have to do some during a rehearsal.

Wish you all could be here!

Man's best friend

2009-02-21T17:31:00.003-05:00

This little doggy gave us a scare today.

He is 12 1/2 years old. Pretty old for a dog, but not unreasonably old.

The last 6 months or so we have noticed that he is increasingly having a hard time breathing. It is not constant. It comes and goes. We made an appointment with our vet who diagnosed a partially paralyzed larynx. Not much you can do for that. I guess he could have surgery and remove his larynx, but he would never be able to bark again.

Hmmm. . . . that may not be such a bad idea.

Today we could tell he didn't feel good. His breathing grew quite ragged. He lost his breakfast, several times. We finally let him go outside and he just walked round and round the house. He collapsed once. Ems was in tears. We thought this was it.

We tried to coax him to come back into the house, but he didn't seem to want to. We were pretty sure he wanted to go outside and die somewhere. Eventually he got whatever was bothering him out of his system, but his breathing was still seriously labored.

It was snowing hard and he was covered in snow. We got him in the house and tried to give him some steroids which the vet prescribed. He struggled for about 1/2 hour then suddenly settled down. His breathing became normal. He is relaxed and happy now.

But we know his time is not long. We were all traumatized by today's experience and realize that soon a hard decision will have to be made.

Thankfully, it won't have to be made today.

Mousecapades

2009-02-20T10:01:00.006-05:00

Dear friends, I really wonder if I should share this story with you.

You might think that my home is a tiny 3rd world country.

That we are country hicks.

That I am a neglectful housewife. Well, that part may be true.

A few nights ago I fell asleep on the couch. Actually I do this quite often. I have a hard time falling asleep and when I do I don't dare wake up, get back up, and try to go to sleep in my bed. I will lay awake all night if I do that.

While I was dosing I kept hearing noises. Little tiny rustling noises. It was precipitating outside and in my foggy brain I assumed it was that--just the sleet coming down. Suddenly I woke up with a shock, sat up, . . . . . and stared a mouse right in the face.

IT WAS RIGHT NEXT TO MY HEAD!

The thought of it even now makes me shiver. UGH!!

I leaped up with a shriek and ran to the stairs. Poor little mouse didn't know what had just happened. He ran crazily around the room, thankfully not in my direction, before he found a hiding place. I put out a trap next to the couch, ran upstairs, and snuggled with my sleepy husband.

I couldn't sleep after that. Neither could DH. I told him I wasn't getting out of bed until he found that little critter and did him in.

About an hour later I heard some thumping noises, footsteps on the stairs, and a knock at my door. It was Miss Ems. She jumped into bed with us, and said she woke up . . . . with a mouse on her bed!

Miss Em has inherited her mother's inability to sleep. She shuts her bedroom door, stuffs a towel underneath to block out the light, and has to have complete darkness and silence before she can sleep. I cannot figure out how that little mouse got in her room with that towel under the door. Maybe there were two. . . .?

As the sun came up, DH, crept downstairs on the lookout for the mouse. He was hiding pretty well by this time and was nowhere to be found. I vowed to stay upstairs until he made himself known. I was walking into the kitchen when . . . you guessed it . . . I saw the mouse running around in the kitchen.

How could he move around this house so fast? Up a flight of stairs? Through a shut door?

My heart cannot take two shocks in one day.

After hearing yet another scream, DH came up and began the hunt. The dog joined in. We finally cornered the little guy between a broom and a shoe (he was in the coat closet by this time). DH shouted for me to open the door, which I did. Out went DH in his bare feet (it was 6 outside) and accidently dropped the mouse on the porch. I slammed the door shut and DH did a little mouse jig while it ran around under his feet. By this time, the mouse had the dog's attention and . . . well, let's just say we won't have to worry about mousey anymore.

Until the next one moves in . . .

OOOOOOOOOK LA HOM A

2009-02-19T17:28:00.006-05:00

Miss Em is in the musical this week. I thought you might enjoy seeing pictures since most of you live too far away to see the show. Although I would welcome any visitors with open arms, you know. These are from the dress rehearsal.

"Why would I want to go out with Curly?"

Curly is describing the "Surrey with the Fringe on the Top"

Curly was sick during this rehearsal. Just picture the other girl as a boy. We are hoping Curly gets his voice back by show time tomorrow--and that with all the kisses he's giving to Laurey, that she doesn't get sick too.

That ol' peddler man thinks Laurey has grown up. She tells him to go eat a green apple for breakfast. A feisty one, is that Laurey.

The peddler gives Laurey "the Elixer of Egypt"

"Many a New Day"

I had to leave after the first act. It was a good thing, too, because I took about 200 pictures. I'll put the other 193 up over the next 3 weeks. . . .

Just kidding! Seriously, there may be a few more. She sounds AMAZING!!!

A Song in my heart

2009-02-18T12:00:00.002-05:00

I am in listening bliss right now.

I have Cosi Fan Tutti playing on the Sirius Station. It is glorious.

When we were kids my mom (love you!) would play The Met on Saturday afternoons. . . . actually whenever she got the chance. She loves opera. The kids didn't. We were not as cultured as she was.

We would make fun of it and her, I'm sad to say. I don't know why. She took it pretty good--but as the years passed I noticed she was listening to it less and less. She used to whistle a song from an opera while she cleaned--I think it was from "Marriage of Figaro." Correct me if I'm wrong, mom.

When I was 12 she got tickets for us to The Magic Flute. It was in English!! What a treat!! I was still young and uncultured then, but I was excited to go. The night of the event I got a killer headache. I don't know if it was because I was excited or what, but it sort of dimmed the experience for me.

Flash forward years later, sometime in the early 90s. I am now a parent, and I noticed that Wagner's "The Ring" was being shown on PBS. I was a music student at this time and I knew a bit about this opera. It is a 16 hour long one. Wagner just couldn't tell the story in less time. It was being shown 4 nights in a row, and each performance was four hours long. By this time in my life I was developing a fascination with opera. And because of my early exposure (thank you mom--see you did make a difference!) I was recognizing a lot of the operas we listened to in class, especially when we listened to one that sounded quite a bit like a whistle I heard as a kid.

So I decided to give Wagner a shot. I turned it on and listened to it while I did my stuff around the house. Eventually I was sitting in a chair glued to the TV. Although I didn't watch all 16 hours, I think I got a good 12 in. I was hooked.

A few weeks after Emily was born, DH got tickets to Carmen for me. He is not an opera fan. He was being very generous and kind to me because he knew I would like it and I was riding an emotional roller coaster after she was born. It was in English too. Much to both our surprise, DH LOVED it!. We sang "Toredore" all the way home.

I have had many other opera experiences in my life since. But perhaps one of the best things for me is having two daughters who can sing it--and they like it too! So friends, go a see an opera today. You just might like it!

Drip, Drip, Drip

2009-02-17T12:00:00.005-05:00

My appliance woes continue, much to my chagrin.

My dishwasher has been leaking for a few weeks. It started with a couple of drips that I mistakenly thought had fallen from the counter top. When the puddle got large enough to create a splash when I stepped in it, I realized that something was not quite right.

So, I called the appliance guy again. The same guy that told me it wasn't worth it to fix the microwave. I already knew it was $65 just to get him to my house, but I really felt this was fixable. So a week later out he came, and informed me that my gasket around the door needed replacing and that I was using too much detergent (make a mental note, girls, you only need 1/4 of the detergent you think!). So he ordered a gasket for me, showed me how to put in it and said I should be fine.

I am fine today. But my dishwasher is leaking again. Friends, this is serious business for me. I hand washed dishes for 20 years before I got that dishwasher. I'm desperate. I CANNOT GO BACK TO DISHPAN HANDS!! So, I just keep using it and stuff a towel underneath to catch the drips.

I don't want to call that guy again. He might charge me $20 just for phone advice. Suggestions, anyone?

To be or not to be

2009-02-16T11:05:00.002-05:00

I've just finished a whirlwind weekend.

This weekend we had a stake dance. I was in charge. It was a full course meal mystery dinner followed by a 3 hour dance. Sunday I had a unit conference in a branch 45 minutes from my house. That's actually close for me so I was grateful.

Needless to say, I'm beat.

But life goes on, doesn't it?

Anyway, I've been pondering what we have been teaching to the young women. Here is the question: Is it possible to do good yet not be good? If you are good, is it possible not to do good?

I'd love to hear your comments.

In the heat of the moment

2009-02-15T12:00:00.001-05:00

I really don't want you to get the wrong idea about me, friends.

In one of my last posts I referred to the term "expletives". And that fact that I used them. Repeatedly.

I just want to make it clear that I am not a swearer. When I was a little girl, about 8 years old, I remember being angry at someone. I think it was my mother (sorry mommy!!) I was so angry I went out on the lawn and started kicking grass. Well, as best I could. I think we had the kind of grass that never required mowing, it grew very slowly. Maybe it was the intense Arizona heat.

ANYWAY . . .

I was mad. Mad, mad, mad. And in that heat of the moment that only an 8 year old can feel, I said a bad word. It wasn't the worst of the bad words, but bad enough.

I know. Shocking, isn't it?

Well, seconds later, I felt bad. REALLY bad. Guilty. Sad. Ashamed. I couldn't believe I would ever be mad enough to say that word, let alone think it. I prayed and promised I would NEVER do that again.

E V E R.

And I have been pretty good about that promise.

So, let me reassure you that the extent of my expletives is usually "dang", "fetch" " or my favorite "dagnabit". LOVE that one!

Notice I said usually. Hey, nobody's perfect!

HAPPY V DAY!

2009-02-14T12:00:00.001-05:00

Here's a Happy Valentine's Day shout out to my favorite man

I LOVE YOU HONEY!!

THANKS FOR 27 1/2 WONDERFUL YEARS!

Lessons in Frustration

2009-02-13T12:00:00.001-05:00

Do you ever have days . . . weeks. . . . or years (heaven forbid!) where everything seems to go wrong? Where you give your best effort but in the end it doesn't matter anyway? Where you think you know what you are doing, but you really don't. You just can't connect A and B together to make it work?

I had a day like that. Thank goodness it was only a day. Actually it was more like a week.

Lesson #1

My 8 year old microwave decided it didn't want to heat food anymore. It would do everything else--light up, spin around, beep--but not cook. I called the repairman, and after a long conversation he patiently explained to me that it was more expensive to fix my machine than to buy a new one.

Not what I wanted to hear.

No problem, I said to myself, I'll just go buy a new one, put it up myself, and that will be that! I'm pretty handy, I CAN do this.

So off I went, checking prices and settling on a new little number that had less power and features than my old one, but by gum it was cheaper than fixin' it!

I brought it home and it sat in the middle of the kitchen floor for a week. DH and I couldn't remember how to take the old one down, and we could never seem to find a time where we were both home at the same time to figure it out together. Figuring out things together seems to take a lot longer than it used to.

But I digress. Long story short, several more days and expletives later, I had attached it to the wall and it actually worked!! Sing Hallelujah! Did I mention that the new bracket to hold the dad gum thing up didn't match the old bracket? Did I mention that I now have 10 more holes in the wall? Didn't think so. Anyway, here she is:

Here's Lesson #2

Remember this?

If you look closely at the wall, you will see several holes (now I know you noticed this yesterday, didn't you? You were just to polite to mention it.)

In case you missed it, here's a closeup:

Awful, isn't it? Looks like a woodpecker got into the house. Actually it was me in action. I really did know better--really! I knew those dinky little screws and plastic anchors that came with this device weren't going to work! I have attached thingeys to the wall before. I KNOW BETTER.

But I had faith. I had faith that the people who put this thing together would know what would work best. They had tried and tested it, right? Right???

Well, wrong, obviously. As I learned after several hours and expletives later, trips to the garage to find the anchors I knew would work, and lovely large holes in my wall. At least there aren't 10 of them. There's 11.

Livin' Conservatively

2009-02-12T12:00:00.003-05:00

There are some things I love about winter.

Conversely, there are some things I hate about winter.

This fits into both categories:

I love my wood burning stove.

I hate my wood burning stove.

It keeps me warm, sometimes hot.

It doesn't keep me warm enough when it is -6 outside.

It makes a mess.

It is alot of work.

However, with all that being said, there is nothing like a warm, crackling stove on a cold winter's night.

I got the idea in my head that I wanted to try to save energy this winter. I figured, "hey, I have this great stove that puts out lots of heat, I should put it to better use, like, hmm, using it as a clothes dryer."

Absolute brilliance, no?

First, I needed to figure out a way to hang the clothes. After countless hours on the internet, I discovered this nifty little gadget:

VOILA! Clothes are up!

Add a little breeze:

And you are in business, baby!

I figured this would add moisture to our dry basement, keep it smelling fresh, and save me $$$$!

And it did, for about a week. Until I discovered my large capacity washer holds much more than my clothesline. And my clothesline tends to have major droop with more than 20 lbs. on the line. And my family didn't appreciate walking into wet clothing as they passed through the room. And sometimes it took HOURS to dry. And somehow it made the room feel colder. . .

Back to the dryer I go!

Farewell Friend

2009-02-11T19:55:00.004-05:00

The last few weeks I have been busy with my friend, DG.

I have been her visiting teacher for many years. She lived alone as a widow with no children, no relatives in the same state, or even in adjacent states. She was a tough lady who "didn't want to bother anyone." I was blessed to have shared the last 10 years with her, and the last few weeks of her life.

Goodbye, DG. You will be missed.

5 things that make me happy

2009-01-21T14:18:00.004-05:00

1. The temperature is almost 30. Hurrah! The snow is actually melting a bit. Grab your bathing suits, we're having a heat wave!

2. Each day we get 2 more minutes of light. I am emerging from the cave. Spring will come.

3. LOST begins tonight. Finally.

4. Sales at JCPenneys.

5. A teenager that still likes to snuggle.

Those are mine for today. What are yours?

A New Blog to check out

2009-01-05T19:04:00.001-05:00

Family and friends, here is a cool website to check out. Don't thank me, thank my big sis!

Christmas Dancin'

2008-12-25T16:23:00.001-05:00

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Christime time is here

2008-11-29T11:19:00.002-05:00

Hello friends. For your viewing pleasure . . .

Diva #2 Sings

2008-11-17T19:45:00.006-05:00

We've been busy the last few days.

Well, actually we always are . . . but this week was PARTICULARLY busy.

Miss Ems had to record her BYU audition, which was a stressful experience to say the least. We went to the university and had it professionally recorded. When the technician walked in with a camera that was about the same size as ours, we said, "Uh, is that what you are using?" We were expecting professional sound and video equipment. Thank goodness her teacher was there to insist they upgrade to something better.

So, Diva #2 sang and sang.

And sang . . . Isn't this an attractive picture?

Why is she #2? Well, here is Diva #1

I played, of course.

And here is a sample. Juliet's Waltz.

What's on your nightstand?

2008-11-08T09:48:00.006-05:00

I like to read. I don't always have enough time to do it, but finding a good book and immersing myself in it is one of my favorite activities.

Here are some of the books I am slowing digesting.

The choices may surprise or amuse you.

Here's the first one:

A friend of mine had this and lent it to me. I am hoping it will inspire me to make some changes. I have just read chapter one. I'll let you know how I do. So far I've gained two pounds.

Isn't this interesting? I have a piano student who is a computer expert. He suggested I read this. Here's a closer look:

I REALLY want to be able to take care of my own computer. Actually, I think I should develop a company that simplifies computers. There are so many things on mine I never use or need. I could put 5 big icons on my desktop and that would be enough. I should finish this book in. . . about 5 years or so. By that time it will be obsolete and I'll have to start over.

This is actually ON my pillow. I am halfway through chapter one. This one will take me awhile. It is an interesting read.

So, what's on your nightstand? What are you reading? What have you started and never finished? What have you read more than once? I want to know!

Eek!

2008-11-06T19:01:00.004-05:00

As the weather cools, we invariably find creatures that make their way into our house. On warm days, like today (nearly 70, yahoo!), the Japanese beetles invade my front room. One year there were so many I think I vacuumed up over 100. This year wasn't as bad.

We have the spiders, the box elder beetles, crickets and various other annoying pests. Those don't bother me much. However, this knowledge did not prepare me for what I saw as I tripped down the stairs with a load of laundry in my hands.

One of our traps, which we always have set (just in case!), clipped this little guys toes. I didn't see him until I was nearly on top of him, ugh!!
Here's what happened to the laundry:

I was on the stairs above, shrieking and shaking.

Now I was stuck with a dilemma. What should I do? Would it stay put until DH got home?

Not a chance.

It was up to me. So I did what any woman who is good at preserving would do. I canned it.

Put my Kerr jar to good use!

Goodbye little mouse! Tell your friends to find a new home!

Violated

2008-11-05T08:54:00.002-05:00

I've been hacked.

It is not a good feeling.

Someone got into both of my email accounts, wrote emails in my name and stole all my addresses. I didn't know it until I got a bunch of return mail and people writing me back wondering if I was in a new venture of some sort. Many recognized that the style of writing was different than my own. Some didn't. I don't know how many took it seriously and went to the website.

Scary.

It reminds me of an incident when I was in high school. Our home was robbed. I came home to a distraught mother and a house that had been picked over. I went to my room and saw my drawers open, my clothing on the floor (my fault) and felt this creepy feeling that a stranger had been in my room, touching my clothes and going through my stuff. And taking my stuff too. Whoever it was, was good at it. They didn't waste time looking in obvious places. They took only the most precious things.

We couldn't touch anything until the police came. All I wanted to do was to clean up my room, restore it to order, remove the reminders that made me feel violated.

Now someone has been into my private email account, looked at all the names in my addresses book (took them too!) and sent messages out impersonating me. I have that same creepy feeling as I did 30 years ago.

It's my one month anniversary

2008-11-02T18:37:00.003-05:00

Okay, I'm back to blogging. For now.

Sorry I have been quiet. You know, life has been a bit tough in our family lately. I just didn't feel like writing about trite things like purses, trees, and the like. When sadness hits, it is hard to be inspired to be interesting or uplifting or funny. Just couldn't get up the energy to do it.

I'll try to do better. I'll try not to have another one month anniversary of not blogging.

Even though I haven't been writing, I have been thinking of things to share. I have some in mind. I'll get to them soon.

This week is a big one at our house. Ems is preparing her audition for BYU. It has to be a DVD and it has to be sent in soon! We are scheduled on Thursday to perform in a nice hall at the university. Because it is a one shot deal, we are practicing at home with our camera. I'll try to figure out how to get one on the blog so you can see it. She sounds amazing to me, but of course, I'm her mother. My girls always sound amazing to me. My biggest fear is that I'll botch it on the piano and mess her up. I debated about hiring someone to take my place, but it is a rite of motherhood for me to play for my children. Gotta keep doing it no matter how bad I sound. Remember that when you hear it--listen to the voice, not the piano!!!

Love to you all -- I'll be back!

Sunset Trees

2008-10-03T12:47:00.006-04:00

I was out one night and the glow of the sun was so pretty on the foliage and trees in my area. These plants are not yellow--it is just the effect of the sun. Cool, huh?

Our long lonely driveway

Trees made orange by the sun. In a week they will be orange.

Bah Handbag!

2008-09-30T09:09:00.004-04:00

I am not a fashionista . . . even though I would like to be.

Take my purse, for instance. I really don't like purses. Is that weird for a woman? Who wants to lug around a 20 lb purse on their shoulder while shopping? I've always envied men who can just slip a wallet into their pocket and have their hands and shoulders free.

So purses are not high on my wish list. I usually pick one that is on the smallish side, so that it is lighter. I really don't care if it looks good with my outfit. My purses last years.

So, about two years ago I bought this little number. Cute, no?

I like it and it was 85% off, which made me like it even more. It wasn't heavy and fit over my shoulder nicely. The problem is . . . my stuff doesn't fit inside.

It took me many minutes to find my keys once they slid into the depths. How could such a small purse swallow up stuff? And my wallet was one size too large, always sticking out. Ems was embarrassed by me. She is the fashionista in the family and insisted I buy a bigger purse.

Three months later I finally found one I liked, that seemed the right proportion and fit on my shoulder. It was only 50% off, but after looking for months I wasn't going to argue. Cute? Yes?

And, hallelujah everything fits! There is even a pocket for my cell phone, which was always disappearing in the old purse.

I have to admit, though, that I have a hankering for a little red one. You know how I am about red. Someday I might just give in and get a sassy red purse. Just for fun.

A letter from afar

2008-09-27T19:40:00.003-04:00

Received this in the mail today:

they look like they could be brothers, don't they?

Here are a few snippets from his letter:

"I have made it safely to Taiwan. I have been amazed by the city here. The temple is absolutely beautiful. I am here in the mission home which is right across the temple which is next to the stake center. This morning we ran to a memorial place . . . and looked out across the beautiful city of Taiwan . . . when we went by the park there were a lot of older people doing exercises. I think the people here are really loving and will be receptive to the gospel. There are 4 native Elders that are here with us. They are 18 years old because at 19 in Taiwan they must join the army. It was fun to try and talk to them. . . On the plane there was a lady from Taiwan that sat next to me. She had lived in America for 20 years. She knew of the church in America and missionaries had knocked on her door before. I used Chinese about half the time talking with her and it was pretty fun. She was impressed that we are going to serve for two years."

Love Huang Zhanglao

Freak Out

2008-09-23T11:03:00.003-04:00

Every once in a while something happens in your life that gives you pause and makes you think. Or sometimes just freaks you out a little.

Such was the case with me yesterday. A piano student left the local paper here for me to read. I was glancing through it last night and my eyes fell on the obituary section. Sometimes I read the obituaries just for fun. As I was reading a name caught my eye. It was familiar but I couldn't think why. The woman was 55, fairly young by my standards. As I was reading it dawned on me that I had just spoken to this woman last Thursday about an elderly lady that I visit teach. My elderly friend was receiving aid for meals and trips to the store, and the deceased woman was her social worker. She had called last week because my elderly friend had not answered the door when meals were delivered. We chatted at length about her situation and I told her I would check on her the next day.

Friday I called and left her a message about my friend, that she was ok, and that they could still deliver meals. Saturday the social worker was dead, from injuries sustained while falling off a horse.

The irony of the situation still sits with me. My elderly friend wants to die. She wants to be with her dead husband. She is sick but won't go to the doctor. The person assigned to help her has 3 children, a husband, and a grandchild, and a pretty happy life. This was not the way it was supposed to turn out.

"For every thing there is a season, and a time for every purpose under heaven."

A Mini Vacation

2008-09-22T09:02:00.006-04:00

Every fall we attend a conference in Traverse City, which is quickly becoming one of my favorite places to visit. There are beaches, shopping, bike trails, good food, nice places to stay . . . I could go on and on. Usually DH and I go by ourselves, but because he had already been gone so long we decided to take Ems with us. Here is one place we stayed:

We also stayed at Great Wolf Lodge.

What a neat place for kids! I highly recommend it, if you can find one in your area. We felt a wee bit old there, but once we rode down a few waterslides, we got over it. There is a huge bucket that fills up and tips over every 5 minutes.

Fun, fun.

DH and I went for a walk along the beach.

The water wasn't too cold. I think I could have gone swimming, actually.

Ducks were EVERYWHERE. Not the least bit shy around humans

While we were strolling on the beach, Ems was . . . .

The next day we took a drive to the lighthouse.

I always look for opportunities to try my hand at a few senior pictures of Ems, so here are a few. She got her hair cut a few weeks ago, isn't it cute?

He's Baaack!

2008-09-21T17:40:00.003-04:00

My DH has finally returned home.

Actually he has been home for a few days, but we had to immediately leave town to go to a conference. Now we are back again. Confused yet? I am. Where am I, anyway?

Okay, back to my main point, I wanted to share some of his highs and lows from his trip. Here they are:

High Points:

1. Getting a brand new truck!
2. Surfing in the ocean
3. Seeing lots of family members, some he hasn't seen in years
4. Finding the Haun's Mill location and remembering his ancestors
5. Receiving a box filled with his late mother's memorabilia. That was worth the whole trip.

Low Points:

1. HAVING to buy a brand new truck (in 8 hours or less)
2. Wrenching his back while surfing in the ocean
3. Driving long hours to see family members
4. Wading in thigh deep water to get to Haun's Mill
5. The long, lonely hours between Missouri and Michigan.

We are glad to have him back. So is the dog and the goldfish. Next post will be about our weekend up north.

The Snake Saga continues . . . .

2008-09-17T10:22:00.004-04:00

My story isn't finished.

After looking under clothes . . .

Under school paraphernalia. . .

I had given up trying to find sir snake.

So, when Ems got home yesterday she immediately asked me if I had found the snake. Earlier on her way out the door she said it was wrapped around a picture frame. Since I was in a sleep induced fog at the time I didn't quite get that message. So back in her room we tiptoed.

"Mom! See, it's by the picture frame!" Oh! Duh! I was looking for something, uh, slightly larger. He's not so bad!

I leaned forward to snap a picture. That's when . . .

He started moving! I'm sure you can imagine our reaction. Screams were heard through the house.

Now that I had found him (or is it her? How can you tell?) I wasn't about to lose him/her. So I got my trusty salad tongs (they work great in a pinch, heh heh). I was still screeching, by the way.

And put sir snake in a bag.

He was unceremoniously dumped outside where he belongs. Goodbye sir snake! Don't come back now, ya hear?

Things that go bump in the night

2008-09-16T09:43:00.004-04:00

We are country folk. I like living in the country. It is quiet and beautiful. We are close enough to the city that it doesn't take long to get there when we need to, yet far enough away that we feel we have our own little paradise.

However, that peace comes with a price. Little critters like to live in the country too. Around our house. In our house. This time of year they start searching for a warm place. They know that winter is coming. Smart little buggers.

Whenever we have heavy rains, little frogs find a habitat in Em's window well. They annoy her at night by repeating jumping up on her window. Thump. Thump. Tha thump. All night. So last week we decided to fish some of them out. I use the term "we" loosely. It's mostly her, not me. I'm not touching any slimy frogs!!! Just ask my kids. They know.

So in the process of seeing how many were down there, we spotted a little tiny snake poking its head out from a hole in her window. YES, A HOLE IN HER WINDOW! He was just the right size to fit. "Don't worry, Em," I consoled. "There is no way that guy can get in our house. That window is sealed tight." Little did I know.

Fast forward to today. Ems pokes me this morning and says, "Mom, there is a snake in my room!" "Mmmph?" I reply. "MOM, there's a SNAKE in my room!"

"How big is it?"

"Not too big. I think it is the same one we saw last week."

Argh. Where is that DH of mine????

So, I finally pulled myself out of bed and sometime later went down to investigate. I haven't found it yet. I am gingerly picking up odd pieces of clothing, homework, books, with great trepidation. Nothing like a snake to get your heart moving in the morning!

Now I just have to figure out what to do with it when I find it. I'll keep you posted!

Did you know . . .

2008-09-10T10:37:00.003-04:00

That it is 10:37 pm in Taiwan at this exact moment?

Precisely 12 hours ahead of my time zone.

It is also 81 degrees with passing clouds and humidity of 74% percent, for you weather fans. A bit warm for late in the evening.

Elder H arrived in Taipei approximately 3 hours ago. Just in time to go to bed. I think he'll need it after a 17 hour flight.

He called yesterday. It was a bittersweet experience. He is very focused and very excited about the next 21 months. He spoke in Mandarin to us and it sounded like a mumbled mess. I don't know how he does it. All I have to say is:

YOU GO ELDER!

love, mom

Well now!

2008-09-03T14:43:00.007-04:00

I proclaim today . . .

GOOFY PICTURE DAY!!

Now please don't think I excuse myself. I am prominent in some of these pictures as the downright goofiest of them all. And, boy, there were so many to choose from! So, let's take a stroll down memory lane. You may notice some similarities between family members. Such as . . .

THE WIDE OPEN GRIN

Hmm, definite family resemblance there.

I JUST WOKE UP DON'T BOTHER ME

A DAY AT THE BEACH . . .

A girl ready for a swim

Buried heads

My gosh, who is that? I want those legs back.

Gettin' down . . .

On the way to cross country ski. My kids were WAY excited to go!

Looking ghoulish for Halloween. Love the black lips.

This isn't a goofy picture. Just darn cute. I miss those days.

Hey, how did this one get in here? Very attractive, eh? The shower cap adds a touch of elegance, don't you think?

As the wind blows . . .

2008-09-02T16:13:00.003-04:00

I have a confession to make.

I am a hurricane junkie.

I'm sure if I had lived through one I wouldn't feel this way. But there is something so wild, so thrilling, so beautiful (yes, beautiful) about a hurricane.

I found myself glued to the TV this weekend watching the events unfold. The drama of it is so incredible on CNN and TWC. Reporters must do their reporting as the actual events unfold, standing in the weather so we can see how bad it is. I admit, that part of it seems pretty stupid. I mean, who would want to do that? I wouldn't. But I sure like to watch the pictures of it as it happens.

It makes me feel so small and insignificant when I see the power of mother nature. We are helpless as it bears down on us, and we must flee to save ourselves. Nothing matters except the basics of survival: water, food, shelter.

And those of us outside the action watch and wait as it blows itself out.

Life's little mysteries

2008-08-31T20:48:00.003-04:00

Hello my readers.

I know you have been missing me.

You crave something new!

I wish I was more regular with blogging. I have slow internet, that's my excuse. Yeah. That's it. It takes me awhile to do ANYTHING on this computer.

So, now that I'm back, let me tell you a story.

Ems and I were taking advantage of the lovely produce that is available this time of year, and had taken a drive to the local blueberry picking field. We spent an hour or so picking and eating and then returned home to take care of the berries.

I decided to dry them. I thought those little nuggets would taste great in my oat groats.

So, we were cleaning, desteming and blanching those little lovelies for awhile. After they were nestled snugly in the dryer, Ems and I decided we needed a little snack. Mmmm, there were some delicious purple grapes in the fridge. Perfect!

So , we were munching and chatting and musing about things. Ems pauses, looks at me and says:
"Hey, I wonder what grapes would be like if they were dried."

Me (big pause): "Uh. . . . Raisins?"

Ems (sheepishly): "Oh, yeah . . . duh!"

We laughed and laughed about this.

Then we wondered. Why do grapes get a new name when they are dried? Or plums? Are they special? Is it because they are purple? Is it because they are chewy when dried? What new name would you give blueberries? Or apricots? Or mangos? Or bananas? Is "banana chips" the best we can do? What about "craisins"? How clever is that? Hmmm.

Now you know why I haven't blogged in a bit. My mind has been consumed with naming dried fruits.

Let me introduce you to . . .

2008-08-19T09:52:00.004-04:00

LUCKY

This adorable dog followed us home from our park that we love to bike to and swim in. We were swimming in the river and up ahead we could see this dog, swimming frantically, trying to get to an area of the bank he could climb up. He wasn't having much success.

Ems, bless her dog-loving heart, couldn't bear to see him struggle. She swam to him and guided him to a place where he could get out. He immediately became attached to her.

At first we thought he was just separated from his owner. We asked every walker, biker, canoer and swimmer we came across if this was their dog. No one claimed him. He was very friendly, visiting with everyone he came in contact with. As we climbed back on our bikes for the ride home, we didn't see him, and began our journey back. Then, lo and behold, there he was behind us!

He followed us, running, all the way home, about a 5 mile journey. Tongue lolling, foam dripping, we couldn't just ignore his need to eat and drink.

Unfortunately our spastic cocker spaniel was not happy to see this strange dog getting lots of love and attention. Even though we felt a connection and bond to Lucky, we knew he would need another home. So sadly, yesterday morning, I took him to the pound and left him there. He didn't want to go in. As soon as he caught a whiff of the smell in the building, he planted his feet and refused to budge. I had to pull and drag him in. It was awful.

I am hoping some other family will see his goodness and adopt him.

When the cat's away . . .

2008-08-16T23:41:00.006-04:00

My boys are gone.

They left a few days ago.

The first day they were gone I just moped around my house. I wore my PJs all day that day. I just wanted to be morose and sad. I didn't even answer the door when someone knocked. A few hours later they knocked again and I dragged myself to the door. It was my neighbors, looking quite shocked at my appearance. My mood lifted slightly as she handed me a lovely loaf of zucchini bread. I apologized for my appearance and she naturally assumed that I wasn't feeling well. True. True. I felt much better after I downed half of the bread.

Anyway, I am feeling somewhat back to my old self, although there is always this sensation that part of you is missing when your hubby leaves. I try to look at the bright side of things. You know, when my DH isn't here I can spend time doing things I don't always have time to do. I don't need to spend too much time in the kitchen. I enjoy feasting on culinary delights such as this:

And this (yum!):

and only 1/2 the fat too! I CAN have my cake and eat it too!

Ems and I polish our toes. My foot is the whiter, wider one on the left.

We play games too. Don't look too closely at the score.

But perhaps the best bonding experience is this:

Oops, sorry about the closeup, but I wanted you to see how the mask brings out the green in my eyes. Can you tell I was having a hard time smiling?

Ems would like you to notice how smoothly and evenly she applied her mask. Mine is an uneven, globbed-on mess. And, have you noticed my two little horns on top of my head? That's what happens to you when your husband leaves.

One day at a time. That's my motto.

Fruitful season

2008-08-12T10:50:00.004-04:00

'Tis the time of year when harvest comes in. I haven't canned anything for years. I used to do it all the time. Then it seemed life got so busy and canned food got so cheap that it was more worth my while and time just to buy everything. Lately I have been feeling anxious about my food storage. I really wanted to take advantage of the sales of meat and fruit and start canning my own. Problem is, I have this kind of stove:

Turns out it wasn't smart thinking on my part to get a stove that I can't can on. However, creative minds find a way! Last week I found some chicken on sale and I was determined to find a way to can it. Then I remember a few years back when we decided to deep fry a turkey. I still had the burner from that!

I debated the pros and cons:
Pros:

Kitchen will stay cool
Chicken will get canned
Propane heats up much faster the electric

Cons:
I have to lug the canner and produce outside
I have to monitor it outside
Dog likes to sniff and smell and eat everything outside

So the pros won and I attempted my first canning project in many years. Here's the before:

Here's the after!

I also have oodles of zucchini. I just hate to waste it. So here's the end result of that:

My dehydrator, which has sat dormant and dusty on the shelf for years as well, is getting some good use.

This week's project

2008-08-11T15:29:00.004-04:00

Now that Austin's back we have put him to good use.

Our little homemade shed has been suffering from a leaky roof. It was time, now that we had two manly men and one tough girl, to do the job.

Of course, emptying the entire thing out was the first order of business. How did we ever get so much in there in the first place? And why do we still need it?

Whenever you have a job to do, and time is at a premium, it is important to know what kind of time you need to complete it. Then you multiply that number by 10 and that is about how long it takes.

I thought this job would take an afternoon. Four days later it was done. Well, mostly done. There are still a few items on the lawn.

Family bonding really occurs when the skies open up with torrential rainfall as you are putting the tar paper on the roof.

Taking Off

2008-07-29T12:16:00.003-04:00

DH and I are off to the airport, via visiting interns, to pick up our world traveler, Austin, who has been in Korea for the last few months. How's that for a run-on sentence! I'll post when I get back.

Snap happy

2008-07-28T12:37:00.005-04:00

Because I am at the end of the line, so to speak, with kids left at home, I tend to focus my camera more on the one that is here. I am sorry about that, but she is just so photogenic I have to take advantage. My apologies to my other three. You know I would do it to you if you were here, don't you? Plus, I need all the practice I can get on this new camera. I have only taken 1000 pictures so far, I need to take more!

So, on this ordinary day last week, I caught Miss Em on her way to somewhere.

"Stop!" I said. "You look too darn cute. I have to take your picture!"

Of course she doesn't mind.

Even if she is eating, she'll stop for a pose.

I followed her outside. She obliged me with another pose.

I didn't leave. My camera was just getting warmed up!

Enough already! I'm going!

I am like paparazzi. You never know where I might be!

Pedalling, pedalling. . .

2008-07-26T14:06:00.003-04:00

DH and I decided today, in our quest to stay fit, to go on a bike ride. A loooonnggg bike ride. We are intending this fall to take a bike trip. I don't know what kind or how long. We haven't gotten to those particulars yet. But we have always wanted to ride our bikes over several days, stay in a nice, clean motel (my idea), eat at restaurants along the way (my idea), take long leisurely baths at the motel (my idea) and enjoy the scenery as we pedal, pedal (our idea).

So today, fresh back from a trip visiting interns where we spent hours in the car driving, it seemed like the right thing to do to take a long ride using leg power. I have been riding my bike for quite some time. About 8-10 miles on average, 3 times a week. This time we wanted to do 25 miles. We knew it would take several hours. But that's ok. I like riding with DH. He makes me go faster. So here we are just before we left. Lovely day, isn't it?

Sorry about cutting off DH's head. I do have another picture of us but it isn't very flattering of my nostrils.

Caught him by surprise! Don't leave without me! My bike is still in the truck! Uh, wait, he's on my bike. His bike is in the truck!

Does this bike make me look fat?

So we were off. Sorry, I don't have any pictures of the actual ride, because I couldn't figure out how to fit the camera in my fanny pack. We saw little lakes and small streams and lots of fields. It was very beautiful. I wish you could have been there.

So, 26 miles later (yes, we had 1 bonus mile), here I am:

Here's DH and me:

DH looks like he needs his tonsils checked!

The good news: I can still walk! I'm not sure about tomorrow though. The bad news: I can't sit. I'm off for a nice, leisurely, soak in the tub.

Flashback

2008-07-23T20:41:00.004-04:00

Remember that scene in "Somewhere in Time" where Christopher Reeve pulls the 1982 penny from his pocket?

Of course you remember. It was the most dramatic scene of the movie, if you saw it. I did. About 10 times. Cried every time too.

Anyway, I had my own flashback moment. It wasn't a 1982 penny. It was this:

Now this may not seem that exciting. What's so great about Crest toothpaste?

Can you see the flavor? It's Citrus Splash.

Now, most people prefer to use minty toothpastes, including me. It feels fresher, cleaner. Most people prefer that.

Most people. Except Adam. He can't stand mint in anything. Gives him a stomachache. We were so happy when other flavors of toothpaste came out. This is one of his favorites.

Emily found it when she was cleaning out a suitcase he used when he went to Japan. She had just used it for something else, and somehow the toothpaste got missed. I have a vague recollection that he mentioned he couldn't find it.

She brought it up to me, put it in my hand and I had a Christopher Reeve moment. I could almost hear Adam running up the stairs, could almost hear his voice, could almost hear, "Hey, you found my toothpaste! Awesome!"

Almost.

But in the end I am left with memories and a mostly-used tube of toothpaste.

It will be safely held in my bathroom drawer until he returns.

Zucchini Wars

2008-07-22T16:53:00.007-04:00

Anyone that grows a garden knows about zucchini plants. They are out to take over the world! At least their world. . . their plant life world. . . Case in point, my garden:

Truthfully, we have some lovely zucchini plants this year, more than we really need, and yesterday I was excited to see a great big zucchini amongst the vines and leaves.

"Oh boy", I thought. "I can make my zucchini casserole that I love. Finally. I've been waiting forever!"

So I brought it in and today is the day. Only thing is, my recipe calls for 8 cups of sliced zucchini. As I was chopping zuks today I started to get worried. I ran outside to check for any other zucchinis that I might have missed. I know they can double their size in an hour. All I could find was a teeny one that still had a flower on the end. I was desperate and grabbed it.

It looked puny next to the big guy. As long as I have 8 cups, I don't care.

I just made it! Yeah! Then I realized I'm out of Parmesan cheese. Dang! Oh well, I will improvise by just adding extra cheese. Here is the recipe. And mom, I think you can make this work for your diet as well:

Squash-Rice Casserole

8 cups sliced zucchini (about 2 1/2 lbs)
1 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup fat-free, less sodium chicken broth
2 cups cooked rice
1 cup fat-free sour cream (actually I use lite)
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded reduce fat sharp cheddar cheese (umm, I use the real stuff)
1/4 cup (1 ounce) grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
1/4 cup Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
2 large eggs, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 350. Combine first 3 ingredients and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes or until tender. Drain, partially mash with a potato masher. Combine zucchini mixture, rice, sour cream, cheddar cheese, 2 tbls Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, salt, pepper and eggs in a bowl, stir gently. Cook in a 13x9 baking dish (use lots of cooking spray!), Sprinkle with Parmesan and bake 30 minutes. Yummy!

Here's some other fresh items we are having today:

Michigan blueberries, lovingly picked by us today

Red cabbage, from our garden

Bargain Hunting

2008-07-21T17:16:00.003-04:00

I have a love/hate relationship with shopping.

I don't like crowds of people, all fighting over merchandise.

I don't like things displayed all crunched up so you have to use extreme force to push things aside.

I don't like trying on many clothes and not being happy with how anything looks.

I like easily understandable markdowns.

I like getting good deals.

I like wearing clothes that were originally $100 and I only paid $10 for them. (Ok, I haven't bought many articles that were that much to begin with, but you know what I mean.)

So, with all these things in mind, Em and I headed out last Thursday with our Kohl's and JCPenney's coupon and went to the "presale". Don't you love those ads. . ."For our SPECIAL customers you can come early to the PRESALE." Like other people don't know about that--the whole town knows!

Anyway, back to shopping. Both Em and I had a directive that we were not going to pay full price for a single thing. In fact, we wanted to pay a lot less than full price. So we skipped the racks in the front of the store and went directly to the clearance rack. Em came out empty handed and headed to the shoes. I found a $38 shirt marked down to $3.80. It was cute. So the hunt began!

We tried on clothes, laughed at each other's outfits and came away from both stores paying just under $60 for 9 items. Not bad, eh? Here's our booty:

The deal of the day? A pair of red jeans for $3.15, regularly $40. Now she just has to be bold enough to wear them outside!

Letters from the field

2008-07-20T21:55:00.002-04:00

Adam sent us a lovely letter. I thought I would post it here since most of my family reads my blog regularly. . . I think. I was very touched by it. Here it is:

Dear Family:

I think that you might enjoy getting a handwritten letter every once in a while. So I will try to keep it up while I am here. This week went by really fast. I can't believe that on Wednesday I will have already been here 3 weeks. I am really impatient with learning Chinese. At times I want to know everything and speak perfectly. However, once in a while I take time to ponder and realize that I have learned so much within these last 3 weeks.

The spirit is felt so strong here. There have been three times where it has really made an impact on me. The first time was the second day when we as new missionaries were watching a movie called "The District". All of a sudden I got this strong feeling of how much I wanted the young men in the ward to be here with me and experience the things I have. I really wanted the entire ward to be here with me. And just had this overwhelming desire to have the people I love to be able to experience the same thing I had.

The second time was after a Tuesday fireside. We had a district devotional. Our Branch President's wife was with us and she shared some of the stories about her husband. She told us that 5 days before this devotional he had almost died. He was having a cat scan when his heart stopped from an allergic reaction to the dye that they put in his veins. Only 5 days later he was back interviewing each one of us. I grew to love my Branch President that day because I thought he was kind of scary at first.

The third time is when one of my teachers shared his testimony. He told us how blessed we were to be on missions and how the Christmas he had on his mission was the best one he had ever had. He started to cry during his testimony and I could feel his love for missionary work and for us. His timing was perfect for me because I had a hard time at the TRC with an investigator that you probably read about in my email.

Well, I want you to know I love you guys and I am trying to make you proud every day.
Love,
Elder Hammer

Girl's camp is over and my summer begins

2008-07-14T12:48:00.003-04:00

I am back from girl's camp, wow!

So much of my summer is spent preparing for youth conference and camp that it is hard for me to think beyond those two events. Now I am back, I have no pressing matters of business except piano once a week, and I'm not sure what to do with myself!

Camp was great. I have faith in the next generation based on the attitudes and behaviors of these girls. We didn't have any serious issues or problems. Only a few little spats in cabins, but those were easily dealt with. Our youth camp leaders were awesome. The biggest problem was the mosquitoes. Boy, were they vicious! Here's my leg to prove it:

One of those marks is from opening the car door across my calf. The rest are mosquito bites. And that is only one part of my leg!

I was walking bug bait. One night I was stationed in the woods for our night hike. I sprayed myself from head to toe, but still managed to get bit. After a while I was doing a little spasm dance trying to keep them off me. I told DH when I got home that I wasn't going to go outside for 3 days.

Other than bugs, the weather was near perfect, the women were fun to be with, and as a result I came home and slept for 3 hours. Still not completely recovered yet, but getting there! Have a great day everyone!

Be Right Back

2008-07-06T15:28:00.003-04:00

Today I am leaving for girl's camp.

We are in a flurry of preparations right now so I can't write too much. I am hoping for:

comfortable weather
sweet, obedient girls
good food, but not too much of it
some time to relax amidst all the activities
time with Ems
Friday to come quickly!

Wish me luck!

Shooting some Photos

2008-07-05T09:20:00.005-04:00

We got a new camera! It is a Nikon D40 SLR. Not the most expensive SLR there is, but lots of good reviews came with it.

It has been so fun taking pictures. Em disappears with it and comes back with some amazing shots. She is our new budding photographer. Here are some of hers:

Oh wise sagacious one!
What character, what noble thoughts!

Bee, in flight to a flower.

Our backyard stream

Bird's nest with wasp's nest inside.

I apologize if these take a long time to load. We are figuring things out one step at a time. Enjoy!

New Layout: Allie Brown's layouts

Doin' My part to save the planet

2008-07-04T14:44:00.013-04:00

Tuesday I had a dentist appointment.

Nothing serious, just the usual cleaning. However, I have been looking for opportunities to exercise, and I thought to myself, "Hey, I could ride my BIKE to the dentist! Wouldn't that be cool! Think how much gas I would save! And it would just count as my exercise for the day! Bonus!"

Problem was, Emily had an appointment too at the same time. Could I convince her to ride too? I would have to handle it carefully.

So, here's our conversation:

Monday afternoon:
Me: "Ems, let's ride our bikes to the dentist tomorrow. It'll be fun!"
Ems: "No way mom."

Monday evening:
Me: "Hey, Em, what do you think about riding our bikes tomorrow. It would be good exericse!"
Ems: "But I'll be all sweaty and gross!"
Me: "No you won't, it's supposed to be cool tomorrow!"
Ems: "No way mom."

I was wearing her down, I knew it!

Monday before bed:
Me: "Ems, I really think we should ride our bikes tomorrow. Think of the gas we'll save!"
Ems: (exasperated) "Mom, cut it out. I'm not going."
Me: "Aw, come on. I know once we get going you'll love it!"
Ems: "No way mom."

I almost had her!!

Tuesday morning:
Me: "Ems, time to wake up. We need to get moving so we have time to ride!"
Ems: (muffled): "Mom, leave me alone. I told you I'M NOT RIDING!"

Oooh, she is gonna do it!!

Tuesday morning a wee bit later:
Me: "GET UP EM! WE ARE RIDING OUR BIKES!!!"
Ems: (groaning, and mumbling incoherently)

I gave her no choice. She had to go. Here we are:

And we're off!

About a mile into it she turned to me and said, "This is really nice. Mom, you have to make me do this, because I'll fight you every time."

I'll remember that, my girl.

We did arrive sweaty, but safely. The ride home was into the wind and a bit harder, but it was a great feeling using our body power to get us where we needed to go. And I know what you are thinking . . . it was a 10 mile round trip ride. Not too bad for an old lady, eh?

Tag Team

2008-06-28T18:25:00.003-04:00

Hey, I've been tagged! It's my first time. I feel so special!! So, here I go:

4 places I've lived
1. Tucson, Arizona
2. Provo, Utah
3. Schaumberg, Illinois
4. Mt. Pleasant, Michigan

4 shows I watch:
1. I am a die-hard Lost fan.
2. Survivor, yes it's true.
3. How clean is your house? Love those British ladies.
4. Dog Whisperer. He cracks me up.

4 jobs I've had:
1. Babysitter
2. Court transcriber (lasted two days)
3. Secretary, lots of times
4. Music teacher

4 places I've visited:
1. New York City
2. Washington DC
3. Niagara Falls
4. Yellowstone

4 blogs I read regularly:
1. Family blogs -- there are more than 4, does that count?
2. Fat Cyclist
3. Pioneer woman
4. Hmm, nothing here

4 favorite foods:
1. Anything with chocolate in it
2. Panini's
3. Chicken braid
4. Yakisoba (noodles with vegies, yum yum!)

4 places I'd rather be:
1. In the Provo MTC
2. In Pusan, Korea
3. In Washington state
4. Here at home

4 things to look forward to next year:
1. losing weight (ha!)
2. Mari's graduation
3. Emily's graduation (am I looking forward to that?)
4. Cross country skiing (you have to find SOMETHING positive about the winter!)

4 things I do in my spare time:
1. Internet junkie
2. Shopping with Em
3. Manicures and pedicures
4. Do I have spare time?

4 favorite things to do with kids/family
1. Long chatty walks
2. Playing boggle
3. Just talking
4. Snuggling with DH in the morning hours with nothing to do and nowhere to go

Ok, Paula, Becky, Erika, Maria, tag, you're next!

Home again

2008-06-24T12:44:00.012-04:00

I'm back home.

Sniff, sniff.

As much as I want my boys to serve missions, it just kills me to see them go.

I will take you backward through our week, starting today and yesterday. Our stake president lives in Saginaw, about an hour from our house, and we had a setting apart scheduled at 7 pm. With Ad's flight leaving the next day at 8 am we decided to spend the night in Saginaw. So, not even 24 hours after arriving home from Nauvoo we were once again on the road and headed for another night in a hotel. Man, I miss my bed!

Here's my missionary, last picture from home:

One last little snuggle:

Here's our stake president, with another missionary also leaving today. These boys were friends here in Michigan and at BYU:

We saw our president later out in his garden rototilling the weeds.

We had decided that after the setting apart we would go out for Chinese food, you know, in preparation for the mission food to come. Well, American Chinese food. Someone said to us, "I'm surprised Adam wants Chinese. Won't he get enough of that over the next two years?" We pondered this statement as we drove up and down the street looking for a good restaurant. Adam said, "You know, I'm really craving that hamburger I had after conference in Utah. It had the best bacon on it ever! Boy, I really think that is what I want." We remembered that the restaurant was "Chillis" but we had no idea if we could or would find it. As we were gradually giving up hope of finding anything that would do, can you believe . . . We came across a Chillis!!! Hurrahs were heard as we pulled into the parking lot at 9 pm.

Here's Adam with the "Big Mouth" burger

Emily had a Mesquite salad, and heartburn an hour later

DH and I, with our forced smiles

Early the next morning at the airport

My camera died shortly thereafter. Emily and I held it together until he got through security. He gave us an "HURRAH FOR ISRAEL" arm wave as he walked to the gate . . .

Yahoo, Nauvoo!

2008-06-23T16:55:00.002-04:00

We just got back from a wonderful, terrific, fantastic trip to Nauvoo. I don't have time to tell much, because we are off again to send son #2 to the MTC :-(

So I will post more later, when I have recovered from the trauma, with pictures and stories.

Some Missionary Inspiration

2008-06-15T21:06:00.005-04:00

Our time with Ad is slowly coming to an end. We wanted him to feel inspired in these last few days with us. Here is an video we found that he has been practicing diligently. Enjoy!

Saturday - Hammer Style

2008-06-14T14:13:00.013-04:00

Hey, it's Saturday!!

You know what that means!

Everybody sing along with me . . .

Saturday is a special day
It's the day we get ready for Sunday:
We clean the house and we shop at the . . . .

WAIT JUST A SECOND!!

What are these kids doing?
They aren't cleaning. Hmmm, we need to change the words.

Okay, begin again.

Saturday, is a special day.
It's the day we get ready for Sunday.
We lift the logs,

and we split the wood,

So we will be waaarrm on Sunday.

We clean the garage (yahoo!)

And we sweep up the dog

And we call it our get-the-work-done day.
Then we stack the wood

and we scrape up the mess.

So we can be ready for Sun-day!

What good workers I have around here.
Did you notice that I am not in any of the pictures! Hehehe
What kind of work are you doing today?

I'M BAAACCKK!

2008-06-09T14:19:00.006-04:00

Hello all!

I am finally back to blogging after a long hiatus. I was recently chastised by son #1 for not blogging, "I read those things, you know, Mom!"

So, here I am. I could put down a load of excuses why I haven't blogged, but really, I just was too lazy to do it. I have slow internet and it takes awhile . . . Anyway, 'nuff said.

So here's what has been happening in the last month:

DH and Son #2 went to Japan and back. I have 482 pictures I could post for that, but I'll just share one:

It rained a bit apparently. They had a blast despite the 14 hour roller-coaster plane flight.

I also put in my garden:

Planted flowers:

While DH was gone I thought I would surprise him by being 5 lbs lighter when he returned. Instead I gained 4 lbs. You would think with the main eaters in the household being gone, I would have more control. Apparently not.

I witnessed Daughter #2 heart get broken. Not a fun experience. To compensate for my feelings I have been playing this: http://www.andkon.com/arcade/tetris/ bubbleshooter/bubbleshooter.swf

There's nothing like popping a few bubbles to help release some aggression. !!WARNING!! This game is very addicting! Play at your own risk! Don't blame me, I'm just the messenger!

Have a wonderful day, everyone!

Enriching weekend

2008-05-18T16:09:00.003-04:00

Em and I had a spiritual feast this weekend.

It was our stake conference. It is a busy weekend for me, with auxiliary training to plan and execute, and then the adult meeting. This conference we were assigned Glen Pace as a general authority. I was so excited! I love his talks. He did not disappoint. Here are some snippets of conference:

"If you have been in the temple, is the temple in you?"

"Never suppress a generous thought" (not original, but I liked how it was presented by our stake rs president)

"What happens in the church office building doesn't matter if it is not happening here"

He was very inspiring, told lots of neat stories. I thought I would be worn out from the weekend, instead I came home energized. It was just the boost I needed!

Happy birthday wishes

2008-05-12T11:28:00.015-04:00

To my dear baby daughter

Who has reached a major milestone of a quarter of a century
A loving sister

Who loved the outdoors and animals

Who likes to PAR-TAY!

Sleeping is ALWAYS a favorite pastime

My wonderful, musical daughter

Who is now creating her own family unit

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY GIRL!
Thanks for teaching me how to be a mom

2008-05-09T12:06:00.002-04:00

I heard from my boys this morning. Yahoo!

All arrived safe and sound. Although DH was eating dinner with some students, Ad had left to eat somewhere else and DH didn't quite know where he was . . . . Okay, I'm NOT going to worry.

I thought I would post some of Ad's video from his trip to CA. He went with his roommate as a last "hurrah" before missions. They had a great time at the beach.

Here is Ad trying to look impressive

Here is Ad actually looking impressive

Feelin' Blue

2008-05-07T22:59:00.007-04:00

I'm feeling a bit sad and lonely tonight.

Three of my favorite guys aren't home. In fact, they aren't even in the state. . . . or the country!

This one is in Korea -- until late July

He doesn't have his cell phone, or any way to contact me. It's a bummer.

This one . . .

and this one . . . .

left for Japan this morning.

They have no way to contact me either.

It's like they all disappeared into a void . . .

My bed is large and cold.

My house is quiet.

My food bill is smaller (hey, I guess that's not so bad!)

Just these two are left.

We'll just have to make the best of it at the mall this weekend.

A Whirl of a Weekend

2008-05-05T10:58:00.011-04:00

We just had an INCREDIBLY busy weekend, whew!

This was prom weekend.

And Adam going to the temple weekend.

All rolled into 24 hours.

It was great!!

First, the prom. Of course the flowers are an essential part--if you know the secret of putting them on.

Uh, how does this go on? Em's was easy!

I think I can figure it out . . . maybe
(Isn't her hair pretty!)

Well, maybe I can't figure it out. MOM!! HELP!

Finally!! Ready to go

Then we were off to meet the others and take off in a limo. First, pictures by the cows.

Uh, wait a minute. The limo looks kinda like. . . a bus. HOLY COW, it IS a bus.

A very nice, plush interior, bus. Travelin' in style to the prom!

Well, I don't know any of you but I will make the best of it!

Going' to the temple

I just love this boy!

The missionary--endowed from on high.

It was such a great weekend. Everyone had a great time.

Catching up

2008-04-26T15:35:00.004-04:00

I'm realizing that I post about things and then forget to follow up.

*Sigh*

A sign of old age I think. I am amazed when friends of mine can recall specific details of their childhood. I can barely remember last week. Oh well.

So, here are some updates on things I have posted about.

1. Homemade laundry detergent. Remember this?

A definite success. I really like it. It works very well, and is cheap too. Here is my recipe, and there are other recipes out there. Just google if you don't like mine:

1 bar Fels Naptha soap (in the laundry isle), grated
1 1/2 cups borax
1 1/2 cups washing soda (NOT baking soda)
1/2 cup oxiclean (optional)

You can find all of these things in the laundry isle, although sometimes you have to look hard to find them. Other types of bar soap work well, although I wouldn't use any body bar soaps. I grate the soap and then put it in the Cuisinart for additional chopping. I like my flakes fine, man!

Use 1 tbls per load. I have an he washer so I use this much. You may need more in other types of washers.

2. Vinegar in the rinse.

Hmmm. The jury is still out on this one. I think I was using too much. Things acquired a funny smell--not vinegar, but something else, especially my whiteys. I cut way back on it and also use a dryer sheet. Much better. Vinegar definitely removes any soap residue.

3. Homemade diswasher powder

Definitely didn't work well for me. Then I read that you really only need just a tablespoon of the storebought stuff in the wash, tried that and it works great. Still save $$, but get sparkling dishes. I do put vinegar in the jet dry spot.

I am into saving money and also being green. I would love any other tips--share yours with me and I'll post them here. I promise I won't forget.

Beautiful Day

2008-04-22T12:11:00.008-04:00

My apologies to Paula and anyone else who REALLY wanted to know. Here is THE prom dress:

she just looks so doggone cute, doesn't she?

It is a beautiful day in Michigan. We really appreciate these kind of days because we only get about 5 of them in a year. There are certain qualifications to a beautiful day. They are:

1. Warm enough to go without a jacket, and if you feel daring, wear shorts!
2. Cool enough to wear pants, if you want to.
3. A few cotton candy clouds in a blue, blue sky
4. No bugs to bite, sting or otherwise annoy you.
5. Birds singing in the day, frogs singing at night.
6. Enough breeze to ruffle your hair, yet keep your "do" intact.
7. The smell of the cow farm down the street. (Okay, that doesn't sound all that great, but it means that my windows are opening and letting the air in!)
8. Spring green on the trees. Love that color and we only see it in the spring.
9. Happy sounds of children playing outside.
10. Daffodils

On Sunday we took a little bike ride to daffodil street. We call it this because everyone on the street has planted daffodils, and in some cases, LOTS of daffodils.

Oh, look who I found playing in the flowers!

she is just going to love seeing herself here, heheh!
These are particularly pretty. I just love daffodils.

Love is in the Air

2008-04-21T09:35:00.004-04:00

It is springtime in Michigan.

It is going to be 73 here today.

The grass is greening up.

The birds are all a-twitter.

Remember the movie, "The Birds"? We had our own version at our house today. Check out this video. And look out for those frisky robins on your front lawn.