Hope you had a great Christmas.Friday, December 26, 2008
Merry Christmas
Christmas night. Silent. 6 deer came through our yard around 1:00am looking for something to eat. They were led by a massive 6 point buck.
Hope you had a great Christmas.
Hope you had a great Christmas.
Friday, November 28, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
What's on my nightstand
I know I'm behind doing this but here is my nightstand
These are little squares we making into boxes with bells inside for the Humanitarian Center to send to children with no toys in other countries. We are using different colored yarn and sewing them together. I need to make three more to make a box.
Mountain Beyond Mountains is what I am currently reading. True story. Excellent so far. (I just finished the Toll Gate by Georgette Heyer) A regency romance. historcally correct. If you can get through the 19th century England slang, it's a funny read.
Planning to read next. I may have already read it, but I can't remember..
Planning to read with Youngest. It's the last of the Alex Rider series that has been published.The other things in the photo are watch bands and earrings I have made, but need to fix for some reason or another.
I have 2 clocks, one with current time and the other with NY time.
Inside my nightstand are many many books I have either started or intend to read. Can't show you that. It's crammed full and is too embarrassing! To name a few: John Adams (half way), Exodus, A Thousand Slendid Suns, Saving Faith, Oxford English Dictionary, Spanish/English dictionary, Ella Minnow Pea (half way), Excuse Me your life is waiting (half way), I feel bad about my neck, (half way), the Civil War (half way). I even have swiped copies of my son's European History text books. :) At the side of my bed are other books --my scriptures, a yw activity idea book and a journal where I write story ideas.
In my basement are piles and piles of other books I'm planning to read. In my office are other books I want to read.... there's some in the living room too. Yikes, this is starting to sound like true confessions of a bookaholic!
I relate to the part in "These is my words" when Sara finds the wagon full of volume after volume of books and feels that she has found a treasure greater than gold.
Friday, November 21, 2008
I'm on the hunt
In a house full of boys it is difficult to have one little thing to yourself. You know, like your favorite cookies for instance. If I buy a treat, I may or may not get any. I have stashed things in the fruit room for the future and have found them ransacked with only the empty packaging as evidence.
I discovered some years ago that my husband was buying his own cereal and hiding it in an unlikely cupboard. He still does that except the boys know where it is now. He also hides his own cookies.
I've been hiding things too. When one place gets discovered I find another one. Recently the cookie monster told me he had a hidden stash as well. It is somewhere in the living room....
It seems we're all busy trying to find each others hidden stash of snacks. Perhaps putting the tostitos in the pantry in plain view will keep them safe until game time tomorrow...
I discovered some years ago that my husband was buying his own cereal and hiding it in an unlikely cupboard. He still does that except the boys know where it is now. He also hides his own cookies.
I've been hiding things too. When one place gets discovered I find another one. Recently the cookie monster told me he had a hidden stash as well. It is somewhere in the living room....
It seems we're all busy trying to find each others hidden stash of snacks. Perhaps putting the tostitos in the pantry in plain view will keep them safe until game time tomorrow...
Monday, November 17, 2008
ramblings
I've applied for a job. I don't know if I'll actually take the job, but I've been through a battery of tests and so far passed them all. Tonight I will know if it's something that will work for me. I know they want me to work for them. It's a great feeling to know that. Especially after lots of years of being treated like I'm not worth much because I'm a housewife.
I've had people ignore me when I'm talking directly to their face, I've been put on hold more times than I can count which is ok once in a while I understand, but my time is as valuable as theirs. Honestly, some times I wonder if they think I'm sitting around eating bon bons and picking my nose with all the time in the world because I am home. One time a woman at a business social came up to me, shook my hand, acted excited to have a great conversation with me, and when she found out I was a housewife, she dropped my hand and walked away. Just like that. I laughed. Her loss.
I connected with the heroine in "These Is My Words" when she walked into the bank to open an account and the clerk sniffed in her face and told her to let her husband handle her money because it was too confusing for her. Her response was, "Oh, how confusing is it? If it makes you confused, I surely don't want this bank holding my five hundred dollars.
Well, he perked right up and said, Five hundred dollars? Mrs. Elliot, I believe we can be of service to you after all.
I doubt it, I told him. I made this money with the sweat of my brow and the labor of my hands and I've got the rawhide to prove it. I don't intend to leave it with any man that thinks money is confusing."
I hope I never assume I'm busier, or better than anyone else--job or no job. I've met sophisticates with degrees up the yingyang who are dumber than a stump when it comes to common sense and wisdom. I've met some financially successful people who have no more depth than the clothes they wear.
I know housewives with little education who have the wisdom of a sage and the humility of a true saint. Women I can spend hours talking to and still not know the depth of their understanding. But I know plenty of working women who are saints and sages and housewives who are shallow and judgemental.
It comes back to that great speech by Martin Luther King when he said something like, "lets not judge each other by the color of our skin, but rather by the content of our heart".
The "color of our skin" could be a symbol of the choices that we make in life. It shows on the surface, but is not necessarily a true indicator of the content and depth of our heart and soul.
Gotta go, now. Somewhere near by there is a bon bon, I mean a brownie, calling my name.
I've had people ignore me when I'm talking directly to their face, I've been put on hold more times than I can count which is ok once in a while I understand, but my time is as valuable as theirs. Honestly, some times I wonder if they think I'm sitting around eating bon bons and picking my nose with all the time in the world because I am home. One time a woman at a business social came up to me, shook my hand, acted excited to have a great conversation with me, and when she found out I was a housewife, she dropped my hand and walked away. Just like that. I laughed. Her loss.
I connected with the heroine in "These Is My Words" when she walked into the bank to open an account and the clerk sniffed in her face and told her to let her husband handle her money because it was too confusing for her. Her response was, "Oh, how confusing is it? If it makes you confused, I surely don't want this bank holding my five hundred dollars.
Well, he perked right up and said, Five hundred dollars? Mrs. Elliot, I believe we can be of service to you after all.
I doubt it, I told him. I made this money with the sweat of my brow and the labor of my hands and I've got the rawhide to prove it. I don't intend to leave it with any man that thinks money is confusing."
I hope I never assume I'm busier, or better than anyone else--job or no job. I've met sophisticates with degrees up the yingyang who are dumber than a stump when it comes to common sense and wisdom. I've met some financially successful people who have no more depth than the clothes they wear.
I know housewives with little education who have the wisdom of a sage and the humility of a true saint. Women I can spend hours talking to and still not know the depth of their understanding. But I know plenty of working women who are saints and sages and housewives who are shallow and judgemental.
It comes back to that great speech by Martin Luther King when he said something like, "lets not judge each other by the color of our skin, but rather by the content of our heart".
The "color of our skin" could be a symbol of the choices that we make in life. It shows on the surface, but is not necessarily a true indicator of the content and depth of our heart and soul.
Gotta go, now. Somewhere near by there is a bon bon, I mean a brownie, calling my name.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Friday, November 7, 2008
Life's little tests
We got snow. It was snowing on Tuesday for the vote. We still have snow on the ground. The ski resorts are open already. They'll probably be getting more today.
I went to the doc yesterday. You know, the "EXAM"? Saddle up! Boots in the stirrups! Westward ho!
And you're thinkin' to yourself, "Relax?... That depends on what you're plannin' to do with that cattle prod thingy..." ..."FOR THE LOVE OF ...YEEOOWW!
I toyed with idea of bucking the doc right off that little stool with a square reflex kick to the chops!
Butt in the end, it was over. I survived. And the doc doesn't have bucked teeth.
I went to the doc yesterday. You know, the "EXAM"? Saddle up! Boots in the stirrups! Westward ho!
And you're thinkin' to yourself, "Relax?... That depends on what you're plannin' to do with that cattle prod thingy..." ..."FOR THE LOVE OF ...YEEOOWW!
I toyed with idea of bucking the doc right off that little stool with a square reflex kick to the chops!
Butt in the end, it was over. I survived. And the doc doesn't have bucked teeth.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
It's November already?
I finished my one day job as a Poll Manager for the General Election yesterday. It was a very interesting experience and a little nerve racking to feel so responsible for the proper handling of the voting machines as well as taking care of the voters. I had the opportunity to drive to the court house with 2 other poll workers and deliver the votes to be counted. There were security officers there. A press photog was there. Everything we brought was inspected and checked in. We got to watch (for about 10 minutes as our supplies were checked in), the vote count being processed and put up on a big screen. We thought we would have to wait for a hour to get checked in and be able to leave, but it ended up being about 15 minutes. The County is impressively efficient. There are over 1000 precincts delivering the votes last night. We were one of the earlier arrivals I guess. It was a long day, but a great experience.
In previous news, my family was asked to be in a TV ad for a Christmas promotional giveaway in October. It was set up at the front of my house. (We had to remove any Halloween evidence and replace it with Christmas decorations. The Jazz Bear and 4 jazz dancers came along with the camera crew.
It was set up like a sweepstakes with me being the winner. So here are a few pics from that day.
Ringing the doorbell...
2 of my sons are in this pic
My husband the "announcer"
The "Jazz Band" players
Friday, September 26, 2008
I got invited to a party last Sat for the Red Hat group. I got all kinds of grief because I'm TOO YOUNG to be there, which was kind of fun. I told them I was 65 and I got more grief. It was great. Anyway our activity was to try our hand at painting vegetables with the help of a professional artist (my neighbor's sister-in-law) . She came down from Seattle to visit. Most ladies painted a pear. One lady tackled some radishes. I painted a red pepper. I don't think any of us finished, but here's my half finished attempt. It took about 1/2 hour.
It's acrylic on water color paper. And now it's in my cupboard with other painted forgetables. I love to paint, but who has time, ya know?Friday, September 19, 2008
Time for dessert
We had an RS dinner a few weeks ago and had apple cake with carmel sauce for dessert. I was the only one who exercised no self control and went back for seconds. You may already have a recipe like this, but if not, you gotta try it!!!
Here it is:
4 C apples, peel, dice
2 C sugar
1/2 C oil
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
2 C flour
2 tsp soda
2 tsp cinnamon
2 eggs
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Mix by hand: all dry ingredients then add oil and eggs, then apples. Grease adn flour 9X13 pan. Pour mixture in pan and bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Sauce:
1/2 C butter
1/2 C sugar
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C can milk
1 tsp vanilla
Cook in small saucepan until bubbly. Do not burn. Pour over cake. Can add whipped topping too.
Enjoy! I didn't add walnuts when I made it last night and it's still fabulishious.
Here it is:
4 C apples, peel, dice
2 C sugar
1/2 C oil
2 tsp vanilla
1 tsp salt
2 C flour
2 tsp soda
2 tsp cinnamon
2 eggs
1 cup walnuts, chopped (optional)
Mix by hand: all dry ingredients then add oil and eggs, then apples. Grease adn flour 9X13 pan. Pour mixture in pan and bake 350 degrees for 45 minutes.
Sauce:
1/2 C butter
1/2 C sugar
1/2 C brown sugar
1/2 C can milk
1 tsp vanilla
Cook in small saucepan until bubbly. Do not burn. Pour over cake. Can add whipped topping too.
Enjoy! I didn't add walnuts when I made it last night and it's still fabulishious.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Start your day with a bang?
The youngest came in this morning when I got home from dropping off his brother at school and said, "I've got some good news and some bad news...
The good news is: I'm ready for school!," and then he posed. "The bad news is: There is something wrong with the car!!"
What he didn't know, was that I already knew there was something wrong with the car since I had spent the last 30 minutes talking to a nice police officer at the scene of the accident I caused.
The car was still steaming and hissing like a snake.
The motorcylist I hit is fine. The other car driver he hit is fine. I'll be paying the fine.
Glancing for a second at the sign on the local grocery store announcing a case lot sale was not worth starting the day off with a 'bang'.
The good news is: I'm ready for school!," and then he posed. "The bad news is: There is something wrong with the car!!"
What he didn't know, was that I already knew there was something wrong with the car since I had spent the last 30 minutes talking to a nice police officer at the scene of the accident I caused.
The car was still steaming and hissing like a snake.
The motorcylist I hit is fine. The other car driver he hit is fine. I'll be paying the fine.
Glancing for a second at the sign on the local grocery store announcing a case lot sale was not worth starting the day off with a 'bang'.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Owwie
I got a little owwie the other day. I was in a hurry-- on my way to get the cookie monster to a soccer game and needed to stop at the grocery store for a couple of 'Mini me' sandwiches they sell. I knew we would both be hungry and the game was a half hour drive away, so I stopped and we jumped out of the car and ran in and grabbed some mini me's and water and a few chips and hurried thru checkout as fast as anyone can hurry that is and got on our way.
The snow and ice remover was under the driver's seat. The flat scraper end was sticking out, so when I hurried to get out of the car to run into the store, I caught my leg on the edge of the scraper. Ouch! It hurt. It left a whitish line. No damage. Run! By the time we got to check out, that whitish line was bleeding. No time for bleeding boo boos! Run!
Back in the car, I found a kleenex while cookie monster found his first aid kit in his soccer bag and gave me a bandaid and some ointment. What a boy scout!
Bandaid covered owwie and so we were off to the game. No worries. The next day I went for my usual hike up the hill with the doggie, got home to shower and lo and behold my owwie had blossomed into an early Halloween decoration!!
Here it is. Ugh!Thursday, September 4, 2008
Mother Hubbard finally cleaned her cupboard
You know how you go through those times when things in your house drive you crazy, because you haven't had time to get to them???? Ok, maybe you get to them, but I just somehow don't. Anyway I had one of those days, (they amazingly come cyclically) when everything was driving me nuts and so I started with the bathroom and cleaned it with a vengeance. Then I went after the laundry and then the kitchen. I scoured and magic erasered like a mad woman. I was the germ terminator with a double holster of bleach and lysol. Yippee-Ky-yea!
Then I open the cupboard. Hummmmm, hot chocolate raspberry, hot chocolate mint truffle, hot chocolate cocoa.... what's that?, a jar of homemade wassail powder(gift of neighbor), another jar homemade wassail powder (gift of the same neighbor), another and another and another, and another and another. 7 jars of homemade wassail with the Merry Christmas note still attached! Gees I'm pathetic!
I haven't gotten around to making Wassail for 7 years! Wow. You can only do that in December, right? Unfortunately, because of my rabid need for order and space, it's on it's way out along with an assortment of canned clams, crab and other ancient non edible items.
The seagulls that hang out at the landfill will smell Christmas in the air a little earlier this year.
Then I open the cupboard. Hummmmm, hot chocolate raspberry, hot chocolate mint truffle, hot chocolate cocoa.... what's that?, a jar of homemade wassail powder(gift of neighbor), another jar homemade wassail powder (gift of the same neighbor), another and another and another, and another and another. 7 jars of homemade wassail with the Merry Christmas note still attached! Gees I'm pathetic!
I haven't gotten around to making Wassail for 7 years! Wow. You can only do that in December, right? Unfortunately, because of my rabid need for order and space, it's on it's way out along with an assortment of canned clams, crab and other ancient non edible items.
The seagulls that hang out at the landfill will smell Christmas in the air a little earlier this year.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
School has begun
The fog is starting to clear, coherent thought and sentences are coming back, order is returning, blissful silence prevails. AHHHHHHHH, school has begun.
What to do first?... Church stuff? c.... budget data entry?...c dishes?...c school supply shopping?...cmeal planning?... c
Running through the house doing cartwheels... naked?... ac
What to do first?... Church stuff? c.... budget data entry?...c dishes?...c school supply shopping?...cmeal planning?... c
Running through the house doing cartwheels... naked?... ac
Saturday, August 9, 2008
It's August 9th. Almost my 20-something wedding anniversary. Tomorrow sunday is the day. Let's see... if my oldest is 22 then it must be 24 years. We haven't really ever gotten to do anything special to celebrate because we've always had our anniversary during the Checketts family reunion... very romantic. Nothing like the sound of snorning boys at night and other family toddlers wondering in the bunk room during the day to go through your bags looking for something to play with. At least none of them wandered out wearing my bra on their head or anything... that only happened at home when the boys were much younger. Nothing like a double hump hat to make you want to head outdoors and play in the yard!
Thursday, July 31, 2008
I'm trying something new. Since I seem to be getting chronic sinus infections, I decided instead of visiting the doctor every few month for more antibiotics, I would venture out and see what else there is.
So I got the Neti pot.
It's not some new fangled toilet or some special hybrid marajuana or anything. Just a little tea pot kind of thing that you put salt water in and pour up your nose.
Now I don't know about you, but the last time I put anything up my nose was a possible chubby finger at the age of 2. Maybe a number of straws which also included my ears... but water?
Pouring water up your nose on purpose? How insane is that? ...ok, I did it.
It kind of looks like something more for burning candles, incense or even housing a genie with 3 wishes... not a sinus assault device. I'll let you know if it works if or when the headache clears..
So I got the Neti pot.
It's not some new fangled toilet or some special hybrid marajuana or anything. Just a little tea pot kind of thing that you put salt water in and pour up your nose.
Now I don't know about you, but the last time I put anything up my nose was a possible chubby finger at the age of 2. Maybe a number of straws which also included my ears... but water?
Pouring water up your nose on purpose? How insane is that? ...ok, I did it.
It kind of looks like something more for burning candles, incense or even housing a genie with 3 wishes... not a sinus assault device. I'll let you know if it works if or when the headache clears..
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Guess what we're having for dinner
The boys caught some salmon and trout at Flaming Gorge this last weekend. Little fisherman had to get some help to haul his in. I stayed home with soccer boy and college boy. College boy hiked Timpanogas and soccer boy had to go to work.
At a Real soccer game right on the 4th of July. I'm sitting next to one of my yw and soccer boy is on the other side trying to get her attention.
Secret Admirer of Soccer boy sent a 'love note' and a 'love sandwich' (peanutbutter and jelly) and ...
a 'love rock' Note said stuff like 'You are the LOVE of my Life! All I wish 4 is 4 you to love me too!...It's got to be a joke. We've enjoyed it.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
It's Pioneer Day!
We went to a friendly soccer game last night with RSL playing a team from Costa Rica. Since it's not a league game then it's not counted and is considered friendly. After a dozen or so friendly fights, you should a seen the friendly smack the CR Keeper gave one of our friendly players! There was a fair amount of friendly booing every time their keeper got the ball, and luckily there was no friendly ice or cups throwing from the friendly fans. There was however a friendly player from each team tossed out of the game by the friendly ref. Costa Rica did save face in the international world by beating us 2-1. It wasn't as exciting as normal, but again it was just a friendly match...
After the game, the stadium treated us to some Pioneer day fireworks. I stood in the aisle and was compelled to dance to "You're gonna have to face it, you're addicted to love" . Those handcart songs really inspire me!
I was also plotting inbetween bombs bursting in air with a good friend of mine to line my son up on a blind date. Get this, the young lady has actually seen his picture with a Dwight Schrute hairdo and still wants to go out with him! Go figure
I woke up this morning with a sore throat, head ache etc, actually more accurately I never went to sleep because of a sore throat, head ache etc., but I got up at 6:30am and helped with the flag routes. Dang, I think I deserve a pat on the back for that, or maybe even a gold star on my forehead! Gotta go, the dog is whining...
After the game, the stadium treated us to some Pioneer day fireworks. I stood in the aisle and was compelled to dance to "You're gonna have to face it, you're addicted to love" . Those handcart songs really inspire me!
I was also plotting inbetween bombs bursting in air with a good friend of mine to line my son up on a blind date. Get this, the young lady has actually seen his picture with a Dwight Schrute hairdo and still wants to go out with him! Go figure
I woke up this morning with a sore throat, head ache etc, actually more accurately I never went to sleep because of a sore throat, head ache etc., but I got up at 6:30am and helped with the flag routes. Dang, I think I deserve a pat on the back for that, or maybe even a gold star on my forehead! Gotta go, the dog is whining...
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Long time no blog
Since the last time I wrote, we performed in our Stake Cultural Activity as Africans, 2 of the boys were drummers, we had the ward bbq with a dunking booth--my son and I were dunked, I attended girls camp with 24 girls as the Cardiac Crew-- theme "HEARTS" Hear. The. Savior. It was also a Stake thing, we got home just before the 4th of Jul, my Sis came to visit briefly a couple of times, and we had the Checketts fam reunion, and I taught the lesson in YW's this last Sunday. This week is the Bountfiful handcart parade and carnival, we are volunteering for 2 days to run the games and pony rides and we will be putting flags up on the 24th with whoever isn't on vacation. That would be me.
So that's why I haven't written in a while. I'll try and be better. :)
So that's why I haven't written in a while. I'll try and be better. :)
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
wads up? na mush
I jush got back fom da dentish an haff my fash is steo numfff!
It's 49 degrees and they cancelled the neighborhood bbq. Good thing! I got volunteered for the dunking booth...
I painted my bedroom and read 3 books inbetween yw activities and practices for the big Cultural activity on Saturday. I also got volunteered to be one of the african dancers... so I'll be letting my hair frizzle a la naturale...
jumajijambala, thats african for 'may your basket always be full of peanuts.'
It's 49 degrees and they cancelled the neighborhood bbq. Good thing! I got volunteered for the dunking booth...
I painted my bedroom and read 3 books inbetween yw activities and practices for the big Cultural activity on Saturday. I also got volunteered to be one of the african dancers... so I'll be letting my hair frizzle a la naturale...
jumajijambala, thats african for 'may your basket always be full of peanuts.'
Monday, June 2, 2008
A few pictures from this week
Soccer boy mowing...
Cookie monster flexing...
Before the birthday attack...
After...Summer has arrived!!!
Monday, May 26, 2008
"If" Words to live by
This last week I was reminded of the first line from Rudyard Kipling's famous poem "If". "If you can keep your head when all about you are losing theirs, and blaming it on you,"...
So maybe not all about me were losing theirs, just one. Words are powerful things, whether spoken or written. I needed to choose mine carefully, and it made all the difference. I love words. I wish I had more time to write. or maybe energy? Don't know.
I helped put up the Memorial Day flags this morning at 6:30am in a pouring rain. It'a beautiful patriotic sight.
I helped put up the Memorial Day flags this morning at 6:30am in a pouring rain. It'a beautiful patriotic sight.
This is just out the front door.
We've asked our sons to memorize the poem "If". The two missionaries have taken it with them, because we have said to them, "If you can fill the unforgiving minute with sixty seconds worth of distance run, yours is the Earth and everything that's in it, and-which is more-you'll be a Man, my son!"
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Here today, gone tomorrow
Soccer boy came home from school yesterday with a surprise. He had won the much coveted, rarely earned most valuable player award for the game on Tuesday and with it came the well worn, handed down through many generations of soccer players, trophy of the day!
The FAMOUS Bobble Soccerhead Award!
He's already taken it back. Fleeting moments of glory are soon forgotten. Here today, gone tomorrow.
Monday, May 5, 2008
White noise
I woke up this morning, climbed out of bed, walked groggily to the bathroom, heard the hair dryer, expected to see my husband drying his hair getting ready for the day... but I didn't see him...
I glanced in the closet and there he was lying in the closet with his pillow and the hair dryer...
I said, "Hi, what are ya doing?" Like I didn't know.
"Waiting for the water to get warm.."
"Oh, ok. "
That's a good one. I wasn't expecting that. It's true that the boys take long showers in the morning and leave little warmth for whoever goes afterwards, but I thought he was just trying to catch a few extra z's since the youngest has been snoring in a sleeping bag in our room for a few days, and he wakes Dan up with his nose whistling, and then he can't go back to sleep. Thus the need for the white noise that comes from a hair dryer. Although I must say, the filter is so full of carpet lint that I'm sure it will sputter, cough and wheeze into nothingness soon when the last bit of air flow has been cut off...
I glanced in the closet and there he was lying in the closet with his pillow and the hair dryer...
I said, "Hi, what are ya doing?" Like I didn't know.
"Waiting for the water to get warm.."
"Oh, ok. "
That's a good one. I wasn't expecting that. It's true that the boys take long showers in the morning and leave little warmth for whoever goes afterwards, but I thought he was just trying to catch a few extra z's since the youngest has been snoring in a sleeping bag in our room for a few days, and he wakes Dan up with his nose whistling, and then he can't go back to sleep. Thus the need for the white noise that comes from a hair dryer. Although I must say, the filter is so full of carpet lint that I'm sure it will sputter, cough and wheeze into nothingness soon when the last bit of air flow has been cut off...
Saturday, May 3, 2008
Soccer season
Picture in the local newspaper after big soccer rivalry match this week. In the dark is soccer boy. He scored the only goal for our team. We lost anyway 2-1, but he was really excited to get past their defense for one goal.Thursday, May 1, 2008
Happy May 1st!
I looked out the window this morning and this is what I saw. Snow covered spring flowers...
I wasn't going to go for my usual walk, but then it cleared up briefly and so Benny and I went. It's currently snowing again...
I have decided to commit myself to staying away from: CANDY, CHOCOLATE, BROWNIES, CAKE, COOKIES, and any other pleasure inducing FAT producing YUM YUMS. It's been 3 weeks or so. I've actually lost 4 lbs. Well... ok, I gained 2 before I lost 4 and it's possible is just water, but Hey, I'll take it!
But I've discovered another problem... My mind has a brain of it's own! Huh? Scratch that. My brain has a mind of it's own!? Whatever. Anyway having giving up one happy, pleasure producing outlet, I've found another: SHOPPING. They say confession is good for the soul so here goes:
Underneath my bed I have made surprising discoveries: DEEP BREATH...
This cute little pair of white sandals...
and... Ooh! a comfy black pair with white polka dots...
and what is spring with a little HOT PINK!
and a purse to match! Hee hee, Ha ha, whopee!
and a purse to match! Hee hee, Ha ha, whopee!
Did I mention Ann Taylor is my new best friend?
and I almost forgot this red number!
What the bling bling was I thinking?
What the bling bling was I thinking?
It was in the display window of Hallmark
calling my name....
So there it is. I finally blogged again. If my husband happens to check this...I just want to say, Hi honey! It wasn't me, it was my evil twin!... Love ya.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
Sweet Dreams
The other night I was awakened about 1 am by the mutt crying because he needed to "go". He usually gets let out around 10 pm and he was goofing off instead of doing his business. So he was up at 1 begging for mercy. I was half awake, threw on a robe and went to let him out of his kennel. He immediately went to the door which I opened into the sunroom and then to the slider to go out. I opened it and out he went. Without his tether attached, without an enclosed fence. I stood there in my a semi fog, watching him trot away into the night.
I called him to come repeatedly. He didn't come. I went after him in my robe and bare feet, carefully picking my way in the dark through the land mines that hadn't been scooped up yet. He was in the neighbors yard.
I crept into the neighbors yard and called to him again. He didn't come, but he did start howling because he either couldn't figure out how to get to me from on top of the terraced hill or he was chasing around with another animal. He made such a racket that I was sure the entire neighborhood had woken up. I couldn't tell for sure what he was running around after. I didn't have my glasses on. My feet were freezing. I had to go back to the house to throw some clothes on and shoes on so I could climb up to get him.
When I came back in the house, Dan was up and dressed and stressed. He'd been woken out of a dead sleep. Oh Great.
After my lame explanation, he went out after the dog and I threw some clothes on and sat down. He came back in wanted to know if I was going to help. I was debating. Do I really want to find the dog? Dan was saying things like, 'he won't come back', 'he'll get on the scent of something and be gone. ' I was thinking that might not be a bad thing....
I finally got in the car and drove up the street to the upper road. I found him by the mailbox of the neighbors. I got out with a piece of ham in my hand and said, "treat?". When he realized it was me, he cowered and tucked his tail. He knew he was in trouble. I just picked him up and drove back home. I didn't give him the ham... It was 2:00 am.
To sleep? perchance to dream?.. ay, there's the rub.
I called him to come repeatedly. He didn't come. I went after him in my robe and bare feet, carefully picking my way in the dark through the land mines that hadn't been scooped up yet. He was in the neighbors yard.
I crept into the neighbors yard and called to him again. He didn't come, but he did start howling because he either couldn't figure out how to get to me from on top of the terraced hill or he was chasing around with another animal. He made such a racket that I was sure the entire neighborhood had woken up. I couldn't tell for sure what he was running around after. I didn't have my glasses on. My feet were freezing. I had to go back to the house to throw some clothes on and shoes on so I could climb up to get him.
When I came back in the house, Dan was up and dressed and stressed. He'd been woken out of a dead sleep. Oh Great.
After my lame explanation, he went out after the dog and I threw some clothes on and sat down. He came back in wanted to know if I was going to help. I was debating. Do I really want to find the dog? Dan was saying things like, 'he won't come back', 'he'll get on the scent of something and be gone. ' I was thinking that might not be a bad thing....
I finally got in the car and drove up the street to the upper road. I found him by the mailbox of the neighbors. I got out with a piece of ham in my hand and said, "treat?". When he realized it was me, he cowered and tucked his tail. He knew he was in trouble. I just picked him up and drove back home. I didn't give him the ham... It was 2:00 am.
To sleep? perchance to dream?.. ay, there's the rub.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Not much, what's happenin' wit chew?
Long Time, no Blog. Here's some of the damage Benny has done in the last few weeks:
Chewed on the pinewood derby car in the process of creation.
Chewed up the drum tom toms for the cookie monster. That'll be $25
And chewed up miscellaneous pens...
Make yourself at home
The cookie monster decided to set up a comfortable place to watch tv... in the master bedroom.Monday, February 11, 2008
The Fruit Room Clean-up
Here's what I've been doing for the last few weeks. It's still not done, but looking a lot better than the disaster before. I also put in a gift wrap place on the wall for things I use all the time. 
I also put in a couple of rotating can holders for canned foods I use a lot.
I still have more work to do, but it's gettting there! So what do you think?
Happy Monday
Sometime, sombody needs to explain to me how to move pictures around on this blog thing. When I go to Edit Html when there are pictures, it looks greek to me.
I bought a book called, "Eat this, Not That". You wanna know the 8 things you're supposed to eat every day?
1. Spinach: rich sourse of plant-based omega-3s and folate. Helps reduce risk of heat disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Packed with Lutein a compound that fights macular degeneration. Aim for 1 cup fresh or 1/2 c cooked per day (add to salads, eggs, pizza, lasagna or mix with marinara sauce and nuke for dip.
2. Yogurt: helps reinforce beneficial bacteria in your body. helps boost immune system and protection against cancer. Must be probiotic (labels should say "live active cultures." Aim for 1 cup a day
3. Tomatoes: Red are best because they're packed with lycopene. Also processed tomatoes are just as potent as fresh ones because it's easier for the body to absorb the lycopene. Studies show that a diet rich in lycopene can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Aim for abot 8 red cherry tomatoes a day or a glass of tomato juice. Substitutes: red watermelon, pink grapefruit, papaya, guava. Pile on the ketchup and ragu!
4. Carrots: Most red, yellow, or orange vegetables and fruits are spiked with carotenoids --fat soluble compounds that are associated with a reduction in a wide range of cancers, as well as reduced risk and seveity of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, but non are as easy ato prepare or have a slow a caloric density as carrots. Aim for 1/2 c a day.
5. Blueberries: Host to more antioxidants than any other North American fruit, blueberries help prevent cancer, diabetes, and age-related memory changes. Studies show blueberries are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C also boost cardiovascular health. Aim for 1 c fresh blueberries a day, or 1/2 c frozen or dried. Subs: purple grapes, prunes, raisins, strawberries. (blueberries maintain most of the power in dried, frozen, or jam form.
6. Black beans: All beans are good for your heart, but none can boost yur brain power like black beans. That's becuase they're full of anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds that have been shown to improve brain function. A daily 1/2 c serving provides 8 grams of protein and 7.5 grams of fiber, and is low in calories and free of saturated fat. Toss some into your breakfast burrito! Recipe Salsa: Dice 4 tomatoes, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 jalapenos, 1 yellow bell pepper, and 1 mango. Mix in a can of black beans and garnish with 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and juice of 2 limes. Yum yum.
7. Walnuts: Richer in omega-3s than salmon, loaded with more anti-inflammatory polyphenols than red wine, and packing half as much muscle-building protein as chicken--a serving of walnuts about 7 nuts is good anytime, but especially as a postworkout recovery snack.
8. Oats: Packed with soluble fiber, which lowers the risk of heart disease. Oats have 10 grams of protein per 1/2 cup serving. They deliver steady muscle-friendly energy and have the FDA's first seal of approval.
A glass of low sodium V8 juice will knock out 3 of the eight: spinach, carrots and tomatoes.
A bowl of oatmeal with raisins or fresh blueberries takes out 2.
A mid morning or afternoon snack of low fat blueberry yogurt will also take care of 2.
A salad of romaine lettuce, fresh baby spinach, carrots, walnuts, and raisins or blueberries takes out 4.
For the black beans I have a recipe called Fiesta Rice Tacos if you don't already have it, here it is:
1/4 C red wine vinegar
1/4 C olive oil
1 tsp chili powder (I use less)
1/4 tsp cumin (I use more)
Mix together in frying pan and sautee: 1tsp fresh garlic, 1 c chopped green onions (I never have use that much), and some carrots finely chopped.You can add peppers too, but I never do-- never have them on hand. (I'm guessing on amounts because I don't usually measure)
Add to the above:
3 C cooked rice
11 oz can corn (drain)
15 oz can kidney beans (drain)
15 oz can black beans (drain)
1 can sliced olives (drain)
Serve in bowls with cheese quesadillas or fill tortillas with mixture and add grated cheese, salsa etc. Don't forget to add salsa! It's one of my favorite home storage meals. I don't usually add the kidney beans, just black beans. My kids don't like beans that much, but they will eat this. If I don't have green onions on hand, I'll use 1/2 yellow onion, or even dried minced onions. I like to use the bottled fresh garlic you can find in the produce section and keep in frig, rather than messing with my garlic press. (Besides my kids have used the garlic press for creative play doh designs)
Happy eating!
I bought a book called, "Eat this, Not That". You wanna know the 8 things you're supposed to eat every day?
1. Spinach: rich sourse of plant-based omega-3s and folate. Helps reduce risk of heat disease, stroke, and osteoporosis. Packed with Lutein a compound that fights macular degeneration. Aim for 1 cup fresh or 1/2 c cooked per day (add to salads, eggs, pizza, lasagna or mix with marinara sauce and nuke for dip.
2. Yogurt: helps reinforce beneficial bacteria in your body. helps boost immune system and protection against cancer. Must be probiotic (labels should say "live active cultures." Aim for 1 cup a day
3. Tomatoes: Red are best because they're packed with lycopene. Also processed tomatoes are just as potent as fresh ones because it's easier for the body to absorb the lycopene. Studies show that a diet rich in lycopene can decrease your risk of bladder, lung, prostate, skin, and stomach cancers, as well as reduce the risk of coronary artery disease. Aim for abot 8 red cherry tomatoes a day or a glass of tomato juice. Substitutes: red watermelon, pink grapefruit, papaya, guava. Pile on the ketchup and ragu!
4. Carrots: Most red, yellow, or orange vegetables and fruits are spiked with carotenoids --fat soluble compounds that are associated with a reduction in a wide range of cancers, as well as reduced risk and seveity of inflammatory conditions such as asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, but non are as easy ato prepare or have a slow a caloric density as carrots. Aim for 1/2 c a day.
5. Blueberries: Host to more antioxidants than any other North American fruit, blueberries help prevent cancer, diabetes, and age-related memory changes. Studies show blueberries are rich in fiber and vitamins A and C also boost cardiovascular health. Aim for 1 c fresh blueberries a day, or 1/2 c frozen or dried. Subs: purple grapes, prunes, raisins, strawberries. (blueberries maintain most of the power in dried, frozen, or jam form.
6. Black beans: All beans are good for your heart, but none can boost yur brain power like black beans. That's becuase they're full of anthocyanins, antioxidant compounds that have been shown to improve brain function. A daily 1/2 c serving provides 8 grams of protein and 7.5 grams of fiber, and is low in calories and free of saturated fat. Toss some into your breakfast burrito! Recipe Salsa: Dice 4 tomatoes, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic, 2 jalapenos, 1 yellow bell pepper, and 1 mango. Mix in a can of black beans and garnish with 1/2 cup chopped cilantro and juice of 2 limes. Yum yum.
7. Walnuts: Richer in omega-3s than salmon, loaded with more anti-inflammatory polyphenols than red wine, and packing half as much muscle-building protein as chicken--a serving of walnuts about 7 nuts is good anytime, but especially as a postworkout recovery snack.
8. Oats: Packed with soluble fiber, which lowers the risk of heart disease. Oats have 10 grams of protein per 1/2 cup serving. They deliver steady muscle-friendly energy and have the FDA's first seal of approval.
A glass of low sodium V8 juice will knock out 3 of the eight: spinach, carrots and tomatoes.
A bowl of oatmeal with raisins or fresh blueberries takes out 2.
A mid morning or afternoon snack of low fat blueberry yogurt will also take care of 2.
A salad of romaine lettuce, fresh baby spinach, carrots, walnuts, and raisins or blueberries takes out 4.
For the black beans I have a recipe called Fiesta Rice Tacos if you don't already have it, here it is:
1/4 C red wine vinegar
1/4 C olive oil
1 tsp chili powder (I use less)
1/4 tsp cumin (I use more)
Mix together in frying pan and sautee: 1tsp fresh garlic, 1 c chopped green onions (I never have use that much), and some carrots finely chopped.You can add peppers too, but I never do-- never have them on hand. (I'm guessing on amounts because I don't usually measure)
Add to the above:
3 C cooked rice
11 oz can corn (drain)
15 oz can kidney beans (drain)
15 oz can black beans (drain)
1 can sliced olives (drain)
Serve in bowls with cheese quesadillas or fill tortillas with mixture and add grated cheese, salsa etc. Don't forget to add salsa! It's one of my favorite home storage meals. I don't usually add the kidney beans, just black beans. My kids don't like beans that much, but they will eat this. If I don't have green onions on hand, I'll use 1/2 yellow onion, or even dried minced onions. I like to use the bottled fresh garlic you can find in the produce section and keep in frig, rather than messing with my garlic press. (Besides my kids have used the garlic press for creative play doh designs)
Happy eating!
Monday, February 4, 2008
The dog ate my homework?
Several weeks ago, it was my husband's turn to be the greeter at Church. He was given a 'Greeter' name tag that he wore and was supposed to return the following week. He forgot to bring it back, went out of town on business, and well Benny got the tag off the counter and chewed it into what you see in the picture...Thursday, January 24, 2008
It's hangover Thursday
It's hangover Thursday today. You know how you feel like you've been run over by a mack truck? Well, I'm TIRE-D!
I LOVE THE YOUNG WOMEN! I just need more energy, more stamina, more exercise, More sleep, MORE CHOCOLATE!
It was New Beginnings last night. We made glass bead bracelets for the new girls coming in this year in the colors of the values. You can see it in the picture. I told a brief overview of the "Daffodil Principle" about the woman who planted a mountain valley of daffodils (50,000 of them) one bulb at a time. I compared the girls personal progress values to seeds that they were planting in their lives. I asked 7 older girls to read a few lines about each 'seed value' as they held a flower in each color. When they were done, they put their flower in a glass vase. I asked a guest speaker to take the rest of the time. It turned out nice. So today, I'm tire-d.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
It's still snowing here too
This was taken from the front porch yesterday. If you look to the left center you can kind of see the mailbox. We have about 1 1/2 feet of snow now. Dan took the boys sledding after we dug out.
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