Very funny!

I love this.

Cookie Exchange

Here are some of the pictures from the cookie exchange. The crazy part is I didn't get one photo of the cookies! They were just beautiful and it was so much fun.
My boxes turned out very cute although they were flimsy. So next year I will have to do something different. I did a salad luncheon and it was a hit. I also learned a new secret for making the rolls. I made the dough two days before, shaped them the next day and left them in the refrigerator until the day of the exchange. It took about an extra hour to an hour and a half longer to rise, but it worked perfectly. Made the preparation much easier. The only bad part was we only made 5 dozen each and that wasn't enough to last the entire month so I still need to make more cookies. It is hard not sampling them and keep to my diet. I am doing good but very tempted.

Christmas is in the air!

I have decided to do a cookie exchange! Yes, I am crazy and I should have planned this weeks ago, but who knew I'd still feel like doing it. So the first item on the agenda is to decorate the house. Normally that is a week long project if I am not doing Real Estate. But I am really busy at work so it is going to take longer. All I have left is the Christmas Village and the Garland, both major projects. I hope to get them done today.

Today I am going to bake my cookies. I think I found a fantastic recipe. It is a flaky shortbread with a apricot filling. I had to buy some special Grand Mariner stuff that cost a fortune so it better be good. I am just hoping everyone who said they are coming does.

This is going to be a crazy weekend. My cookie exchange is Friday, the High Priests party is Saturday and the neighborhood party is Sunday. In addition to that I am teaching Relief Society on Sunday and have a listing appointment on Saturday and showing two buyers houses on Friday and Saturday. December is suppose to slow down. Not fair! But lots of fun.

Trip to Washington

At last I am posting our trip to Jim and Janeal's. It was just breathtaking beautiful. They live right by this beautiful lake, up in the mountains. Some of the photos are the surrounding area and the Puget Sound. Their house is like a vacation retreat. We had a wonderful time visiting them and can't wait to go back

Heart full of thanks.

It's the end of the day. Of course, I ate way too much, but it was so yummy! The turkey was a little too dry, but the dressing was outstanding. The pumpkin pies and cheesecake were so good, but the rolls not as good as usual. I froze the rolls and then let them thaw before I baked them. Guess I need some work on perfecting it. Overall, it was a great feast. Shelli had to go to the Howells and Mike had to work so it was just Suzann and kids, Jim and me. But it was really fun. The kids were very funny today. We still did everything like usual. It wouldn't be the same if we didn't. It seems like so much work to be gobbled up so quickly, but it really feels like Thanksgiving.

I am so grateful for my wonderful family. I love each and every one of them so much. It is amazing that it is possible to love so many so deeply. I have learned from personal experience that love multiplies. I also love to see the family traditions being passed on to the next generation. All day, different ones called for cooking tips. Hope everyone had a great day.

Tomorrow will begin the house decorating. I hope to have it completed before Sunday. I would love to have everything done before December even begins. I am going to try to have a cookie exchange next week so I have to get organized!

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

REMEMBER, NO MATTER WHAT THEY ASK, YOU REALLY ONLY NEED TO TELL THEM HOW MANY PEOPLE LIVE AT YOUR ADDRESS.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, YOU DON'T HAVE TO ANSWER ANYTHING AT ALL ABOUT YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION. The Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers, nor will employees solicit donations. Any one asking for that information is NOT with the Census Bureau.

AND REMEMBER, THE CENSUS BUREAU HAS DECIDED NOT TO WORK WITH ACORN ON GATHERING THIS INFORMATION.. No Acorn worker should approach you saying he/she is with the Census Bureau.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit bbb.org



verified at http://www.snopes.com/fraud/identity

Home again

We are now home and wishing we weren't. We had a fun trip to Lauri's in AZ. We left on Thursday and drove. It was a pleasant trip, very ugly, but nice and slow. Best of all - my phone wasn't working most of the trip.

Friday we went to Zach's football game. They lost but Zach did great. He is one of the biggest boys on the team. How did he grow up so fast? After the game we went to dinner with everyone including Zach's girlfriend Lauren. She was a delight. Sweet, kind and beautiful. Also a cheerleader, but we won't hold that against her. I think Zach will hold on to her as long as he can. She says she will wait until after his mission. It will be interesting to see. She would be a good addition to the family, but since he is only 17 a lot of things can change.

Saturday we went to Cracker Barrel for their fantastic breakfast. I wish we had one here, but I would weigh 300 lbs if we did. Afterward I went shopping first with Rachelle and then Lauri. It was fun and we found some cute things. Lauri needed a dress for Eric's wedding and she found a perfect one. She looks fabulous in it.

Lazy Sunday

Yeah! Today is conference Sunday. That means I get to watch TV in my PJ's! Actually I have on sweats, but you get the idea. The one Sunday I don't have to get up at the crack of dawn and what do I do? I wake up anyway. So I got dressed and went down to the pool to get it ready for winter. It took four trips up and down the stairs to get all the chaise pads, umbrellas and other stuff to the garage. Everything is put away and the rains can now come. It is kind of sad to see summer end. I still have to clean up the patio area and put stuff away. It looks bare with everything put away. It will be my luck we will have a heat wave in two weeks and I will wish it was all back.

Jim is fixing breakfast, pancakes and bacon, not on my diet. Hope I don't gain too much this weekend. I will be back on track on Monday. Jim is looking really good, I am not as good as he is even though I cheat less. Not fair. My mouth is watering at the pancakes! Hmmmm!

I am looking forward to the conference talks. My heart is heavy worrying about my family. It is so hard to be so far away from everyone when things go wrong. I am grateful for prayer. It seems it is the only weapon I have. I hope it brings comfort to those I love so much. I am so mindful of what Austin is going through. Such a hard thing. And Rommers, looking horrible but at least going to be allright and then today Zoe. Poor little baby. It scares me to death. I understand that everyone goes through trials and difficulities but I wish I could do something to make it easier. So I worry and I pray.

New Carpet

Yeah! We just put new carpet in the living room and dining room. It looks almost the same (without all the stains and smell) so you probably can't tell the difference. But it came with a 10 year warranty against stains, so how can you go wrong? I also bought the invisable fence to keep Betty Boop out of that room. She has a special collar that gives her a little shock if she steps on the carpet. She seems to think it is the carpet that is bad. Just wondering if when she is trained anyone wants to borrow it for the kids? :)

Baby Shower

I had a fun baby shower for Nicole Dunn last night. She just adopted a little girl and so I offered my house to host it. No problem. Unfortunately the person who was going to do games, couldn't come. Only one person who was to bring refreshments sent them. Lucky for me I always worry about these things and sent Jim to Costco for a big cake. I thought it would be for backup, but thank heavens it was here or we would have had no games and no refreshments. Crazy. It was a good turnout, about 35 people showed up and she was very appreciative. I was glad to do it, but hate it when someone says they will do something and then blows you off. I would rather just do it all myself and know I won't have any last minute surprises.

I did buy a really cute water dispenser for it that I will get lots of use out of. Unfortunately, I called Pier One and asked if they had any water dispensers and was told they one had a ceramic lemonade one. Sounded like it would work, asked how much. She said $15.00 so I told the girl to put it by the cash register and I would send Jim down. He went and it was cute, very happy, until he said, "Do you know how much this thing cost?" I told him $15.00. No the girl lied....it was $50.00!!!! I would never have bought it if I had a clue. But too late now, they don't do returns and it is really cute. What a pity.

A night under the stars

We had a fun night last night. Maren Romney got married and we went to her reception. It was in their backyard. It had been extremely hot durning the day, but cooled off just right for the evening. They had set up a million candles on tables, in trees, down walkways and it just sparkled. They had a full size band, all members of the church, playing and it was just great! Pres. Haynie was on the drums! Didn't even know he played! Just loved it. I am sure they switched to pop music after we left because they had a DJ set up. It was really fun relaxing under the stars visiting with friends. Of course, we couldn't eat anything. The only temptation for me was wedding cake. I really love wedding cake. The very sad part - I gained 1.5 lbs this morning and no cake. Not fair! Jim is really doing well, his Santa belly is almost gone. Why is it so much easier for men? I am committed even if it is going to take me twice as long. Dad booked a trip to Hawaii in February and I want to be smaller by then. Our Hawaii miles were about to expire and we didn't want to lose our free trip, so we will be enjoying ourselves courtesy of Hawaiian Air, hooray!

Where are you?

Ok, ok, I know everyone loves facebook, and you are all spending too much time on it. But you got me into this blog stuff and I want to know what is really going on in everyone's life. So take a day off facebook and post on your blog at least once a week! If you don't my pool is no longer available!!!! Really, I mean it. Facebook is fine for a quick update, but it not nearly as interesting as your blogs. And I hope it never is, you shouldn't be saying the things on facebook you say on the blog. The blog is more like a personal journal and facebook is more like Hi. I want to see your blogs, I really don't care if your friends are giving you animals for your farm or playing Mafia with you. I want to know about you and your families.

I have been crazy busy in the last few months. Lots of new escrows with both buyers and sellers. I don't think this is going to last so I am pushing as hard as I can while the opportunity is here. I am very worried about the economy in the next year or two. There is no way a gov't can sustain a 9 trillion dollar debt. Things are going to get bad. I am grateful most of you have secure jobs.

I really think this is the time to stock up on food. Food prices are going to rise sharply next year. A good way to start is buy one extra a week. One extra can, one extra flour, or 1 extra frozen vegetable if you have a freezer. You will be surprised at how quick it all adds up. And you won't even notice that you are spending the money. Don't buy a small can, buy the big size. Just buy one more of something you are already buying. Also, be sure to store water. It is the most important of all.

Jim and I are both losing weight, his is quick but mine is slow and steady. No one has told me it looks like I am losing weight, but I can feel it in my clothes. It is painful and I wish it was easier. But we are determined.

Unbelievable!

Stella Awards
It's time again for the annual 'Stella Awards'! For those unfamiliar with these awards, they are named after 81-year-old Stella Liebeck who spilled hot coffee on herself and successfully sued the McDonald's in New Mexico , where she purchased coffee. You remember, she took the lid off the coffee and put it between her knees while she was driving. Who would ever think one could get burned doing that, right? That's right; these are awards for the most outlandish lawsuits and verdicts in the U.S. You know, the kinds of cases that make you scratch your head. So keep your head scratcher handy.

Here are the Stellas for the past year:
*SEVENTH PLACE*
Kathleen Robertson of Austin, Texas was awarded $80,000 by a jury of her peers after breaking her ankle tripping over a toddler who was running inside a furniture store. The store owners were understandably surprised by the verdict, considering the running toddler was her own son.
* SIXTH PLACE *
Carl Truman, 19, of Los Angeles , California won $74,000 plus medical expenses when his neighbor ran over his hand with a Honda Accord. Truman apparently didn't notice there was someone at the wheel of the car when he was trying to steal his neighbor's hubcaps
* FIFTH PLACE *
Terrence Dickson, of Bristol , Pennsylvania , who was leaving a house he had just burglarized by way of the garage. Unfortunately for Dickson, the automatic garage door opener malfunctioned and he could not get the garage door to open. Worse, he couldn't re-enter the house because the door connecting the garage to the house locked when Dickson pulled it shut. Forced to sit for eight, count 'em, EIGHT days and survive on a case of Pepsi and a large bag of dry dog food, he sued the homeowner's insurance company claiming undue mental Anguish. Amazingly, the jury said the insurance company must pay Dickson $500,000 for his anguish. We should all have this kind of anguish. Keep scratching. There are more...
*FOURTH PLACE*
Jerry Williams, of Little Rock, Arkansas, garnered 4th Place in the Stella's when he was awarded $14,500 plus medical expenses after being bitten on the butt by his next door neighbor's beagle - even though the beagle was on a chain in its owner's fenced yard. Williams did not get as much as he asked for because the jury believed the beagle might have been provoked at the time of the butt bite because Williams had climbed over the fence into the yard and repeatedly shot the dog with a pellet gun.
* THIRD PLACE *
Amber Carson of Lancaster, Pennsylvania because a jury ordered a Philadelphia restaurant to pay her $113,500 after she slipped on a spilled soft drink and broke her tailbone. The reason the soft drink was on the floor: Ms. Carson had thrown it at her boyfriend 30 seconds earlier during an argument. What ever happened to people being responsible for their own actions?
*SECOND PLACE*
Kara Walton, of Claymont , Delaware sued the owner of a night club in a nearby city because she fell from the bathroom window to the floor, knocking out her two front teeth. Even though Ms. Walton was trying to sneak through the ladies room window to avoid paying the $3.50 cover charge, the jury said the night club had to pay her $12,000....oh, yeah, plus dental expenses. Go figure.
* FIRST PLACE *
This year's runaway First Place Stella Award winner was: Mrs. Merv Grazinski, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who purchased new 32-foot Winnebago motor home. On her first trip home, from an OU football game, having driven on to the freeway, she set the cruise control at 70 mph and calmly left the driver's seat to go to the back of the Winnebago to make herself a sandwich. Not surprisingly, the motor home left the freeway, crashed and overturned. Also not surprisingly, Mrs. Grazinski sued Winnebago for not putting in the owner's manual that she couldn't actually leave the driver's seat while the cruise control was set. The Oklahoma jury awarded her, are you sitting down?
$1,750,000 PLUS a new motor home. Winnebago actually changed their manuals as a result of this suit, just in case Mrs. Grazinski has any relatives who might also buy a motor home.
Are we, as a society, getting more stupid.... or are more members of Congress serving on juries these days?

New recipe coming

I just glanced at my side bar and my mouth started watering. I can eat chicken right now, but not that one! If you want the recipe hurry, because I am going to get rid of it pretty quick. I am up 2 lbs on my diet. Hope I don't quit. I am going to give it two more days and if I don't start losing I am going to have to do something drastic. It says cherries are OK, but maybe I'm eating too many. They are so good it's hard to stop. I guess it is back to the apple - disappointment!

Crazy busy at work and I am not going to get a break until September. I know I shouldn't be complaining after last year it is good to be busy, but I do need a day off. Sunday doesn't count and last Sunday really doesn't count. I just want to hang out by the pool and read. If there was anyway I could get away I would go see Lauri. She is struggling with all those babies. Hang in there Lauri help is on the way. Thank Heaven for Dream Dinners, they ease a mother's guilty conscience.

Look for my exciting new recipe, it is called "plain with nothing on it celery sticks". Very easy to make.

From Aunt Lynda

I was in the pub yesterday when I suddenly realized I desperately needed to fart. The music was really, really loud, so I timed my farts with the beat.

After a couple of songs, I started to feel better. I finished my pint and noticed that everybody was staring at me.

Then I suddenly remembered that I was listening to my iPod.

Thanks Lynda for the laugh.

Is it week's end or week's beginning

Not quite sure if today is the end of my week or the beginning of the new one. I don't think I am up to dealing with a new week, so I'll report on the last one. Kristi and family left yesterday. We will miss them. Betty Boop is really mopping around. She misses Shawn. They were the best of buddies and it was so cute. Avery and Mckenna had a great visit and didn't want to leave(I love that). I really wish I could just travel and visit a different family every month. It seems like once a year is not enough. We loved our time with them.

It is crazy busy at work. Don't know how long it will last so I can't complain. I would rather be busy than have nothing to do. I have several new listings that should sell, so I am hoping for a little future business. As long as interest stays low, it should be good.

I am doing quite well on my diet, although I can't see a change, the scale is moving. Finally in the right direction. I think I am losing it all over since my clothes don't feel that much different. Although I do remember wanting to wear my fat pants a few days last month. You know, the baggy ones with elastic?

I went to a seminar on social networking all about how to use facebook, twitter and blogs. I am motivated to at least give it a try. Stay tuned, we'll see how I do.

The Bathing Suit

My friend Angela sent me this gem.
Subject: The Bathing Suit ...have you bought one lately!!!!!

When I was a child, the bathing suit for the mature figure was boned, trussed and reinforced, not so much sewn as engineered. They were built to hold back and uplift; they did a good job.. Today's stretch fabrics are designed for the prepubescent girl with a figure carved from a potato chip.

The mature woman has a choice - she can either go up front to the maternity department and try on a floral suit with a skirt, coming away looking like a hippopotamus who escaped from Disney's Fantasia, or she can wander around every run of the mill department store trying to make a sensible choice from what amounts to a designer range of florescent rubber bands.

What choice did I have? I wandered around, made my sensible choice and entered the chamber of horrors known as the fitting room. The first thing I noticed was the extraordinary tensile strength of the stretch material. The Lycra used in bathing costumes was developed, I believe, by NASA to launch small rockets from a slingshot, which give the added bonus that if you manage to actually lever
yourself into one, you are protected from shark attacks as any shark taking a swipe at your passing midriff would immediately suffer whip lash.

I fought my way into the bathing suit, but as I twanged the shoulder strap in place, I gasped in horror - my boobs had disappeared! Eventually, I found one boob cowering under my left armpit. It took a while to find the other. At last I located it, flattened beside my seventh rib.

The problem is that modern bathing suits have no bra cups. The mature woman is meant to wear her boobs spread across her chest like a speed bump.. I realigned my speed bump and lurched toward the mirror to take a full view assessment.

The bathing suit fit all right, but unfortunately it only fit those bits of me willing to stay inside it. The rest of me oozed out rebelliously from top, bottom, and sides. I
looked like a lump of play dough wearing undersized cling wrap.

As I tried to work out where all those extra bits had come from, the prepubescent sales girl popped her head through the curtain, 'Oh, there you are,' she said, admiring the bathing suit .

I replied that I wasn't so sure and asked what else she had to show me.

I tried on a cream crinkled one that made me look like a lump of masking tape, and a floral two piece which gave the appearance of an oversized napkin in a serving ring.

I struggled into a pair of leopard skin bathers with ragged frills and came out looking like Tarzan's Jane, pregnant with triplets and having a rough day.

I tried on a black number with a mesh midriff and looked like a jellyfish in mourning.

I tried on a bright pink suit with such a high cut leg I thought I would have to wax my eyebrows to wear it .

Finally,
I found a suit that fit - a two-piece affair with a shorts style bottom and a loose blouse-type top. It was cheap, comfortable, and bulge-friendly, so I bought it. My
ridiculous search had a successful outcome, I figured.

When I got home, I found a label which read 'Material might become transparent in water.'

So, if you happen to be on the beach, or near any other body of water this year, and I'm there too, I'll be the one in cut-off jeans and a t-shirt!

The fattening week

Oh yes, I am going to gain some weight this week! I feel it coming, I can't stop it. May as well just accept the inevitable. Today I have a 3 hour lunch at a good restaurant downtown. So of course, I will be eating. Tomorrow I am going to lunch with Cathy Grey and Kelly Chapman, that should be fun, I see Cathy regularly but seldom get together with Kelly. Wednesday is a special business meeting to teach me social networking at the Rancho Bernard Inn, breakfast included. Then my vacation starts on Thursday and I plan to spend a lot of time laying around and doing nothing, especially nothing that makes me sweat. I will diet in August or maybe September. If I have time I am going shopping for Muumuu's, that should solve the problem.

The Countdown

Oh my, it is only a week before Cassia's wedding. Everyone will be coming in on Sunday so the clock is ticking on getting everything done. I have made great progress, but there is still a lot to do. The front yard is ready. I planted new roses and they are doing great. My favorite is a white rose named, Pope John Paul. Every morning I go out and sniff the Pope. It smells wonderful. I also planted some unusual colors and they look great. My only problem is my gardina is turning yellow. Anyone know why?

Hey, I think I'm onto something!

I think I have just made an amazing discovery! How to have more time. Today, Jim went to the temple for the 5:30 am session. So he woke me up at 4:30 (yes, in the morning even though you can't tell it's morning because it's dark). I was wide awake and stayed up. It was absolutely amazing how much you can get done at that time of day! I cleaned the house - huge accomplishment, did 2 loads of laundry, trimmed the roses, answered all my email, shopped a little, qvc, of course,blogged on both blogs and even got all my Real Estate files up to date. Wow!! I am so impressed with myself. It is now 8:30 and I think I'll take a nap.

P.S. Be sure to read my post on Sisters Standing Strong, I posted a poem you will like to read, very touching and thought provoking.

Another Maxine

Sometimes I think Maxine should run for president. She was right on with this one!
Everyone concentrates on the problems we're having in this country lately: illegal immigration, hurricane recovery, alligators attacking people in Florida ...

Not me. I concentrate on solutions for the problems. It's a win-win situation.
+ Dig a moat the length of the Mexican border.
+ Send the dirt to New Orleans to raise the level of the levies.
+ Put the Florida alligators in the moat along the Mexican border.
Any other problems you would like for me to solve today ? Yes?

Where has the time gone?

I just realized how long it has been since I blogged. It seems like just yesterday. I am running around like a chicken with it's head cut off. Not that I have ever cut off a chicken head. I will post more later on since I really do have some stuff to share. Mostly I have been: 1. Getting the house ready for the wedding. It's starting to look good (pics will be coming) 2. Had a fantastic visit with Dani and Sammy (more about that later) 3. Had a fantastic visit with Lauri and family (more about that later) 4. Taught a great RS lesson (will share later) 5. Selling tons of houses (at least I am working on it) 6. Lots of Relief Society President stuff that I won't share (people like their privacy). 7. Trips to Dr. ( I am going to wait on surgery, it was too scary). 8. Trying to figure out my new phone, don't laugh it has taken 2 days just to get the basics.

Today I am showing property and working on the yard. Maybe I might get to clean house. That would be a very good thing! It is scary. More to come

Crazy Week

Wow! It is finally Sunday, 6:30 am if you can believe it and I have been up for an hour. Just couldn't sleep, too much to think about. I can hear soft baby cries in the other room. Dani and Sammy are visiting. It has been so much fun. He is the sweetest baby ever. He almost never cries, just smiles and coos. So cute. They are visiting for a few more days, it will be sad to see them go home, I am really glad they came.

I am crazy busy at work. I had 5 offers on properties this week and 2 new listings. I am so busy I can't catch my breath. But I am so grateful for the work. After the slow down I feel like I have to catch up. I am also working with a variety of people: the cute young couple, he is a marine and she is as cute as can be, a single guy Mike works with, just a great guy, always pleasant and easy to work with, an older couple with a handicapped daughter, an LDS couple looking for a good buy (can't find one yet), another couple who will only buy in one area and only if the price is ridiculously low, then 2 crazy guys, both with great houses but very particular and very demanding. I actually care about all of them and hope I soon find just the right house. I also took 3 new listings this week. Looks like it is going to be a good summer.

I am feeling a little better, if I am careful I should be able to put off the surgery with no problem.

Time to get ready for church. More later

My brief update

Outside my window the sun is shinning and the birds are singing, the hummingbirds are buzzing around the feeders, fighting over the best spot. The roses are blooming and the smell is spilling through the open window.
I am thinking about getting ready for Cassia's wedding. There is alot of things to be done, both in the house and in the yard. I wish I hadn't procrastinated on some of these little things, one by one they are easy, but together they are a project.
I am thankful for the joy of being a mother. With Mother's Day tomorrow, my thoughts keep going to how much having children blessed my life. I can honestly say I love every minute of being a mother. Too bad they had to grow up. But even that is good.
From my kitchen not much is going on today, but yesterday Jim made a fantastic cobbler from a new recipe, it used self rising flour and he used fresh berries. Yummy.
I am wearing my favorite shorts and T-shirt. I will change later to show property, but I love it when I can just veg out.
I am creating a new baby blanket. I finished Zoey's and it will be in the mail soon. I also finished a cute blue one with a hood. I am doing an alphabet one this time in blue.
I went to the doctor this week for more tests. Upper GI, barium drinking, horrible. They want me to do surgery. I keep cancelling the appointment with the surgeon, I am going to try to put it off until September.
I am reading "The Infinite Atonement". It is a slow read, with lots of wonderful thoughts. I am enjoying it and will probably re-read it and underline the key points when I do. It has made me very grateful for the atonement of Christ which I am just beginning to fully understand.
I am hoping that my business will continue to pick up. I have been busy and that is a good thing. I am actually amazed at how much work I have right now.
I am hearing nothing. So quiet. I am alone. It is wonderful, no TV, no radio, just quiet.
Around the house it is delightful. Alma and Inez were here this week so everything sparkles. I love it when they come, wish it was more often.
One of my favorite things is watching TV. I am loving Idol, loving,loving,loving 24 and also The Amazing Race and yes, The Next Top Model and of course Survivor. I know summer reruns are just around the corner, but I am loving it right now.
A few plans for the rest of the week: Since today is Saturday, it is going to be next week. I am concentrating on the Living Room, including painting and a new light fixture and also the front yard touch up. I am also redesigning my car signs and making some changes in my marketing.
Here is a picture thought I am sharing: Imagine Dad sleeping with his new sleep mask on, looks kind of like a snorkel, goes over his mouth and nose, has a long hose and hooks up to a machine. I don't know whether to put on a nightie or a swimsuit.

Ground Zero for Swine Flu

Time Out

I just returned from a Relief Society Retreat. It was just women, no kids. We went to the Israelsen's cabin in Mt. Laguna. I wasn't expecting too much, knew it would be nice, but expected a cabin in the mountains. Well this is what we saw as we drove up. A fairy tale cottage in the woods. It is also about 4,000 square feet. I had a comfy bed to sleep in (although we didn't get to it until after 2:00). The rooms were enormous and they had dining seating for about 20. They also had tons of beds as well as couches so everyone was very comfortable. It is completly self-sufficient, solar, well, etc. I was amazed at what they had done in the middle of 144 acres. Beautiful!

We also had a great time, eating, playing games, talking, laughing and walking around. It has been a very long time since I have seen stars like that. It was just gorgeous. I think it was a great experience for everyone who went. We really had a lot of fun. Marilee even came over from Arizonia to be there. It added to the fun. I loved taking time out to do something different. I need to do it more often.

Where's Ginger

When I was a child one of my favorite things to do in the spring was to hide in the vacant lot across from our house. In the spring the lot filled with mustard and I thought if I laid down in it no one could see me or know where I was. I would lay on my back and watch the clouds roll by, trying to figure out what they looked like, I always found something in a cloud; a book, a person, a tree, something. The wisteria was blooming from the house next door and I could smell it. It was a great way to spend an afternoon.

Jim and I were driving to Rancho Santa Fe to go to the farmstand and what should appear but a field full of mustard. The temptation was just too much. I made Dad stop so I could disappear for awhile. This mustard was like nothing I had ever seen before. It was 6ft. tall, and really thick. I don't remember all the stickers when I was little. but it was still fantastic. So........

Where's Ginger?

Here I am!

Easter

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. It is one of my all time favorite holidays. This year we had a two day celebration. On Friday Shelli and her kids spent the night so she wouldn't have to make the trip twice. The crazy kids wanted to swim on Friday in the freezing cold swimming pool. I couldn't believe they them, but they did it. Johnette and Ana went to Mike and Suzann's for a sleep over. (see their blog) Then on Saturday we had Mike and Suzann join us for our dinner and egg hunt. It was wonderful to spend the day together. As you can see the cousins had a wonderful time together. One of my favorite times was when we were almost ready to go outside to hunt for eggs, we sang Easter songs together. I loved the faces of the children as they relived the past traditions and wanted to make sure nothing changed.

Sunday was a great day for me. It was quiet; which gave me time for reflection. I have been reading the book, The Infinite Atonement. It had already directed my thoughts to the Atonement and what that really means. Not only did the Savior take upon himself our sins, but also all our pains and heartbreaks, illness and disappointments. It was wonderful to listen to the beautiful music and take time to worship and express my gratitude for the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have of this and how important it is in my life. Since the book is slow reading with lots of contemplation, I am finding these feelings are staying with me for a long time. Maybe the result will be an improvement in the kind of a person I am. I hope so.

Happy Easter

ALL I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT LIFE
I LEARNED FROM THE EASTER BUNNY
Don't put all of your eggs in one basket
Walk softly and carry a big carrot
Everyone needs a friend who is all ears
There's no such thing as too much candy
All work and no play can make you a basket case
A cute little tail attracts a lot of attention
Everyone is entitled to a bad hare day
Let happy thoughts multiply like rabbits
Some body parts should be floppy
Keep your paws off other people's jellybeans
Good things come in small sugarcoated packages
The grass is always greener in someone else's basket
An Easter bonnet can tame even the wildest hare
To show your true colors you have to come out of your shell
The best things in life are still sweet and gooey

The Grocery Game

I have found a great website. It is called the grocery game. I found it from a spot on TV where they were talking about how to save money in these difficult days. It also fits in with my concern that all of you build your food storage up. That includes water. I am certain food is going to skyrocket in price after we have to start paying for all the government give-aways that are going on.

You can find it by going on the Internet or just click on this link:

http://www.thegrocerygame.com/ I have been using it for awhile. It is a list of items that are on sale at the store of your choice. It also includes a list of the current coupons to take with you. And where to find the coupons.

I have found that it takes a few weeks of saving coupons to get caught up, but the savings are really good. If you follow her plan, it is even better. She recommends that you stock up on items when they are at their lowest price and then only purchase things on sale.

It is working so well I am going to have to buy a freezer to take advantage of the frozen items. Put me down as the person who referred you if you decide to try it. It is only $1.00 to try. Let me know how you do.

Yummy!

I have a new recipe on the sidebar. It is for Classic French Chicken in White Grape Sauce. It is sooooooo good!!!!! Try it, you will love it.

Fridays with Jim and Ginger

This Friday we took a short trip to Carlsbad to see the flower fields. The Ranuculas were in full bloom. It was just gorgeous. We got out and walked around a little. We didn't go up into the fields because they now charge $10 apiece and I thought that was crazy. So I saved the $20 and bought 3 bouquets for $12. Quite a savings and I get to enjoy them for a week.

It was a gorgeous day and you could see the ocean sparkling in the background when you went to the top of the fields. It really makes you feel like Spring is here.

Do you twitter?

I was wondering if any of you twitter? I have wondered if that is something that would be good for my business or if it is just a waste of time. I have had a hard time getting into facebook, as a matter of fact, I don't do it at all. Any comments?

Making Progress

It has been a miserable few weeks, but I think I am about to the end of it all. All of my tests are in and it looks like I have a giant hiatal hernia. One third of my stomach is in my chest. No wonder I've been hurting. Don't know what the treatment is going to be. I think it's just good to know what it is. The cat scan also showed diverticulitis. So I guess that is going to mean a diet change. I might go to a acupuncturist when I am done with the specialists and see what the ancient Chinese would do. I have 3 weeks until my next DR. appt, so I might try some things on my own. I think once they decided it wasn't cancer the Dr. relaxed and gave me nothing new.

Business is really picking up. I am feeling a little stressed, so much to get done. Most of it's behind the scenes, but really important to do. I am just glad I have work. Our Real Estate market seems to be picking up. I hope it holds for awhile.

If you want to see what's going on in Relief Society check out the blog, societystuff.blogspot.com; we have so many good things going on. Also be sure to try the sauce recipes on it. They are fabulous, especially the salmon and chicken ones. If you haven't tried the chicken salad receipe Lauri posted, give it a try, it's great.

I am really looking forward to Conference weekend. I am going to veg out the entire time.

You might like this.

I thought I would share the beginning of my talk at Enrichment. I think the talk was OK. It was short and sweet. Since we hadn't eaten yet, no one wanted it to last too long. It was really a great night. I have the most amazing enrichment committee. I never have to worry about a thing. They just step up and do it all, and they do it wonderfully well. We had a DVD of the different sisters talking about Relief Society. Our theme was Relief Society and Me. (Does anyone know how to put a DVD on your computer? I want to put it on the RS blog, but have to first put it on my hard drive. Help!). After the program we had a delicious dinner. Laura was in charge of the dinner and hopefully she will put her pasta recipe on her blog. It is a good one to do at home.

Today is my Dr. appointment, can't eat all day. I'm hungry already. So sad.

Here is the beginning of my talk.

M. Russell Ballard "A Woman's Lifeline."
Age 3: She looks at herself and sees a Queen.
Age 8: She looks at herself and sees Cinderella.
Age 15: She looks at herself and sees an Ugly Duckling. ("Mom, I can't go to school looking like this!")
Age 20: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"—but decides she's going out anyway.
Age 30: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"—but decides she doesn't have time to fix it so she's going out anyway.
Age 40: She looks at herself and sees "too fat/too thin, too short/too tall, too straight/too curly"—but says, "At least I am clean," and goes out anyway.
Age 50: She looks at herself and sees "I am what I am" and goes wherever she wants to go.
Age 60: She looks at herself and reminds herself of all the people who can't even see themselves in the mirror anymore. Goes out and conquers the world.
Age 70: She looks at herself and sees wisdom, laughter, and ability. Goes out and enjoys life.
Age 80: Doesn't bother to look. Just puts on a purple hat and goes out to have fun with the world.

I'm Working!

At last! I am finally seeing some action at work! I have alot of things going on ( said with a happy circular hand motion)! I have 2 escrows, and will be listing 3 houses this week. One of the houses has been on the market for 3 months with another Realtor, so I hope it sells. I think if I get them to come down on the price it should sell. It hasn't been like this for a very long time. I am really scrambling to get everything done. And to add to the fun, I have 2 short sales that need immediate attention first thing in the morning. Not to worry, I will get it all done.

Tuesday is our RS Birthday enrichment and I am the concluding speaker. I really need to get my act together for that. I am drawing a blank on this one. I would like to say something meaningful that will add to the meeting, I hate boring. But at this stage of the game I just don't know what to do. I am hoping I will be hit with a lightening bolt and get an idea.

I went to a cooking class last week on sauces, taught by Deborah Haynie. It was so good. I have tried both her salmon and chicken recipes at home and loved it. It was so easy to do, but had a real gourmet taste to it. She also showed us how to do Alfredo sauce and that will be next on my list. I will post the recipes when I get a chance. We have great enrichment activities in our ward. You are really glad you are there.

Other than church and work it is pretty quiet here. I think that is a good thing. I am still having tests done for my tummy. They are going to stick a scope down my gut on Thursday, hope they see something. It is probably just that I need to quit the Diet Coke. I know it is coming, but I am not looking forward to it. I really like my sodas! The Dr. would also like me to lose some weight, I will as soon as I am tired of making Alfredo sauce and salmon and chicken smothered in sauce. It shouldn't be too long.

How to make pie crust

I realized I might have fallen down on the teaching of pie making so I have a tutorial for you. My pies are always the very best and the all time favorite is lemon meringue. I have a step by step slideshow to show you how to make the crust. You can then go to the sidebar for the best recipe ever for lemon meringue. It takes a little bit of time, but it is worth it. You can always freeze the crusts unbaked, thaw bake and add chocolate pudding for a quick easy desert. I hope you give it a try.

Home Cooking Recipes

Here are all the recipes on the sidebar.

Classic French Chicken in White Grape Sauce
2 TBS butter
3 or 4 bone in chicken breasts
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 medium carrot, finely chopped
1/2 rib celery, finely chopped
2 oz prosciutto or country ham finely chopped
3/4 cup white grape juice
3/4 cup low salt chicken stock
3 TBSP heavy cream (at room temperature)
Chopped fresh parsley

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook it in the skillet on the skin side to brown it and render the fat from the skin about 15 min. Turn chicken over and cook on the bone side for about 5 min. Remove and save the chicken. Pour off all but 2 TBSP of the fat from the pan. Add the onion, carrot, celery, prosciutto or ham and saute until the onion is browned and the vegetables are softened, 8-10 min. Add the juice and chicken stock to the pan and stir to combine with vegetables. Put the chicken back into the pan. Bring the liquid to a boil, reduce to a simmer, cover the skillet with a lid and simmer the chicken in the sauce until cooked through 20 to 25 min. Remove the chicken from the pan, turn the heat to high and bring the liquid to a boil. Reduce the volume of liquid by half, about 5 min. (6-7 min. for a thicker sauce). Add the cream, stir to combin and remove the pan from the heat. Pour sauce over chicken and sprinkle with the chopped parsley. Great served with mashed potatoes.


Lemon Meringue Pie
Pie Crust
2 cups flour
3/4 tsp. salt
3/4 cup shortening
6 TBSP. water (the colder, the better)

Your crust will be more flaky if all ingredients are coldMix flour and salt together and cut in shortening with pastry cutter. Add water, one tablespoon at a time. Stir with a fork after each spoonful of water, just enought to move flour around, until mixture will hold together. Divide dough into 2 balls. Roll out between 2 sheets of wax paper. After crust is fitted, trim edges evenly, leaving a 1 inch overhanging border, fold dough under and back to make an upright rim. Flute edges. Prick crust thoroughly around bottom and sides with a fork(to let out steam).Bake 450, 15 minutes until lightly browned.Makes 2 crusts

Filling
7 TBSP cornstarch
1 1/2 cups sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 cup hot water
3 egg yolks, beaten
1/2 cup lemon juice
1/2 tsp. finely shredded lemon peel
2 TBSP butter
Mix cornstarch, sugar and salt in saucepan. Slowly add water and stir until smooth. Cook and stir constantly over med. heat until thick and bubbly. Reduce heat and cook 2 minutes more. Remove from heat.

Add 1/2 cup hot mix to egg yolks and mix quickly so it doesn't cook eggs. Keep adding hot mix to egg yolks a half cup at a time until egg mixture is warm (about 1 1/2 cups)pour egg mixture into the rest of filling. Add butter and peel. Mix well. Gradually add lemon juice. Pour hot filling in cooked pastry shell.

Spread meringue over hot filling making sure there is no holes between meringue and crust edge. Bake 350 for 12-15 minutes or till meringue is golden on top of peaks. Cool before cutting.

Meringue
3 egg whites
1/2 tsp. vanilla
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
6 TBSP sugar
Beat egg white, vanilla, cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar one tablespoon at a time beating at high speed until stiff glossy peaks form. Immediately spread meringue over pie, all the way to the edge. Leave no holes or meringue will shrink. Bake as directed.

Sheperd's Pie
1 pound ground beef
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1 (14 oz) can cut green beans drained
1 (10 3/4 oz) can tomato soup
6 large potatoes, peeled, boiled and mashed (can be done ahead)
1/2 cup milk
1 tsp. salt
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Brown ground beef in olive oil. Add onion, salt and pepper and saute until onion is tender. Put into a greased 9X13 baking dish. Top with drained green beans. Spread tomato soup over beans. Combine mashed potatoes, milk and salt. Mix well. Spoon potatoes over mixture. Top with grated cheese. Bake at 350 for about 30 minutes. Serves 6

Sparkling Butter Toffee Cookies
1 cup sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
1 egg
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp. bking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/2 cup English or almond toffee bits
Sugar

Heat oven to 350. Combine sugar, butter, egg,vanilla. Beat until creamy. Add flour, baking powder, baking soda, reduce speed to low. Beat until well mixed. Stir in toffee bits by hand. Shape rounded tablespoons of dough into balls. Roll in sugar. Place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten each with bottom of glass to 2 inch circles. (They spread out, don't put too close together)

Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until edges are lightly browned. Do not over bake. Let cool 2 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet. Sprinkle with sugar while warm.

Pumpkin Delight
1 large can of pumpkin
3/4 tsp. salt
3 eggs beaten
1 tsp. allspice
1 tsp. nutmeg
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 cup sugar
1 cup milk
1/3 tsp. mace
1/3 tsp. cloves
1 tsp. vanilla
Pre heat oven to 350.
Mix above ingredients together, put in 13 X 9 in. pan.
1 package yellow cke mix, sprinkle over top of mixture.
1 cube butter, melt and pour over top of mixture.
Top with chopped pecans.
Bake at 350 for 45 minutes. Top with cool mix.

Turkey and Dressing
1 large turkey already stuffed with Mrs. Cubbinson's dressing. Preferably cornbread. (Follow dressing instructions, but add onion (use less) , celery and 1 lb. browned sausage
Procedures
Preheat oven to 450. Place stuffed turkey, breast up, in the center of greased, wide, heavy foil. Bring ends of foil up over breast; overlap fold and press up against end of turkey. Place bird in a shallow roasting pan. ( I use 2 throw away pans, one inside the other) Open foil for last 20 minutes to brown turkey.
7-9 lb....2 1/4 to 2 1/2 hours
10-13 lb....2 3/4 to 3 hours
14-17 lb....3 to 3 1/4 hours
18-21 lb....3 1/4 to 3 1/2 hours
22-24 lb....3 1/4 to 3 3/4 hours

Remove from oven and let stand 20 to 30 minutes before carving. Use drippings for gravy.

Giblet Gravy - Boil Giblets (minus liver, unless you like live liver) in water on a saucepan. Drain and cut into small pieces. Set aside. Mix 2 TBSP. drippings with 2 heaping TBSP flour and 1 TBSP butter in skillet. Heat and stir until butter is melted and mixture is smooth. Remove from heat. Slowly add 2 cups milk, put back on heat, stir and bring to a boil stirring constantly. Add giblets. Simmer until giblets are heated through. Can be doubled, tripled, etc. If too thick, gradually add more milk.

Mom's rolls
2 pkg yeast (check date to make sure it's not old)
1 cup cold water
Dissolve yeast in cold water. Set aside.
1/4 lb. butter
2/3 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup boiling water
Pour boiling water over butter, salt and sugar. Stir until melted. Cool until you can stick your finger in it comfortably. Add to yeast.
Add 2 beaten eggs
Add 6 cups flour one cup at a time.
Cover with a damp dishtowel and refrigerate overnight.
Remove from refrigerator and let sit for 30 minutes. Shape and place on greased pans. Place in warm area, cover with damp cloths and let rise until double in size. Bake 400 for 10 to 12 minutes. Brush tops with butter.

Cheesecake
14 gram crackers = 1 cup crumbs (boxed crumbs OK)
1/4 cup butter (softened)
1/4 cup sugar
12 oz cream cheese
2 eggs
3/4 cup sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
5 TBSP+1 tsp. sugar
1 1/2 cup sour cream
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
Crust - mix together gram cracker crumbs, butter and sugar. Pat around sides and bottom of a 9 or 10" pie pan. Set aside.
Filling - Combine softened cream cheese, 2 eggs, sugar and vanilla. Beat until smooth and light with an electric beater. Pour into crust. Bake 350 for 20 minutes.
Cool 5 minutes, gently spoon topping on cooked filling
Topping - Mix together 5 TBSP + 1 tsp. sugar, 1 1/2 cup sour cream, 1 1/2 tsp vanilla. Spoon over top and bake an additional 10 minutes at 350. Refrigerate at least 5 hours.

Calling all Chocolate Lovers! This is soooo easy to make and soooo delicious!
1 box of brownie mix3 extra large Hershey Bars
Prepare a box of fudge brownies according to directions.
Pour have the mixture in a 9X13 pan (grease bottom).
Lay 3 of those giant Hershey Bars on the mix.
Pour the rest of brownie mixture over the candy.
Bake according to directions. Cool completely before cutting.
Frosting not needed, but if you want to eat with a spoon instead of fingers try it with whipped cream that has a small amount of chopped pecans and grated chocolate folded in.

Mom’s Pudding Cake
In a 13 X 9 inch pan mix:

1 c brown sugar
1/2 c cocoa
Stir in 1 c water
Add 48 minature marshmallows

Make a Devils food cake mix and spoon this over the mixture in the pan.
Top with 1 cup nuts
Bake 40-50 minutes

Fridays with Jim and Ginger

This Friday we did something different! We went to the San Diego Opera and saw Don Quixote. It was fun getting all dressed up and having a night on the town. Don Quixote is a spanish opera but they have english sub titles so you know what's going on. The opera stage was really well done. The orchastra was wonderful. The costumes and scenery were exceptional. I expecially liked the windmill scene. However, Don Quixote is a very, very slow moving opera. Don Quixote does most of the singing and there is not too much action, at least not in the first half. There were quite a few people around us that were sleeping.

The second half? Not sure, we left during intermission. We decided we could stay or go get a bite to eat. The stomach won that argument. We just barely made it to Anthony's before they closed. We had a window seat with the spectacular view. I just had a cup of chowder and a shrimp & crap cocktail since it was so late. It was the perfect meal and a great way to end a fun evening.

Saturday Night Live - Don't Buy Stuff

Click for video: Saturday Night Live - Don't Buy Stuff

My new assignment

I have a part of an amazing new program. Elder Perry came up with this plan for California, and especially San Diego. They have done pilot programs to see how it works in other areas before giving it to us. I imagine it will go across the US before too long.

I attended a meeting for Bishops, High Priest Group Leaders, Elders Quorum Pres. and Relief Society Pres. We had people from Orange County as well as San Diego County so the room was packed. It was given by 2 Gen. Authorities. It was special just to be included. I was given the assignment to find 5 people who would want to commit to take the missionary lessons. Since I am pretty private about my beliefs I was a little afraid to do this. However, the promise was that if I would just be the messenger the Lord would do the rest. So I had my Presidency pray with me for 5 names. Together we came up with 5 people. We then spent 2 weeks praying, fasting and taking these names to the temple. We still felt they were the ones we needed to speak to.

My next challenge was to make the call. For the first one, I went with Billye (my sec) and we visited with a lady we had never met. As soon as I told her we had been praying for her, she burst into tears. I told her the Lord had sent us there to let her know He cared about her and had blessings waiting for her. The feeling was so strong. She agreed this was just what she needed in her life. Her husband then came in and I also asked him if he would meet with the missionaries. I told him this family can’t do this without him. He also was touched and looked at his wife and said, “I think I am ready.” Wow! The feeling of love in that room was amazing. Billye and I left overwhelmed at the privilege of being the messenger.

I went to another family with Jim and gave the same message with a slight twist. I felt prompted to tell them the time is now, not next week, not next month, not next year, but now. I was very bold. They were also in tears. The wife from beginning to end. The husband less so. He told me they like to do things in their own time and own way. I told them to pray and I would continue to pray also. I wasn’t sure if they would accept or not. This last Sunday right after the sacrament was passed, I turned around and they were coming in for the meeting. I was so touched; it was overwhelming to see them there. The missionaries are stopping by their house this week.

So far 3 have been called (my 3rd is a family with 3 kids, they were at church Sunday and meeting with the missionaries tonight) and I will see the other 2 this week. I can hardly wait. This will be an ongoing project for me. When one drops off, I will find another one. It is really a spiritual experience.

When I thought of how much my life has been blessed by my membership in The Church, how could I not want others to experience that as well. Maybe next step will be those people I already love.

Catching Up

It has been a busy two weeks for me, with little time to share on the blog. I will try to catch everyone up in the next few days. It is now Sunday evening, and I am collapsed with exhaustion. My thoughts are just a little jumbled but they are good thoughts.

Today I started my meetings at 7:30 with Ward Counsel, Sacrament at 9:00. I was asked to speak in the other ward with the High Counsel speaker at 11:00. That meant I was going to have to miss Relief Society. I rushed to get everything set up before I left for the chapel. I walk up to the stand and didn't see Bro. Alires, my companion speaker. Instead Bro. Gonsales was on the stand. The meeting was just about to start and I noticed everyone giving me a strange look, like 'what are you doing?' I grabbed a program and my name was not on it. Embarrassed and red faced, I left with no idea where I should be. Jim found me coming out of the chapel and went inside to ask Bro. Gonsales where I was suppose to be. Well.... my assignment was not until 1:00. I was in the wrong ward. They gave me the wrong time.

I then went back to Relief Society and had to hang out at church until 1:00 since I was low on gas and didn't want to chance on it. I spoke on prayer and think it went pretty good. A lady came up to me in tears at the end and thanked me for my talk. I think that is a good sign. It was a good Sunday even if I am tired.

Last night we were invited to our neighbors Tom and Delayne for dinner. They also invited our other neighbors Denny and Linda. It was a fun night with good food. I had the dessert assignment and made lemon meringue pies. And they were fabulous! So incredibly good I was so proud. I am going to post step by step directions so you can make one too. You won't be disappointed. It made for a good Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine Day

Hope you have a great romantic day!
"The pleasure of love is in loving, and we are made happier by the passion we experience than by that we inspire." La Rochefoucald, 1665

52 Blessing Project Weeks 4&5

Opps! I am getting behind! I was going to be so good this year. I really have been grateful for my blessings but I have been so busy and have not taken the time to sit down and write. This week I am grateful for prayer. It is so hard being far away from those I love, especially when they need me. I wish I was independently wealthy and I could just hop on an airplane and go whenever the mood struck me.

So many things have happened, Julie having a stroke and not knowing what is wrong, Amanda having her baby early, Dani and Sammy back in the hospital with such a scare, Lauri sicker than a dog (she's also in the hospital, trying to get fluids into her). I worry about how everyone is making it in this economy. And then there are baby blessings I am missing and just wanting to see everyone again. Sometimes I feel helpless and unable to do much.

I have found great comfort and joy in taking these and many other problems to the Lord. It really is a 'Sweet Hour of Prayer', although for me it is 'Sweet Minutes of Prayer'. I have been amazed at how well everyone is doing. Prayers have been answered and one by one, each is improving. I am also overwhelmed with the peace I feel. I take comfort in the promise given by Jeffrey Holland, "The Lord has said, He would fight our battles, our children's battles and the battles of our children's children." I think I will turn it over to the Lord.

My part is prayer.

Fridays with Jim and Ginger

This Friday brought us a wonderful change of pace. We decided on a movie and dinner. The movie was The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. I wasn't sure if it would be good and Jim really wasn't sure about it. I like deep movies, he likes comedy so I won on this one. It is the story of a man who is born old and gets younger each day. It is a short story by F. Scott Fitzgerald and the movie verson stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett. How can you go wrong with that?

Anyway, I absolutely loved it! I am going to have to buy the book. There were so many little treasures throughout that I want to remember and maybe even quote. I don't know when I have enjoyed a movie this much.

Dinner? Taco Bell. Couldn't have been better.

Letter to my grandchildren

Written by Paul Harvey, agreed with by me.
We tried so hard to make things better for our kids that we made them worse. For my grandchildren, I'd like better. I'd really like for them to know about hand me down clothes and homemade ice cream and leftover meat loaf sandwiches. I really would.

I hope you learn humility by being humiliated, and that you learn honesty by being cheated.I hope you learn to make your own bed and mow the lawn and wash the car. And I really hope nobody gives you a brand new car when you are sixteen.

It will be good if at least one time you can see puppies born and your old dog put to sleep. I hope you get a black eye fighting for something you believe in. I hope you have to share a bedroom with your younger brother/sister. And it's all right if you have to draw a line down the middle of the room, but when he wants to crawl under the covers with you because he's scared, I hope you let him.

When you want to see a movie and your little brother/sister wants to tag along, I hope you'll let him/her. I hope you have to walk uphill to school with your friends and that you live in a town where you can do it safely.

On rainy days when you have to catch a ride, I hope you don't ask your driver to drop you two blocks away so you won't be seen riding with someone as uncool as your Mom. If you want a slingshot, I hope your Dad teaches you how to make one instead of buying one. I hope you learn to dig in the dirt and read books.

When you learn to use computers, I hope you also learn to add and subtract in your head.I hope you get teased by your friends when you have your first crush on a boygirl, and when you talk back to your mother that you learn what ivory soap tastes like.

May you skin your knee climbing a mountain, burn your hand on a stove and stick your tongue on a frozen flagpole. I do care if you try a beer once, but if you do I hope you don't like it.. And if a friend offers you dope or a joint, I hope you realize he is not your friend.

I sure hope you make time to sit on a porch with your Grandma/Grandpa and go fishing with your Uncle. May you feel sorrow at a funeral and joy during the holidays. I hope your mother punishes you when you throw a baseball through your neighbor's window and that she hugs you and kisses you at Christmas time when you give her a plaster mold of your hand.

These things I wish for you - tough times and disappointment, hard work and happiness. To me, it's the only way to appreciate life. Written with a pen. Sealed with a kiss..... I'm here for you. And if I die before you do, I'll go to heaven and wait for you

Trials

Why does something always seem to happen? Just when things were getting better? This is a question all of us ask from time to time. Sometimes it is hard to keep a proper perspective of things. I was reading the Ensign and came across this short story from last months issue. It touched me and I thought you might like to read it too. Just click on the link. http://lds.org/Static%20Files/PDF/Magazines/Ensign/English/2009/EN_2009_01_10___04201_000_025.pdf

I would also recommend you read the latest post on www.societystuff.blogspot.com It is also a good one.

Look at the fun you could be having!

52 Blessing Project - Week 3

There are so many things I consider a blessing in my life right now, it was hard to pick one thing. But it became easy when I really stopped to think about it. This week I am grateful for toilets that work. Now, this is not something that normally crosses my radar. But after months of putting up with a handle that had to be held down, and another one that ran continually I had a mini hissy fit and voila! Jim finally fixed them. Wow! You can flush and walk away and be confident the next time you return there will not be a surprise.

It doesn't take much to make me happy.


This blessing was reinforced as I was sitting in the parking lot at work when a middle age man came out of the office, walked over to where I was sitting in my car and peed on the the bushes! I was horrified! What should I do? Do I watch? Do I laugh? Do I honk the horn? No I did nothing. I was so afraid he would turn around and flash me, I didn't want to see anything. I keep my eyes on the floor. But after he was in his car I gave him the evil eye. Don't think he cared. Now I know why the bushes aren't doing so well. It's not the lack of water.

Prayers for Sammy

Brent and Dani called last night to say Sammy was taken to intensive care. He has RSV. His oxygen levels were very low. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes infection of the lungs and breathing passages and is a big concern for such a tiny new baby. Dani is with Sammy and Brent is with the other kids. So lots of prayers are needed. Will keep you posted.

Family

Is there anything in the world that matters more to me? No there is not. I often look at how richly blessed I am with all my wonderful children and their spouses (who I love as much as is possible), my grandchildren and my great-grandchildren. (I know I am way, way to young to be a great-grandma, but I was a child bride). My life is full and I will never be alone. How did I get to be so lucky? It was by sacrifice.

Years ago, when I was young, I did what I knew was right and put many of my own goals and desires on hold to raise a large family. It wasn't easy, pregnancy was horrible, childbirth a nightmare I still shudder at. Diapers, bottles, crying, etc. seemed to never end. But it was also the most wonderful time of my life. Because I was willing to sacrifice then I became the person I am today and now I am enjoying the harvest of my earlier work. The reward and blessings are so much greater than the sacrifice. I would do it all over again given the chance.

I wanted to share a poem with Lauri as she is struggling with her latest news. It is by one of my favorites, Carol Lynn Pearson

Investment
How enviously
I watched
The rose bush
Bear her bud-
Such an easy,
Lovely birth.
And
At that moment
I wished
The sweet myth
Were true -
That I could Pluck you,
My child,
From some
Green vine.

But now
As you breathe,
Through flesh
That was mine
(Gently in the
Small circle
Of my arms),
I see
The wisdom
of investment.

The easy gift
Is easy to forget
But what is bought
With coin of pain-
Is dearly kept.

Joy in The Journey

I just read Lauri's latest post and it has touched my heart. She quoted from Pres. Monson's talk on finding joy in the journey ..“Both abundance and lack [of abundance] exist simultaneously in our lives, as parallel realities. It is always our conscious choice which secret garden we will tend … when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present—love, health, family, friends, work, the joys of nature, and personal pursuits that bring us [happiness]—the wasteland of illusion falls away and we experience heaven on earth.”

I love this quote and want to make it a part of my life. I usually do find joy in the journey, but it seems I do so by accident. I am going to try to consciously do this each day, no matter what...no matter who gets in my way. So I going to follow Lauri's lead and use Joy as my word for the year. Thanks Lauri!

52 Blessing Project - Week 2

Last year I wasn't very good at writing down a blessing every week. I am going to start all over again.But this year I am going to try really had to accomplish that goal. So for my first blessing of the year. This week I am grateful for new beginnings. I love the chance to start over, wipe the slate clean and start again. I think this is the basis of the gospel. When we repent we are given a new page to write on. The old is destroyed and the new life begins.

I have thought long and hard of what my goals are going to be this year. I don't like resolutions, they are too easy to break but I am pretty goal oriented so they usually help me stay on track. There are so many things to choose from: weight, health, exercise, family, work, finances and on and on. I have decided to limit my goal to one with several sub- categories. My number 1 goal is going to be to purify my life, become a better person, more like what I know I can become. I think if I can do this everything else will fall in place, like work and money. Of course, this will take a big leap of faith, but I think that is part of the process.

I am starting by reading the scriptures every single day - no skips! Not alot, just 1-2 pages. This is possible and not hard, just need the habit formed. The next is more meaningful prayer. Every day. Again I need to take the time to really kneel down and think about what I need to say. I have begun to start every prayer with "Father are you there?" I then wait until I feel His spirit before I go any further. It is making a difference. I think spirituality is like anything else, it needs to be worked on or it is lost.

So I am looking forward to a great year. I will have some other goals as well so this could be a year of real growth.