Mexican Quinoa Salad

Just thought I'd share one of my favorite summer salads...

Mexican Quinoa Salad 

1 1/2 cups water
1 cup quinoa

Heat water to boiling. Add quinoa and cover with lid. Lower heat to medium-low and allow to simmer until the liquid is absorbed (about 15 minutes). Cool.

1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
1/2 small jalapeño, finely chopped (I leave this out if using spicy salsa)
2 green onions, chopped
2 roma tomatoes, diced
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 ounce) can corn, drained and rinsed (optional)

1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 handful chopped cilantro
1/2 cup salsa (if I have pico I use that)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
salt to taste 

Add remaining ingredients to the cooled quinoa. Lightly toss together until well coated by the salsa and oil. 

Refrigerate for an hour before serving.

Just to wet you palate I am adding this picture from recipegirl.com:

Camper for sale *Sold

We are selling our 1978 Rancho El Rae 23' camp trailer. It has been wonderful and I love the layout with nice open spaces.

*We are asking $1500 for this camp trailer, but the price is negotiable.

Two years ago Jesse replaced the tires and the toilet. He also built shelves into several of the closets/cupboards. Great working fridge, stove, oven and heater. Tons of storage space. Linoleum floor makes for super easy clean up.

Here are some pics for those of you interested (don't try to orient yourself because I took them with my computer so they are all backwards):

Table that turns into bed- cushions are newly re-done:

Sink & fridge:

Kitchen & bedroom:

Kitchen & closet:

Kitchen & table:

Bunk bed over table:

Bedroom:

Sink & toilet:

Sink & tub:

 Stove & oven:

Outside:

God reveals His secrets to His prophets

A friend posted this on Facebook today and I can't help but share it...mostly so that I can re-read it and try to remember that the life the Lord has given me is full of joy and beauty as well as trials.


“ A pebble held close to the eye appears to be a gigantic obstacle. Cast on the ground, it is seen in perspective. Likewise, problems or trials in our lives need to be viewed in the perspective of scriptural doctrine. Otherwise they can easily overtake our vision, absorb all our energy, and deprive us of the joy and beauty the Lord intends us to receive here on earth.” 
                                                          -Richard G. Scott


I had a few really good days. I slept a lot, but I also was able to see, walk and work around the house. I even drove to pocatello to have a visit with my oh so knowledgable psychologist. I love it when my head is clear enough to think...which it really isn't today so I am going to take a small nap.


I want to remember Amos 3:7 ... God reveals his secrets to His prophets. Their words can help me if I listen.

Self-worth vs. Depression

The past few weeks have certainly been challenging, probably more so for my dear husband and children than they have been for me. As the world has spun around me, literally, I have reached aimlessly for pieces of my life to help ground me. It seems over and over again my hands come back empty. I have spent years defining myself through my accomplishments. Clean kitchen. Check. Folded laundry. Check. Dinner on the table. Kids tucked in bed. A 30 minute show in my husband's arms. Check. Check. Check. At the end of the day I could say, "Look what I've done...I'm a pretty good wife and mother. I have a purpose. I am of worth."

So what can I say for myself when my greatest accomplishment of the day is getting to the bathroom without a cane? Or visiting with the kids without a blindfold over my eyes? Or on a good day, pouring a bowl of cereal for my four year old instead of having him eat it out of the box?

This feeling of inadequacy often leaves me questioning my self worth, and these are the moments when I ask the Lord why he spared me and if it wouldn't have just been easier to let that darn blood vessel bleed in my head. Such un-grattitude leads me deep into an abyss of hopelessness.

In an effort to avoid that dark depression, so often wanting to suck me in, I have worked to find some things to hold on to and bring me a sense of stability. This is what I have learned:

1) I am not defined by how much I get done, but by the fact that I am a child of God. Molded by His hands. Loved by Him. Strengthened through the atoning sacrifice of our Savior. God loves me for the strength of my spirit, not the strength of my body. Not only that, but He loves me so much that He allowed Christ to suffer excruciating pains so that I can live with Him for eternity! Seriously? He doesn't care that I use a cane and sometimes stutter!

2) Every moment with my children is an opportunity to really be with them and feel their love. Even if I wear a blindfold or ear plugs their sweet touch is healing. Dallin rubbed my feet with lotion (granted he wanted me to pay him like his Grandma does) but the gentle touch of his hands brought me a sense of peace and love.

Well, okay...I am sad to say that these are the only two things I feel strongly about right now. There are so many thoughts flying through my head and making me forget my blessings, but I am trying to hold onto the ones that calm me. That's all I can do. Just Try.

Thunderclap Headache

Jaden can't sleep because he is too worried about what he's seen happening to me (i.e.: me collapsing and stuttering). For those of you who have shared his worries I hope this answers questions and provides some relief.

What I am experiencing is the result of a thunderclap headache (occurred on Sunday night and was pretty disturbing). Usually this burst on your brain is caused by bleeding or clotting. Mine had no bleeding which is not only fortunate, but lifesaving. We had to do extensive testing, including the world's worst spinal tap, to make sure there is no trace of blood or swelling on my brain. The only residual effect of this thunderclap is damage to my nervous system. This is temporary and with a lot of rest I should get better. The doctor does not know how long I will have the stroke-like symptoms (could be days, weeks or months) but we should know my general trajectory within the next 3-5 days.

We are so grateful that it wasn't as bad as it could have been. And especially grateful for the wonderful friends who have rushed me to the doctor, made dinner, cleaned the house and loved our children. Our Grace family is truly amazing!!

¡¡THANK YOU & WE LOVE YOU!!

(Jaden picked the banner colors for the thank you and they are so not my style but I'll humor him...)

P.S. If you ever feel like your head has been shut down and rebooted or suddenly slammed by cymbals-

Go to an ER immediately!