SPECIAL BROWNIES

My hubbie and I went on a fun date last weekend: dinner, Christmas shopping, and then dessert. Since it was getting late, our choices for dessert were somewhat limited and we ended up at BJ's restaurant & brewery. We love their pizza and salads! While I was eating my apple crisp (which was D-sgusting), my husband was working on his Brownie. Suddenly he looked like he was choking! My concern quickly turned to panic as he sat there writhing and not anwering me: "What's wrong? Can you breathe? What is it?"

Just as I was about to get up and perform the heimlich he recovered and said that he had just had the most revolting bite of something. At that moment the waitress came up asking what was wrong. It wasn't 1 minute more before the manager showed up too. My babe tried to explain what he had eaten. The manager said that the pizza making station is at the same table as the pizookies and brownies and it was decided that a clove of garlic had fallen into the brownie. Yuck! They wanted to bring him a new one. He passed.

They were apologetic and comped the dessert (I left a bigger tip). Each year for Christmas Eve we have a tradition of ordering pizza. I have a feeling that this year it won't be from BJ's.

O Tannenbaum!

One of my most favorite Christmas traditions is decorating the tree. Each year we go to a Christmas tree lot and pick out the "best" tree. Once its home and in place we pull out the bin of ornaments and lights. The kids dance around asking for one of their special ornaments and exclaiming, "Oh I remember this one!" Each ornament has a story and is special for a different reason. For instance, you can barely just see a little Campbell's Soup Can towards the top of the tree. Look in your pantry to see where it was made--Good ole' Camden, New Jersey where we spent two years of our life. Its fun to unpack that one and share what memories come to mind.

I especially like the ornaments with pictures of the kids. I imagine as the years go by those pictures will become more and more precious.

I have friends who have trees beautifully decorated and coordinated. They look wonderful! But I am very happy with our hodge-podge offering.

The other night my dad was over and remarked that the tree looked so good that it almost looked fake. I thought that a little ironic since people will compliment fake trees by saying they look real. Either way, I love the feelings our Christmas tree brings to my heart!

Now What?! Ha ha ha!

Phew! I'm glad that my talk is over! It was like putting down a burden that I had been carrying around for a week. I feel like it went okay. I was the concluding speaker and had 23 minutes to fill! Of course I've never been one to have a problem being quiet so I told a couple stories I had originally decided not to tell because of time and finished exactly when I was supposed to. (Plus I knew if I finished early then my primary sharing time lesson would have that much extra time--no way!)

Another relief for me....my Christmas cards are mailed out. Yeah! If you don't get one in the next couple days its because I don't have your address. Email me if you're dying to see it.

Plus my sweet little sister suggested we make and deliver treats together this year. (She lives just down the street from me and so we have a lot of the same people we would be delivering to) One thing I love about my sister is that she follows through and finishes projects. So I knew that we would get them done, and we did! They are all delivered. Yipee!

And I'm all done with my Christmas shopping too. Although I still need something for my 12th wedding anniversary this month.

So now that those things are done what next? Hmmm. I haven't wrapped any presents. I have all the manuals to fill for 2009 primary. (Do people really still use the manuals or do they just print the lessons of the internet--could I just give binders with pictures, class lists, presidency info? Just taking a poll for 2010.) Sharing time for 2 more weeks. And then the Christmas projects I have every intention of doing with my kids during break. I bought holiday shrinky-dinks; Do you remember those?

Last Monday I called a friend to see if she wanted to go walking that night. I think she could tell I wanted to vent and while we walked she listened. But it was interesting because after several minutes I suddenly realized how silly I must have sounded. Sure I feel burdened by the self-induced stresses that come from the holidays but really I am so very blessed. My husband is staying busy at his job. My family is in good health. I am surrounded by wonderful friends and family. We have food on our table and presents ready to be wrapped. I am firm in my faith. My complaints are trivial compared to others less fortunate than me. I plan on enjoying the rest of the month with my family making shrinky-dinks, baking sugar cookies, reading Christmas stories, sipping hot chocolate, and realizing that one day I'll look back and wish for this time again. Merry Christmas and God bless us, everyone!

MY BEST SELF

I'm going to be speaking in church on Sunday--12-15 minutes. My assigned topic is "Becoming your best self through meaningful service." I've been studying each night since Sunday gathering ideas and working on an outline. Right now I feel a little confused and not quite sure how to approach it. I thought I might ask for you help.

When you think of your "best self," do you think of qualities and traits or actions and things you need to be doing?

I enjoy the preparation part of speaking. I find myself reading through topics that don't necessarily apply to my talk but are wonderful and inspirational.

One that I really enjoyed is this article by David A Bednar. And this one by Neal A. Maxwell seems to apply more today than ever. I thought that this talk entitled "Waiting Upon the Lord" by Henry B Eyring was awesome.

But as much as I enjoy the studying, I am so scared of speaking. My voice is shaky and if anything rattles me, my face blushes so red its purple. My eyes water and my knees shake. I can only hope that since I'm the concluding speaker everyone else will go long and I'll be left with just enough time to say "Merry Christmas!"

That's a bit of a stretch...

It's no secret I enjoy shopping of all kinds. I think Black Friday I set a record for the longest I've ever shopped in one day (Thanks for staying home with the kids Babe!) But my shopping enjoyment has certain rules--the biggest of which is that I don't go clothes shopping for myself. I love finding bargains to decorate my house with. I get a high digging through racks at Last Chance for kids shoes and clothes. So far I can still pick out darling clothes for my kids and they'll wear them. Shopping. Kids clothes and shoes. Gifts. Home Decor. Gourmet Food. Kitchen Gadgets. BOOKS! Toys. Music. Clothes for Hubbie. Commissions for misc items from Mom and Sister. Sales!

But I hate trying to find things for myself. I was figuring this past week that in the last 3 1/2 years I have bought a total of 4 pairs of jeans. One was maternity and another pair was for that akward post-maternity time frame. The third pair I wear as often as they are clean and the fourth pair sits on my closet shelf waiting for the time that they will fit or stretch. (I was told that they stretch a full size so to buy a size smaller. I put them on every week or so, wear them around the house and then take them off whenever I need to sit down or breathe--whichever come first)

On the days when my good pair is dirty, I wear the jeans that I bought 4 years ago. My sisters haven't said anything yet about boot cut or straight legs being out so I figure at least I'm still presentable.

Here's the thing. My "new" jeans are so much more comfortable than the old ones because they're made of that special stretchy fabric. When you sit down the crease doesn't cut off the circulation to the leg. And even after washing, they still fit right.

So I need to go jean shopping for myself. Sigh. (The only thing worse than that would be buying new bras.) Given the life expectancy of my denim I don't mind spending a little more but I need help to know what to look for so I can minimize that depressing time standing in front of the 3 way mirror in the dressing room. What are your favorites?

A DAY TO REMEMBER

My sweet little daughter was baptized on Saturday. It was a special day filled with family and friends to share in her joy. #2 has always been a pensive child full of deep thoughts about heaven and life. She asks me questions that I'm sure I had never thought about when I was 6 & 7. I'm very happy that she made the decision to be baptized.

THE UPSHOT

Today my brother-in-law was here visiting from a small community. He was going to get a gun before "Obama will make it practically impossible," and invited my husband to come along. I thought he was being melodramatic.

Four hours later he came home empty handed. First they had gone to a gun store (not a sports store that sells guns--but an actual gun store.) They were all sold out of most guns and ammunition! Next they went to a sports store where the gun counter was so packed with people they had hard time getting help. They were also sold out of most guns and ammo. Same thing with the next store.

Here's the upshot: This doesn't have much to do with guns but what people are thinking is going to happen once BO takes office. Was there a run on guns and ammo when either Bushs or Clinton took office? I doubt it. Did the stock market have a record drop for 2 days straight following the past elections? No--hence the word RECORD. (Side note: Media Gripe #452 On Nov 5, I checked the news several times to see what the stock market was doing. Not until it dropped so low that it became a record did the media report it on their front pages because they couldn't ignore it any longer and still be called "fair and balanced.") People with money and people with guns are nervous. I am too. OB is inheriting the problems with the economy and I'm truly hoping he will be able to help, but I don't think he's the CHANGE this country needs right now.

CAN I BURY MY HEAD IN THE SAND NOW?

Celebrating the beautiful weather, my youngest two and I were enjoying some time at the park. #3 is playing with a little Asian-looking girl and coincidently I'm sitting next to the girl's mother.

With the 2 sitting atop a giant flower, we overhear my daughter telling her new friend, "My dad doesn't like people from China."

Realizing I need to end this conversation quickly I yell out, "No! that is not true. He does like people from China."

#3: "No, he doesn't! He told me!"

Me: "Why do you think that?"

#3: "Because they don't be free."

Me: "Honey, he was talking about their goverment. Do you know what a goverment is?"

#3: "Yes, they are in charge of the world!"

The woman sitting next to me was cordial. She said her daughter walks around telling everyone they won't buy any toys from China. She was probably secretly thinking I was a jerk.

For the rest of the day I drilled #3. Does Daddy like people who live in China? Yes!

#3 has a way with words. A few other things she says: Instead of Dimetapp--DimeAttack. Instead of your Big Toe--its your Thumb Toe. You can set the table--and you can set your bed. I use that phrase now when I tell the kids to clean their rooms and set their beds. Now that I'm thinking about it, is that a normal phrase--to set the bed? I've used it for so long I'm not sure if its normal or not. Oh well, its just another way that a little person affects your life to the point that you can't possibly imagine life without them and the thought of missing that is too painful to even consider.

(She has fish sheets because I don't have an extra pair of pink sheets and hers were in the wash.)

On a field trip to the pumpkin patch with her preschool class.

ALL'S QUIET ON THE HOME FRONT

Last night I had a meeting which lasted about 2 hours. I purposely didn't listen to the reports before so I would be able to concentrate at my meeting. In the past, we have always stayed up to watch the results as they were called. I remember 8 years ago, when #2 was just a week old and my mom was staying with us, we stayed up til early morning watching and waiting with the rest of the nation.

On my way home I called my husband to see if I should pick up some treats--anticipating another late night. He had turned off the TV an hour before that and was working out.

Once I got home we woke up the oldest 2 to tell them the news. #2 started crying. Really. She was worried about our future.

I looked at caller ID and was shocked to see that not ONE PERSON had called our house--not even my Dad! My husband hadn't called anyone either. He was in bed by 10:00.

Alone in my gloom I finally called my Dad around 11:00 knowing that he would still be up. My Mom had already gone to bed too. We talked politics. Neither of us had been able to find out about Prop 8 in CA. The CA Secretary of State site was running so slow plus their polls were open until 8:00 and they are an hour behind us.

Finally around 1:00 I retired. Disappointed in one outcome but optimistic since AZ, FL, and CA (so far) all chose to protect marriage. Last Sunday, President Packer told all of Arizona that there are "drastic CHANGES coming." I'm pretty sure it's the kind of "change" none of us are going to like.

LESSONS IN GEOLOGY

I was asking a friend if she had any great ideas on cleaning toilets and how to get the ring out of my kids' bowl. She said that she uses a pumice stone and that it works great. So I went to Wal-mart and found the "natural cleaning stone." It worked so well that I decided to use it on the sinks too. The sinks didn't really need it but it's always fun to use a new "toy," and so I scrubbed away. Whoops!

What I found out, which my husband confirmed later that night, is that porcelain is a much harder stone than cultured marble. Huh. It might have said something like that on the directions I didn't read.

I guess when we get granite in the kitchen, I may have a vanity that needs replacing as well.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM

My friend had some extra tickets to "A Midsummer Night's Dream" put on by Arizona Ballet at Symphony Hall and invited me and my daugthers to go. (Thanks JL!) It was a wonderful girls date out! #2 even got to miss school. After the ballet we went to Paradise Bakery where both girls were excited to order Macaroni and Cheese. (I don't know why?)

Before the ballet, I prepared the girls for the experience. We talked about how a ballet tells a story through dance and music but no words. We talked about appropriate behavior at the theater. I told them all about the story so they would understand better what was happening and even about Shakespeare. The ballet started and I was thinking that I had done a pretty good job until #2 leans over to me and whispers,

"Mom? Is that the boys' privates I can see?"

"Ummmmm."

THE SWEETEST THINGS

My mom took my 8 year old daughter out for a special birthday date. While they were eating dinner my mom asked her, "So what was the very best thing about being 7 years old?"

My mom was thinking about the highlights #2 had had this past year: Disneyland and CA trip, Camping, Trip to UT, riding the Catapult at Lagoon, birthday parties, sleep-overs, spending time with cousins, birthday, Christmas, holidays, etc.

My sweet little daughter thought about it for a moment and answered, "when my dad let me ride on his shoulders."

It is so tender that it makes me teary just to think about her saying that. Because as much fun as she has had this year, her most cherished memories are being with her dad. I hope that never changes!

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING ANYONE?

I'm not going to lie to you: I love shopping! (Grocery Stores, Target, & Costco DON'T count)

But even with that confession, to receive 27 catalogs in the mail in one day is excessive. I immediately threw out most of them. Some I glanced over before tossing and I kept about 6 to look at later.

Most of the catalogs I'd never even heard of before. "Napa Style" mostly sells wines. And "Chasing Fireflies" has children's clothes so exorbitantly expensive even the sale items are ridiculous.

But the question of the day is "Where did I shop to get onto this mailing list?" 'Deva Lifewear' It was about to go into the trash until I got a good look at the cover. If you have not heard of this catalog, you must look it up online! They "specialize in mens and womens functional cotton clothing crafted in their homes for over 25 years." If you'll indulge me, I will post just a few of their offerings. This first picture was the one on the cover that first caught my attention.

MATH CLUB

#1 & 2 have been in a math club for a little over a year. This past weekend we had a Math Club party to celebrate the accomplishments of the students. (Think of it like a piano recital). The goal of the club is getting the kids to be able to do mental math quickly. I don't think they realize how far they've come since starting. Just a couple weeks ago I was at a store and needed some numbers added quickly. I began: 23 plus 14 plus 8 plus 8 plus 4 plus 13 plus 7. They both raised their hands. #1 said 77. #2 said 78. #1 was right and his sister only one number off. Right now #1 is working on long division problems. #2 is doing double digit subtraction problems. Both of them are working on math problems way above their grade level.

When I was younger I had my fair share of activities and lessons--ballet, tap dance, gymnastics, piano lessons, voice lessons, basketball, swim team, sewing lessons, etc. I'm sure all of them helped me in some way but its very seldom that I need to know how to do a "kick ball change." Don't get me wrong, I'm very glad my parents supported (and payed) for me with my various interests. I still play the piano and could probably sew something if I needed to. But I look at other things I did and wonder if it was worth it.

With this math class there has been a certain amount of grumbling. After the first week they accused me of lying to them since clubs were supposed to be fun and this was not. They weren't sure it could even be called a "club." Next came the "I want to quit" phase. I made a compromise saying when they got to a certain level they could choose to stop but not until then. The past few months there has been little complaining (except for maybe about the homework) and #1 even says he likes going.

I hope that one day they will understand the benefit of this like I do and realize that it was more than just a club.

WHO KNEW? ALMOST EVERYONE EXCEPT FOR ME.

Sometime in the morning during our 2nd day in Disneyland, I realized that I'd be crippled by the end of the day if I didn't do something about my shoes. I was wearing old comfortable tennis shoes, but still felt several blisters getting worse. I walked through the shops on Main St. and found a sale (shock!) for 40% off select styles of crocs. I figured that my kids love their crocs so why not. (Plus they were on sale--that always helps with my justifications) To my complete shock they were surprisingly comfortable and didn't bother the blisters what so ever. I wore them the entire rest of the week. As much as I loved them though, I haven't worn them since we got back. Somehow its all fine and good to walk around Disneyland decked out in Disney gear from head to foot, but I think the fairy dust comes off once you leave Anaheim.

DIS-UH-NEE-LAND!

All in all we spent 3 full days at the Magic Kindgdom plus one special night called "Mickey's Trick-or-Treat Event." I was hoping that this trip could be a little more relaxing than past visits, but at the end of it all I still felt like we had rushed around the park trying to get in as many rides as possible.

We completely avoided Fantasy Land until the last night when I took #3 around the corner from Matterhorn. She gasped when she saw the Alice in Wonderland ride and the teacups. "Please can we go on that Momma?" I felt guilty realizing that we had dragged her on all the "big" rides like Tower of Terror and Space Mountain because we wanted to go on them not necessarily because she was enjoying them. On the 3rd time around for Tower of Terror she shook her finger at me and said, "This is the last time I"m going to do this!" She and I spend the rest of the evening enjoying Fantasy Land and watching the fireworks.

I think next year we'll split up to divide and conquer. As much as I enjoy the rides it was way more fun to watch #3's eyes light up when we flew through the air on Peter Pan.

The trick-or-treat party at CA Adventure was not at all what had been expected. It required a separate ticket and I had heard that because the tickets were limited there was no more than a 5 minute wait for each ride. It was a mob scene!!! Yes we did come home with 15 pounds of candy (that is NOT an exaggeration) , but it was more crowded than I have ever seen it on a normal day. And with the party only lasting 4 hours, after spending 45 minutes in the Toy Story line I was worried it would be a total bust.

The kids didn't seem to mind the crowds or the lines. They enjoyed being there in their costumes and looking at everybody else's costumes. I think if I hadn't been expecting short lines I probably would have enjoyed the experience more too. #1 looked like an authentic Indiana Jones. #2 & #3 were happy to be princesses, and #1 stole the show in his rooster get-up.

WE ACTUALLY GOT TO WEAR SWEATSHIRTS!

For the first day of our family vacation to The O.C. we took a harbor tour in Newport Beach. We had originally planned a 2 1/2 hour whale watching which was cancelled because of the wind. This was a good thing since #3 & #4 barely lasted the 45 minutes for the harbor tour.

Afterward we strolled down the beach with all the other tourists visiting the shops and sampling the donut and ice cream vendors.

The kids begged to go on the ferris wheel for $3.00/person.

"Are you kidding? We're going to Disneyland tomorrow?!"

We succumbed. $18.00 and 4 minutes later I'm thinking about how many other things that money could have bought!

Later we walked down Newport Pier and ate dinner at the grill there. The sun was setting, the wind was blowing, and I was actually cold! Then we experienced one of my most favorite "life's simple joys." We all ordered mugs of hot chocolate.

I don't consider myself a chocolate type person. I'll always take Skittles over Snickers, but there is something so wonderful and soothing about slowly sipping a cup of hot chocolate while you're cold. After the last drop had been drunk and feeling especially generous I ordered 6 more mugs! Nevermind how much it cost! I was sharing one of those moments with my family when everything feels right and as my dad would say, "it don't get no better than this!" This is my fondest memory from our trip.

A LUG NUT WHAT?

We're on our way to the happiest place on earth. Kids are dressed, lunches are packed, sunscreen has been applied. The camera, stroller, & sweatshirts are ready too. We're in the car driving along in the carpool lane and I'm feeling pretty good that we will get to the park 1/2 hour after it has opened. My Dad has come in the car with us.

And then it happens. The loudest noise coming from the back of our car. Spouse immediately navigates right through 6 lanes of traffic and convienently stops next to a call box. Our back wheel is totally flat.

As if on cue, a tow truck pulls over within seconds. He offers his help but spouse sends him away because my dad and him can take care of it.

After the spare has been pulled out and they are ready to jack up the car, the men come looking for the "key for the lug nut." What is that? Apparently when I bought the car I authorized WHEEL LOCKS to be put on. And apparently I took the key to the wheel locks out of the car at some point. (Please keep in mind that I have absolutely no idea what these are and have no recollection of any discussion concerning said locks or keys.)

So the search begins. My dad, spouse, and I each look through every compartment where this lug nut key could be hiding. I discover a pair of scissors, 3 WORKING flashlights, and a 10 dollar bill, but no key.

Emotions are running high. We've been sitting on the side of the freeway for 45 minutes. A tow truck has been sent away once and now another one is being called. 60 minutes and counting the same tow truck shows up but he doesn't have the needed lug nut key, and he can't tow us because its the back tire. A different tow truck is called. 100 minutes on the side of the freeway and my mom comes to pick up the kids and my dad. (I expect my dad is grateful to escape the tension). 120 minutes and the spare has been put on and we are on our way to a Honda dealership where we buy a replacement "lug nut key" What? It looks like a wrench! I was looking for an actual key! 135 minutes and counting and we are sent to "Just Tires" who can replace the tire quicker than the dealership. The man overcharges us, but the office is programmed to Fox News so spouse says its okay. 180 minutes after the tire first blows out we are headed back to the beach house. Disneyland will have to wait for another day. And that's okay because who wants to spend a day at the happiest place on earth when you're the UNhappiest you've been in a long time?

P.S. I have since found out that "Wheel locks are specialized lug nuts designed to prevent the theft of wheels and rims." According to the tow truck driver they are 100% useless since anyone who really wants to steal the wheels most likely has the needed lug nut keys anyway. Brilliant!

TAGGED

Is it possible to be tagged when you don't even have a blog yet? Well I was and this has been hanging over my head since June...Thanks JL!

Tag: Out of the Best Books

List 10 books you've read recently that you'd recommend to others. (One stipulation--you CAN'T list any of the Twilight series books.)

So I will list some of the books I've read in the last few months---these are not necessarily my favorite books. You can look at my goodreads.com account for those.

{In no particular order}

WHY GENDER MATTERS by Leonard Sax. This was recommended to me by my mother and sister and I have only just started this book. It is all about the differences between boys and girls and practical ways to understand them better. It is fascinating so far.

THE FRIDAY NIGHT KNITTING CLUB by Kate Jacobs. Quick Read. This is a story about women who are so different from each other who form friendships after meeting at a knitting store. After turning the last page I wasn't sure how I felt about it, but I've found myself thinking about these women many times since finishing the book.

A THOUSAND SPLENDID SUNS by Khaled Hosseini. This was the assigned book for my book club last month and I put off reading it for as long as I could. While I enjoy reading, my favorite genres are fantasy and historical fiction. I read to escape. I read for entertainment. I read for fun. To say I didn't like it would be correct, however to say that I felt inspired and determined to appreciate my own life after reading it would also be correct. I think this is one of those books that every American woman should read. It's bittersweet.

THE GOOSE GIRL SERIES (Enna Burning & River Secrets) by Shannon Hale. So far I have adored all of her books! Her writing style is descriptive and beautiful. Each book is fresh with new ideas and analogies. I never fell like she's repeating herself like many other authors (Sophie Kinsella). I look forward to Shannon's book like a piece of good cheesecake. The anticipation is wonderful. I wait until I am by myself so I can enjoy it uniterrupted. And then I relish it slowly bite by bite.

THE MOLLY MURPHY MYSTERIES by Rhys Bowen. More super quick fun reads perfect for waiting in carpool lines. Molly is an Irish immigrant in New York City during the 1900's. Great romance and intriquing mysteries.

THE PARENTING BREAKTHROUGH by Merrilee Browne Boyack. "A real life plan to teach your kids to work, save money, & be truly independent." Easy to read and makes great sense to me. The goal in raising our children is for them to be independent. This has practical ways to accomplish that including a wonderful checklist for things your child should be able to do by X number of years. i.e. 9 years old some items are bake cake, sew on buttons, fill car with gas, etc.

THE GREAT AND TERRIBLE SERIES by Chris Stewart. The 6 and final book in the series just was released and I'm thinking I may need to go pick it up today. This series deals with "the last days." It is complete fiction and after I've finished each book it haunts my thoughts for weeks afterward.

NORTH AND SOUTH by Elizabeth Gaskell. I loved this! I watched the BBC movie first and would say it is one of those rare instances where the movie makes the book better and visa versa. It is set in England in the 1880's during the industrial revolution. A perfect mix of romance & social commentary. This ranks up there with some of my favorite classics "Pride & Prejudice" and "Tale of Two Cities."

INKHEART SERIES by Cornelia Funke. Pure fantasy you can escape into. The 3rd book was just released.

MY SISTER'S KEEPER by Jodi Picoult This is a book that makes you think...similar to "Life of Pi." As my husband said, "she took the easy way out at the end." You'll have to read it and let me know what you think.

BOOKS I WILL BE READING SOON: Brisingr (3rd in the Eragon Series), The Hunger Games (recommended by Stephenie Meyer), Three Cups of Tea, and Enslaved by Ducks.

TO NEW BEGINNINGS...

After considering starting my own blog for months now, this quote from Pres Gordon B. Hinckley is what gave me that final push I needed to begin:

"You will have significant experiences. I hope that you will write them down and keep a record of them, that you will read them from time to time and refresh your memory of those meaningful and significant things. Some may be funny. Some may be significant only to you. Some of them may be sacred and quietly beautiful. Some may build one upon another until they represent a lifetime of special experience."

I have been terrible at keeping a journal and recording the joys and sorrows of my life. I'm hoping that this blog will help me to change that.