Christmas Favorites

favorite activity

getting the mail

favorite production

I love my little play actors

favorite surprise

thanks, Sweetie!

Do you Believe?

I believe in Santa. To find out why, check out my post at Segullah.

Atta Girl!

I have this fun sister-in-law who is the epitome of "girl power." (Yes, Ree...talking about you!) Maybe her independence stems from being in the middle of an 8-kid family or maybe it comes from living on her own as a single young adult. Whatever it is, I'm impressed with her determination to do anything she wants to do.

I remember one night at my mother-in-law's home: someone needed a mattress moved from the basement up the steep stairs and out to a waiting truck. I'm not sure where everyone was, but M. said to our niece (who was probably 10), "Come on! We can to it! Who needs the men anyway?" Sure enough, the two of them pushed and pulled and managed to get that thing up the steps. I was watching them and thinking "I do! I need the men! Who wants to do this kind of thing when the men are available?"

I used to be more independent, more capable (at least more mentally able), of doing hard labor. Then, I got married and quite enjoyed the luxury of always having someone around to open jars, reach high shelves and do all the lifting.

One day last month I watched the weather report on the news and noted that the last warm day was upon us. I didn't yet have Christmas lights on my house. I really, really, really wanted lights. It was a Saturday, and Chad had patients all day. The snow was expected to fly on Monday. I couldn’t bear the idea of making Chad risk his life on the slickery roof just for lights. “I can do this,” I thought, “How hard can it be?”

So, after a few trips to the hardware store for more supplies and an afternoon spent up on the roof measuring and reworking the lights to get them to fit just right, our house was officially ‘decked.’ (Okay, the 'expert at home projects' DID have to help with one small part when he got home from work, but even he'll tell you that I did the lights.) As I climbed off the roof, I thought, "M. would be so proud!"

It was pretty funny that several ward members drove by, waved to me on the roof, and left looking confused. I hope Chad didn’t feel like I ousted him from his manly decorating duties. Actually, it was kind of fun. I had faced the fear of roof walking and recovered a bit of my premarital independence.

I think Chad was kind of proud of me, too.

Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him!

I just love the way my girl sets up her Nativity.

Cold Cereal

is the best choice for breakfast. Unless, of course, you want sparkling clean walls. In which case, you should definitely give in to your 4-year-old's pleas for his MOST favorite breakfast, German pancakes. For those who don't make these on a weekly basis, you mix eggs, flour and milk in your blender, pour the mixture into a hot, butter-filled baking dish, bake til puffy, and... voila.

That is, of course, unless you want those newly scrubbed walls.

In which case, you should pour milk, flour, and eggs into your blender, start 'er up and notice that some of the flour is sticking to the sides of the blender. At this point you should not, I repeat, NOT (this is important if you want those freshly clean walls) turn off the blender. Simply take off the lid of the still blending blender, and ever so gently scrape the insides until your rubber scraper gets instantly sucked into the blade, sending an Old-Faithful-like geyser of egg, flour and milk straight into the air. If you are lucky enough to have vaulted ceilings in your kitchen, and if your trajection was accurately timed, and if the scraper gets sufficiently wedged into an adequately spinning blade, you'll now notice that you've got splattered and quickly hardening egg stuck 12 feet high, all over the floor and pretty much everywhere else in between, including your own hair and clothes as well as those of your innocent children sitting at the bar waiting for German pancakes.

So, now you get to clean those walls.

Isn't it refreshing to have a newly scrubbed kitchen?

Hot and Cold

It is definitely soup season. So, I thought I'd share one of my favorites, in case you are in the mood. Enjoy!


Minestrone Soup
1/2 c. (or less) chopped onion
1/2 c. chopped celery
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp. oil
1/4 tsp pepper
3 c. beef broth
14.5 oz can diced tomatoes + 1/4 can water
1-2 tbsp dried parsley
2 tsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 bay leaf
4 cups chopped veggies (potatoes, carrots, zucchini)
3/4 c. (about 1/2 can) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1-2 oz small shell pasta
1/4 c. Parmesan cheese, grated (for garnish-optional)

Saute onion, celery and garlic in oil, in large soup pot, until tender. Add broth, tomatoes, water and spices. Bring to a boil, then simmer 20-30 minutes. Add veggies, cover, and simmer 15-20 minutes (depending on how big your pieces are chopped). Stir in bean and pasta and cook until pasta is al dente. Remove bay leaf, sprinkle with Parmesan, if desired, and serve.

Serves 4

Abraham Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclamation

October 3, 1863

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequaled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theater of military conflict; while that theater has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense, have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore. Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom. No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy.

It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People. I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens. And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverance and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

It is the duty of nations as well as of men to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God; to confess their sins and transgressions in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth, announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations are blessed whose God is the Lord.

May we remember Who to thank today and everyday. Have a GREAT Thanksgiving!


Thanks, Monica, for bringing this to my attention!

Note to Self:

Even when it is only 2 days 'til Thanksgiving, I still needed this reminder today. Glad I have this fun banner the kids and I made yesterday (to savor the last of the warm weather!) Thanks to Family Fun for the idea!

The Promise

I was asked to speak at our Enrichment meeting this past week. The topic: Mary the Mother of Christ. The Relief Society gave me over 2 months to prepare, so I had lots of time to do lots of reading and pondering. I'm usually one to write out everything and then read my talks when speaking in Sacrament meeting...I figure if it's good enough for the Apostles in General Conference, it's good enough for me. But, in this smaller setting I felt like I didn't want to read everything verbatim so I spent a lot of time "practicing" (ie. talking to myself, much to the curiosity of my kiddies), so I'd have it down. I felt like I had a pretty solid "body" of remarks but just didn't know how to end the talk, so I wrote "testimony" at the bottom and hoped I'd come up with something.

The night came. I was nervous, but felt I'd done much to prepare. It was going okay... The audience was a little hard to read, but no one was throwing rotten fruit or getting up to leave---good sign! I didn't know if I was making sense to anyone, but I figured I didn't have much choice but to finish what I'd prepared, so on I went. Then, I came to the end...to the word "testimony" and the part I hadn't practiced. I looked at this beautiful painting, by Morgan Weistling, I had borrowed from my sister and set up at the front of the room.

And, it came: I recalled my own "Christmas baby," born 3 years ago at this special time of year. I talked about the kinship I'd felt to Mary at that time; the wonder of that special feeling only a newborn can bring into your home, coupled with the spirit of HIS season. And I realized, in the very moment I was sharing it in front of this group of women, that not only was Mary celebrating the beginning of her own family and her new experience as a mother, but she was rejoicing in the fulfillment of the promise of the Messiah. This baby was her King.

I'm thankful that there is One who always keeps His promises.

"For it shall be given you in the very hour, yea, in the very moment, what ye shall say."
---D&C 100:6

I'm Worried...

I'm a first-rate worrier... just ask my husband. I am claiming non-responsibility for this trait, as my mom and grandma are even MORE worried than I am. I must have inherited it. Anyway, I'll try not to share ALL my worries here, but I'm unabashedly asking for advice, so I thought this was the best place to air my concerns:

First off...I need to apologize if all my past posts have popped up as 'new' on subscriber lists. I just spend the last few minutes going though my posts and editing out my kids' names. This was after I Googled the small bits of personal information I've shared on my blog and instantly found me...too easy! I've always been a little worried about privacy online...there are too many wack-o's out there. So, I've avoided using our last name, listing locations or other specifics. But, after reading this post and all the comments about blog and internet safety, I decided I had better error on the side of caution. Does anyone else have safety tips to share?

I can't imagine that my blog will be free from my kid's pics, but I'm thinking of changing the resolution of blog photos so they aren't very blow-up-able. Good idea or will it not make a difference??

Just so GREAT!

Don’t you love how you get “greater” the older you get? With age, you can become a great aunt, a great grandparent, or be remembered in future generations as a great great great … You just get greater and GREATER---in title at least!

My grandparents, my children’s great-grandparents, really are GREAT. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last week and I’ve been thinking about the greatness of it all: the longevity of their marriage, the joy they bring to their family and the way they still, after many years of service, find ways to bless the lives of their neighbors and ward members.

So, in honor of their anniversary, I thought I’d share some of the reasons why I think Grandpa and Grandma O. are great:

• It's great to know your greats: I love that my children know and love their great-grandparents. I have so few memories of MY greats. I know they were wonderful from the stories I’ve heard, but I’m so glad my children get the first-hand experience of knowing and loving their great-grandparents.
  
• They are great liars! Don’t get me wrong---they are both people of much integrity, but they always have a way of focusing on the positive, on the GREAT, and looking past the not-so-good…especially in other people. When I’m in their home, I’m the BEST mother, the GREATEST daughter, the MOST creative, the MOST organized, the BEST company, etc, etc, etc. Of course I know they are fibbing just a bit (sometimes a lot). But, their choice to emphasize the good makes me want to live up to those compliments. I always leave their house with a boost of self-confidence and the desire to be great.
• I love that, being 80 years removed from early childhood, they still know how to play. Their house is not a stuffy, old-folks-home but one of my kids’ favorite places to be. Grandma will sit tubside, pretending right along as Dal and Kate play submarine in her big (empty) Jacuzzi tub. She teaches Dallin to crochet stocking caps. She lets Kate give her birds a bath in the sink. And, Grandma Great is the best at making up new, silly games! We always laugh at Grandma and Grandpa's house.
  
• They are always good for a treat. Grandpa keeps his deep freeze full of grocery-store sale ice cream and Grandma's cupboard is stocked with Costco-sized bags of gummy bears, M&Ms, licorice, dried fruit and nuts. Their willingness to satisfy your sweet tooth is indicative of the generosity they've exhibited throughout their lives, sharing their resources, time, and talents with all who cross their way.
  
• I love that they delight in small things and small people. It is so fun to watch Grandma and Kate put together a puzzle or see Dallin’s grin as Grandpa takes him for a spin on his Jazzy Motor Scooter. They never (seem) to tire of watching the kids sing a song, do a summersault or play the “rhyming game.”
  
• They are faith-filled. Both are committed to the Church and continually seek for further gospel learning. I walked into the back room the other day to see Grandpa reading “Our Search for Happiness” and studying all the cross references in the scriptures along with it. The first time I brought Dallin to meet his great grandparents, he was 3 months old and a medical miracle. When she saw my little baby, Grandma immediately started to cry, kiss his face, and say, “I’ve prayed so much for you!” Their faith has impacted many in our family.
• I am Grandma’s favorite. I’m fully aware that every other cousin in my family thinks the same thing. The best thing is…they are her favorite, too. Grandma has an amazing ability to have LOTS of favorites and both Grandma and Grandpa make friends of all ages and types, from all over the world.
  

I could go on and on...there is so much I love about my grandparents. When all is said and done, however, the thing I love the most about them is that they are MINE and I love to claim them. They have lived a life and left a legacy for me; they are examples to follow and disciples to emulate.

I love you Grandpa & Grandma!

P.S. Don't you think it is great that, at age 85, they are computer literate and will be able to read this blog post? Like I said...they are great!

A Gift

Sunny days are doubly glorious when they are a gift, not a given.

Here we are a whole week into November. I’m supposed to be thinking about shopping, Christmas cards, turkey dinners and apple pie. Instead, I took my kids to the park.

Ahhhhh!

The lawn was covered in leaves. We played chase. We built a leaf pile. We jumped in. And, we LOVED the marvelous “crunch” all that fun made.

'Tis the Season

My kids are super excited to finally be able to eat pomegranates, or as Kate calls them, pom-it-gram-its. Mmmm!


My favorite dish at Thanksgiving dinner isn't the turkey or stuffing....it is Mom's salad, made with pomegranates.


Aunt Fay’s Thanksgiving Day Apple Salad
3-4 apples, various types, peeled and chopped (I like granny smith and golden delicious)
1 pomegranate, peeled and seeded
2 pears, peeled and chopped
1 bunch red grapes, halved
1 large can mandarin orange slices, drained
2-3 bananas, sliced
3/4 – 1 pint whipping cream chopped
nuts (optional)

Toss fruit together in large bowl. Whip cream with beaters until thick. Add sugar to taste. Stir cream into fruit until covered. Sprinkle nuts on top, if desired.

My 'Why?' Guy

I had an epiphany the other day. A family was seated behind us in Church and I could hear the conversation between the little girl, Alexis, and her mom as the bishop announced that after sacrament meeting, the primary children should stay in the chapel.

Alexis, to her mom: Do I have to stay here?
Mom (whispering): yes.
Alexis: Will my teacher stay with me?
Mom (whispering): yes.
Alexis: Why do I have to stay?
Mom (whispering): Because you are in the primary. Shhhh!

As the meeting continued, other announcements, things the speaker said, and things she observed around her caused Alexis to ask her mom different questions. Mid-meeting, her mom had to go up and sing in the choir, at which point Alexis started asking her DAD the questions. This time she was standing directly behind me, pummeling her dad with her queries:

Alexis: Where is mom going?
Dad (whispering): To sing in the choir
Alexis: Will she come back here?
Dad (whispering): yes
Alexis: Why does mom sing in the choir?

I turned around and, smiling, whispered to Alexis, “You must be four years old! My little guy asks almost as many questions as you do!”

As the words came out of my mouth a light went on in my head! Mr. D DOES ask a lot of questions. And it IS a product of his age. For some reason it just hadn’t dawned on me until this moment. For the past little while I’ve reached each evening feeling completely exhausted. I’m not so much physically tired as just worn down. I couldn’t figure out what was triggering my grumpies until I realized how much I could relate to the church-time plight of Alexis’ parents! I am pounded, peppered, plundered with questions non-stop, all day long! Dallin wants to know EVERYTHING! And, of course, his favorite question is “why?” Even when there isn’t a really good reason “why,” or I've already stated it, Mr. D wants to know what it is.

Me: Honey, if you don’t get your jacket on you’ll get cold outside.
D.: Why?
Me (in my head, hopefully, but too often out loud): ARGHHH! Didn’t I just say why?

Since my realization in church, I’ve been trying to figure out what other moms of non-napping, question-asking 4-year-olds do to save their sanity. Alexis’ mom says they try and change the subject when the questions get too much or too un-answerable. For example, instead of answering a question, she’ll just say, “Hey, Alexis, did you just see that cute dog?” My cousin helps her son look up the things he is interested in on the internet. Together, they’ve learned about all kinds of things and helped quench his thirst to know it all. I’ve noticed my sister’s response to her son is often, “I’m not sure. What do YOU think?” He usually comes up with something and recognizes his own power to figure stuff out. As for myself, I’ve just tried to realize that the cause of my weariness is just a current part of who my growing and changing boy is. So, I try not to let it bug me too much and if I’m getting a little TOO many “why?”s, I’ve simply said, “Hey D, I’m not sure the answers to all your questions right now. Can you save them for another time?” And, surprisingly, it works…sometimes.

Wonder why?

Shiver Me Timbers

Grandpa snapped this great photo of my cute Cap'n Hook. Just had to share...

my boy...

"Some people are so open-minded...

their brains fall out."

---From Reader's Digest, November 2007, "Quotable Quotes"

I'll admit it...

I'm and NPR junkie. My daily escape is to listen to "All Things Considered" and make dinner. Hooray for my under-the-counter CD player/radio in the kitchen!

Last night as I was making dinner I heard the teaser for "Radio West" (local Utah program) that was rebroadcasting the morning's show at 7pm. Here's what it said:

Earlier this month at the LDS Church's General Conference, the head of the Relief Society Julie B. Beck praised the power in motherhood. She encouraged women not to postpone having children, and equated nurturing with homemaking. Her words re-ignited a controversy about the role of Mormon women, and within hours, LDS blogs were inundated with responses. On RadioWest, Doug talks to LDS women about Beck's remarks and what those say about women's position in the LDS Church and culture.

I HAD to listen (as I folded laundry), and thankfully, I was pleasantly surprised. I have to give Doug Fabrizio credit for going to the source. He spoke with active LDS women (rather than anti- or former-Mormons with a GIANT chip on their shoulder), and the overall opinion was positive. If you'd like to hear the conversation, click here to listen to the podcast.

As for me, I have to say I was surprised to find out that there WAS controversy about the talk. I was uplifted, encouraged, and excited that Sister Beck was so straightforward, honest and willing to set the standard high. I'm trying to be a "mother who knows."

Too Many Photos?

I took the kids to our local children’s museum on Friday. We recently bought a membership, which frees me of feeling like I have to take my camera EVERY time. So, I was sitting near the train tables, enjoying the fact that my children were busy and content and not asking for anything at the moment. Next to me was another mom. Her two sons were playing on the other train table and were obviously VERY involved. She was trying to take their picture; capture the wonder of a moment of contented play, no doubt. Yet, her mama crazies were rearing their ugly head.

Crazy Camera-Cocked Mama: Alex! Smile for me! I want to take your picture
(Alex completely IGNORES his mother.)
CCCA: Alex! Do you see the light? Can you smile at the light? Where is the light, honey? Where is it? Can you smile for me? Smile! Alex! Smile!
(Alex looks up for about 1/2 second, CCCA snaps the photos just in time to catch the top of Alex’s head as he’s started playing again.)
CCCA: Argghhh! Alex, can you make a silly face? Alex! Look at me and show me your silly face? Can you do this? (making funny faces at Alex, who continues to ignore her) Alex! I want a picture of you playing with the trains! Can you look at me? Alex? Alex! Smile, Alex!

SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!

CCCA proceeds to take several shots, sans Alex’s smile, of the top of her kid’s head. She is obviously frustrated at what she’s taken, but relieved, I’m sure, to be getting closer to her 100-shots-of-our-fun-day-at-the-museum digital camera quota. I was sitting there literally trying to keep myself from laughing---not for the fact that she wanted to capture the moment, or for the fact that her kids weren’t cooperating, but because I’m QUITE sure I’ve been in the same predicament and acted in the same silly, annoying manner many times.

Don’t get me wrong….I totally understand how “mamarazzi” happens. I know how fun it is to get that perfect picture of your picture-perfect offspring, especially if you are spending the day together doing something fun and different from the norm. But I think digital magic has brought out the crazies in the mamas. Have you ever taken 100+ photos of a single afternoon’s activities? Guilty as charged. However, I do have to say life is MUCH better with my never-delays-when-I-push-the-button, Cannon Rebel (thanks Santa!). Hooray for technology….and for the “delete photo” button to help us forget all those top-of-the-head or back-of-the-body shots!

Keep smiling! (SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!) Because is there really such a thing as too many photos?

A Little Pumpkin Fun

Here's something fun for those who love to live virtual (and who hate to clean up sticky pumpkin insides!)

Fall Colors

We don't have any BIG trees, but we did get a little color in our yard this fall.

What You Hear vs. What You Say

Overheard at our house this morning:

Sissy: This is my CareBear. Her name is Shunshine Bear! Can you say "Shunshine Bear?"
Mr. D: Shunshine Bear
Sissy: No! SHUNshine Bear.
Mr. D: SHUNshine Bear
Sissy: NO! SHUUUUNshine Bear.
Mr. D: SHUUUNshine Bear
Sissy: NO!!! SHUNNNNshine Bear.
Mr. D: Sunshine Bear?
Sissy (suddenly cheerful): Good job, D! You said it!

New Look

Okay, so I'm new at this whole "customize your blog" stuff, but I snapped this photo of the freshly snow-capped mountain when I walked out the door to get the mail this afternoon, and I knew it had to be my header. I'm still getting used to the grandeur of this majestic peak greeting me each day. It is my favorite part of my new house: the view!

Childlike

My kids’ favorite toy is a car sunshade. We’ve got a whole room dedicated to playthings: trucks, trains, dolls, play food, dress-ups, blocks, and games. Yet, day after day they entertain themselves with a sunshade: a silvery, reflective, accordion-folded, keep-it-in-your-car-to-cover-your-windshield-in-the-parking-lot-at-the-mall kind of shade. They found it stashed in the closet and have claimed it as their own. They unfold it, lay it across the top three steps, sit down, and toboggan down the stairs. They prop it up like a tent and play fort or castle or house. Sissy folds it up, sets it vertical, and opens each fold as she “reads” me a story. Mr. D lies the folded shade flat on the ground and pretends it’s a skateboard.

Isn't it funny what kids will find to entertain themselves? D uses hangers to play Captain Hook. He creates a lawnmower out of sticks, boxes or even a curtain rod he dug up during the move. He found Chad's ID card holder, one that clips to your belt and then has a retractable cord that lets you pull your card out, then snaps it back: it entertains him for HOURS! Sis uses water shoes for ballet slippers, plays "baby" with a bag of rice and transforms into Super Girl with her hooded bath towel.

What happens between childhood and being all grown up that takes all the fun out of every day things? Maybe I just need a good, kid-like ride on our slippery, shiny sun shade toboggan.

Maybe.

Confidential: to Grammy Fay

Thanks for the cozy socks. Love, D&K

Mmmm...the Taste of Fall

While our boys spent the afternoon at Home Depot, K. and I baked a fall-time favorite: Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies.



Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup applesauce
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup pumpkin
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 tsp soda
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp all spice
chocolate chips

Cream together butter, applesauce and sugar. Add eggs and pumpkin; blend until well mixed. Stir together dry ingredients, add to pumpkin mixture, and mix well. Stir in chocolate chips. Place by tablespoons full on lightly greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 12-14 minutes. Frost with cream cheese frosting, if desired.

Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Cream Cheese Frosting
3 oz cream cheese, softened
6 TBSP butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 tsp milk
3/4 lb. powdered sugar

Cream together all ingredients until smooth. This recipe covers 1 cake or a double batch of pumpkin chocolate chip cookies.

Great Grandma's Table

My fall time project has been to refinish this table that belonged to my great grandma Lettie Pearl. It took way too much time, but was a labor of love. As I scrapped and sanded, I thought about the stories I'd heard about my great grandma---I'm excited to one day meet her.

I found a letter at my grandparents home several months ago. It was written by Lettie's best friend, to my great grandfather, after her death. It told of what a wonderful woman she was, all the memories they shared of scrimping and saving through the depression, and of her unconquerable spirit. This friend said, "I'd rather have a hamburger dinner in the company of Lettie than the grandest feast with anyone else in the world." I'm honored to have something that belonged to her in my home and hope she'd like the finished project.

My apologies to family who have already seen this photo...

New Discovery...

I don't like to be lost. We went to a local corn maze on Monday night for FHE with two other families from our neighborhood. At first, Mr. D had a great time leading the way with his light, deciding which way we should turn and where to go next. But, after several minutes, the charm wore off and he wanted to go back. I’d have happily obliged since all this traipsing around in the corn made me realize how irritating it is to not be able to see over stuff. In addition, a group of screaming tweeny girls had embarked on the maze. At each turn they got scared by one of their little boy friends jumping out from the corn. They would, all together, shriek and RUN, just like that herd of wildebeests in the Lion King that nearly killed Simba and then trampled his Dad. At this point I was a little fearful for my own cubs.

D: Mom, let’s turn around and go back.
Me: I’d love to, sweetie, but I’m not sure which way is back.
Girls (stampeding): Aughhhhhhhhhh!
D: I’m really nervous, Mom!

A strange boy, trench coat clad, decided to follow our little lost group, getting suspiciously close to my friend, Janna, and her two little girls. Then, Chad disappeared. I was carrying two kids, walking in circles, tripping over corn and growing frustrated with this family togetherness activity, minus the Daddy. Then, Mark’s phone rang. It was Chad. He’d found his way out and was going to talk us through the maze. Problem: we didn’t know where we were. Thankfully, we had the screaming girls as our ‘landmark.” Did I say I was THANKFUL for those girls?

Chad: Where are you from the screaming girls?
Mark: I think we are West of them. Oh, wait, (yelling) they just ran past us, er, over us.

So, we found our way out. What a relief to see the dimly-lit parking lot and to walk, quickly, away from trench coat boy.

Today we went on ANOTHER fall time adventure, to Pack’s Pumpkin Patch. It was day time. The hay maze was only 3 feet tall.



I’d rather to be found.

The Corn Maze Crew

Question:

When watching General Conference with two small children, how long will they stay quiet?





President Hinckley: We'd like to welcome you to the 177th Semi-Annual General Conference of the Church of Jesus

Sissy (interrupting): I know Jesus! He is the Son of God!






Just checking! :) At least we get to watch at home!

According to a Two-Year-Old

Overheard at our house:


K: Girls are girls, huh, Mom?

Me: um-hm

K: Boys are boys, huh?

Me: yup

K: And, lights are lights and air is air and toys are toys, but some pumpkins are girls and some pumpkins are boys.

The View from Where I'm Standing

I've been debating on becoming a blogger for a long time. I love to read the blogs of my friends and have had the urge blog, too, but I was nervous. What if people didn't like what I had to say? Do I really want everyone to know what I think? I love to write, but I'm not as good a writer as Mara. I love to take pictures, but I'm not a photographer like Kirsten or designer like Ann. What if my blog was blah?

Then, one day, I was trolling the blogs of my friends, and came across a poem (thanks Kirsten!), the last line of which says "As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

In High School there was a girl I admired. From my perspective, she was pretty much perfect: beautiful, talented, popular and self-assured. I was intimidated for 2 years before I forged a friendship that, to my surprise, didn't make me feel more insecure, but more self confident. It liberated me.

So, maybe I don't have an exciting travel log of life in a foreign land. And, maybe I don't live across the country, making a blog a fun way to connect with family back home. But, this is a place where I can chronicle my view, from where I'm standing...my place in the world, my time of life, my relation to those around me.

And, hopefully, facing my fear of blog-o-sphere criticism will be liberating!