So, occasionally I give in to my hungry kids and stop at the Taco Bell drive thru on a busy day. It's cheap and my kids prefer it over most other fast food. Though Taco Bell food isn't particularly healthy at least most of it has SOME nutritional value compared to burgers and fries. (When I'M hungry and fast food is my only option I will choose a salad at Wendy's.)
Now, fast food joints are not known for their friendly staff and excellent customer service. However, every time I have gone to a Taco Bell (and not just locally) I have been impressed with how friendly, cheerful and helpful the staff is, regardless of their age or gender. I have consciously thought each time, "One of these days I'm going to say something, or write a letter telling them how nice it is." Many years ago my friend Laura's example helped me realize how important it is to take the time to make positive comments to retail and other service businesses, rather than just making complaints, as we most often do.
Today it happened again. As I purchased a few burritos for my almost-14-year-old son, who apparently is always "starving," I noticed how patient and smiling the cashier was and how cheerful and friendly the girl who gave us the food was. Since there wasn't a line behind me I finally seized the moment and said, "I just wanted to tell you that every time I come here I am impressed with how nice and helpful everyone is." She smiled and said, "Thank you!" Then I said, "They must treat you well." Her smile got bigger and she nodded as she said, "Oh yes, they do."
I should have known. Actually, I did know. When you treat people well they are happy and they behave well. When employers treat their staff well they end up with happy and helpful employees. It's pretty simple. And that's a good lesson for a mom to learn too.
March 08, 2013
March 07, 2013
African Stew
The 6th graders at our school do a "country" research report each year.... they are each assigned a country by drawing from a hat. Two years ago Collin drew Sierra Leone, a country we knew nothing about except that our neighbors had just returned from serving there as missionaries! Collin was able to pick their brains to add color to his report, as well as borrow some fun items to use during his presentation to the class. As part of the project the 6th grade classes have an "International Food Fair" where each student brings a dish representing their country and everyone tastes lots of new and interesting foods. Since "Groundnut (Peanut) Stew" is considered the national dish of Sierra Leone, that was no-brainer for Collin's food. We found a recipe online that was pretty basic. It was just "OK"... not great, but edible. There were lots of leftovers.
Fast forward to this year. Mary was also assigned Sierra Leone! What are the odds?! She wrote a great report and borrowed the same items from our neighbors for her presentation. But this time I searched longer for a recipe and found one that sounded good. I sampled it before sending it to the school and thought it was rather tasty, but I still doubted the kids would eat it, since it was kind of unusual, and kids tend to be picky. I thought, "I actually hope she brings home lots.... I like it and I will just serve it to my family for dinner."
When I picked up Mary from school I was surprised to find the crock pot empty but for a few mouthfuls at the bottom! She said the kids all liked it, including her, and Jack and Collin gobbled up the few remaining bites and declared that I should make it again for our family. So, it's a keeper.
Groundnut Stew (African Chicken Peanut Stew)
adapted from Simply Recipes
3 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 T. ginger paste*
2 T. minced garlic
4 c. chicken broth
1 c. all natural peanut butter
1 T. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (or more if you want it spicy)
salt & pepper to taste
fresh cilantro (optional) for serving
I did not follow the directions on the recipe (and I adapted some of the ingredients); in fact, I didn't even read them until just now. Way too complicated. I just did it my own way and it turned out great.
If I weren't so lazy (and short on time) I would have cut up the chicken and sauteed it with the onion, garlic and ginger, but because I AM lazy (and I hate handling raw meat), I just threw the chicken in a crock pot and then shredded/diced it up after it cooked. Then, in a large pot I whisked together the broth, onion, garlic, ginger, peanut butter, coriander, cayenne pepper and salt & pepper and brought it to a boil. I added the sweet potatoes and tomatoes and cooked until the potatoes were soft and then added the cooked chicken. I thought it was very tasty as is, but it would be great served over rice with some fresh cilantro.
(You could probably throw the whole thing in the crock pot, but I think the potatoes might get too mushy, and it would be harder to shred the chicken, so if you do the crock pot thing it would probably be best to cut the chicken up first. Also, you wouldn't add as much broth.... maybe half?)
*I used this as a time saver, but you can use fresh grated ginger or even ground ginger, but less.... about 2 tsp.?
Fast forward to this year. Mary was also assigned Sierra Leone! What are the odds?! She wrote a great report and borrowed the same items from our neighbors for her presentation. But this time I searched longer for a recipe and found one that sounded good. I sampled it before sending it to the school and thought it was rather tasty, but I still doubted the kids would eat it, since it was kind of unusual, and kids tend to be picky. I thought, "I actually hope she brings home lots.... I like it and I will just serve it to my family for dinner."
When I picked up Mary from school I was surprised to find the crock pot empty but for a few mouthfuls at the bottom! She said the kids all liked it, including her, and Jack and Collin gobbled up the few remaining bites and declared that I should make it again for our family. So, it's a keeper.
Groundnut Stew (African Chicken Peanut Stew)
adapted from Simply Recipes
3 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 (15 oz.) can diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, chopped
1 T. ginger paste*
2 T. minced garlic
4 c. chicken broth
1 c. all natural peanut butter
1 T. ground coriander
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper (or more if you want it spicy)
salt & pepper to taste
fresh cilantro (optional) for serving
I did not follow the directions on the recipe (and I adapted some of the ingredients); in fact, I didn't even read them until just now. Way too complicated. I just did it my own way and it turned out great.
If I weren't so lazy (and short on time) I would have cut up the chicken and sauteed it with the onion, garlic and ginger, but because I AM lazy (and I hate handling raw meat), I just threw the chicken in a crock pot and then shredded/diced it up after it cooked. Then, in a large pot I whisked together the broth, onion, garlic, ginger, peanut butter, coriander, cayenne pepper and salt & pepper and brought it to a boil. I added the sweet potatoes and tomatoes and cooked until the potatoes were soft and then added the cooked chicken. I thought it was very tasty as is, but it would be great served over rice with some fresh cilantro.
(You could probably throw the whole thing in the crock pot, but I think the potatoes might get too mushy, and it would be harder to shred the chicken, so if you do the crock pot thing it would probably be best to cut the chicken up first. Also, you wouldn't add as much broth.... maybe half?)
*I used this as a time saver, but you can use fresh grated ginger or even ground ginger, but less.... about 2 tsp.?
February 17, 2013
Grandma Ada (Life History Stories, #2)
Grandma Ada
(Life History Stories)
My maternal grandmother, Ada Thomas, was a great lady. She was a wife, mother of ten children, grandmother to 60-something grandchildren and 70-something great-grandchildren, pianist, organist, swimmer, runner, tap dancer, music teacher, frequent bread baker (to feed those kids!), and life of the party! She loved to have fun, and though she was married to a "health nut" she loved sweets, and always had cookies and other treats for us whenever we came to visit. We sometimes referred to her as our "Cookie Grandma" when I was little, but we always called her "Grandma Ada."
I loved spending one-on-one time with Grandma Ada. She was so much fun. I have fond memories of spending the night at their house; grandma took me to the mall in Scottsdale near their home and we had lunch (and dessert!) at Duck and Decanter. I don't remember how old I was (maybe 12?) but I will always remember that; just hanging out with my Grandma (who I thought was beautiful and "cool"), window shopping and talking. I loved every minute of it.
I also remember playing the organ at their house (mostly just playing WITH the organ, rather than actually "playing it"). Grandma would sometimes ask me to play something for her on the piano, which was intimidating, since she played so well, but I did it anyway. Once after I stumbled through a hymn or something, Grandma taught me an important lesson I will never forget, and for which I'm continually grateful. She said, "You don't need to look at your hands when you play... just look at the music, and feel the notes with your fingers. You know where they are. Keep your eyes up. You waste too much time looking back and forth between your hands and the notes on the page." I was surprised! I don't think anyone had ever taught me that before. My piano teacher must have mentioned it sometime, though I don't remember if she did, but some reason when Grandma Ada said to do it, it made an impression. I was certain I would not be able to do it, but Grandma firmly insisted that I try. I really struggled, but I kept working at it. I forced myself not to look down at my hands.
I think I learned more from that one "lesson" with Grandma Ada than in all the years I had taken formal piano lessons. Over time I was able to get better at keeping my eyes on the music, and my piano playing improved vastly because of it. To this day I avoid looking at my hands when I play. I think it's one of the reasons I enjoy playing the piano, and I always think of Grandma Ada when I do.
(Life History Stories)
My maternal grandmother, Ada Thomas, was a great lady. She was a wife, mother of ten children, grandmother to 60-something grandchildren and 70-something great-grandchildren, pianist, organist, swimmer, runner, tap dancer, music teacher, frequent bread baker (to feed those kids!), and life of the party! She loved to have fun, and though she was married to a "health nut" she loved sweets, and always had cookies and other treats for us whenever we came to visit. We sometimes referred to her as our "Cookie Grandma" when I was little, but we always called her "Grandma Ada."
I loved spending one-on-one time with Grandma Ada. She was so much fun. I have fond memories of spending the night at their house; grandma took me to the mall in Scottsdale near their home and we had lunch (and dessert!) at Duck and Decanter. I don't remember how old I was (maybe 12?) but I will always remember that; just hanging out with my Grandma (who I thought was beautiful and "cool"), window shopping and talking. I loved every minute of it.
I also remember playing the organ at their house (mostly just playing WITH the organ, rather than actually "playing it"). Grandma would sometimes ask me to play something for her on the piano, which was intimidating, since she played so well, but I did it anyway. Once after I stumbled through a hymn or something, Grandma taught me an important lesson I will never forget, and for which I'm continually grateful. She said, "You don't need to look at your hands when you play... just look at the music, and feel the notes with your fingers. You know where they are. Keep your eyes up. You waste too much time looking back and forth between your hands and the notes on the page." I was surprised! I don't think anyone had ever taught me that before. My piano teacher must have mentioned it sometime, though I don't remember if she did, but some reason when Grandma Ada said to do it, it made an impression. I was certain I would not be able to do it, but Grandma firmly insisted that I try. I really struggled, but I kept working at it. I forced myself not to look down at my hands.
I think I learned more from that one "lesson" with Grandma Ada than in all the years I had taken formal piano lessons. Over time I was able to get better at keeping my eyes on the music, and my piano playing improved vastly because of it. To this day I avoid looking at my hands when I play. I think it's one of the reasons I enjoy playing the piano, and I always think of Grandma Ada when I do.
January 30, 2013
January 23, 2013
The Laundry Chute (Life History Stories - #1)
The Laundry Chute
(Life History Stories)
When I was about 5 years old we moved into a house that my dad built on Lyn Rae Square in Mesa, Arizona. It was a 2-story brick colonial with white columns and a large yard.* It was a lovely home, and I'm sure I would appreciate the decor and well-designed floor plan now as an adult, but my 5-year-old self remembers the really cool things.... like the laundry chute in the upstairs bathroom.
The laundry chute was meant as a convenience for my mother (and I suppose for us kids too), magically making the dirty clothes from upstairs appear almost instantly downstairs in the laundry room. (I think my dad is probably the one who included this feature, because I suspect my mom would have just put the laundry room itself upstairs.) Rather than seeing it as a convenience, my sisters and brother and I used it as a means of entertainment, such as sending toys and other items on a wild (but short) ride to the ground floor.
I'm sure my older siblings have more frequent (and more accurate) memories of the laundry chute adventures, but I specifically remember wiggling down it myself on a particular occasion. It was meant to be exciting but was rather frightening, though I imagined I would land on a soft pile of (dirty!) clothes.... which wasn't there. Either it was "laundry day" and my mom had already retrieved all our soiled duds, OR (more likely) they were lying on the floor of our bedrooms. At any rate, it wasn't a pleasant experience and I never journeyed through the laundry chute again (I must have been of above-average intelligence to have learned that lesson so quickly), though I do recall urging some of my younger siblings to do so themselves.
* My family always refers to this home as "The Two-Story House" for a couple of reasons; 1) it's the only house my parents ever built that had an upper-story, and 2) we lived for many years in another house on the same street which had a basement (so it was "technically" 2-story), but no upper-story, so that's how we differentiate between the two. "The Two-Story House" also had a basement though, so I guess technically it would be a 3-story house?
(Life History Stories)
When I was about 5 years old we moved into a house that my dad built on Lyn Rae Square in Mesa, Arizona. It was a 2-story brick colonial with white columns and a large yard.* It was a lovely home, and I'm sure I would appreciate the decor and well-designed floor plan now as an adult, but my 5-year-old self remembers the really cool things.... like the laundry chute in the upstairs bathroom.
The laundry chute was meant as a convenience for my mother (and I suppose for us kids too), magically making the dirty clothes from upstairs appear almost instantly downstairs in the laundry room. (I think my dad is probably the one who included this feature, because I suspect my mom would have just put the laundry room itself upstairs.) Rather than seeing it as a convenience, my sisters and brother and I used it as a means of entertainment, such as sending toys and other items on a wild (but short) ride to the ground floor.
I'm sure my older siblings have more frequent (and more accurate) memories of the laundry chute adventures, but I specifically remember wiggling down it myself on a particular occasion. It was meant to be exciting but was rather frightening, though I imagined I would land on a soft pile of (dirty!) clothes.... which wasn't there. Either it was "laundry day" and my mom had already retrieved all our soiled duds, OR (more likely) they were lying on the floor of our bedrooms. At any rate, it wasn't a pleasant experience and I never journeyed through the laundry chute again (I must have been of above-average intelligence to have learned that lesson so quickly), though I do recall urging some of my younger siblings to do so themselves.
* My family always refers to this home as "The Two-Story House" for a couple of reasons; 1) it's the only house my parents ever built that had an upper-story, and 2) we lived for many years in another house on the same street which had a basement (so it was "technically" 2-story), but no upper-story, so that's how we differentiate between the two. "The Two-Story House" also had a basement though, so I guess technically it would be a 3-story house?
My Life History in 50 short posts in 2013
I accepted a friend's challenge to write 50 short stories from my life this year. I need this challenge because for years (too many) I've had really good intentions of writing about my life. It has always felt so overwhelming so I never did anything. But I like the idea of just writing small bits and pieces here and there. It doesn't have to be cohesive necessarily. Just put it in writing! I might as well start somewhere, right?
At first I thought I would create a separate blog just for this challenge, but I think that's getting out of hand.... I don't need another blog to keep track of. So, I'll just be including them here, which I guess makes sense since this is my journal anyway.
So, welcome to my life... history.
At first I thought I would create a separate blog just for this challenge, but I think that's getting out of hand.... I don't need another blog to keep track of. So, I'll just be including them here, which I guess makes sense since this is my journal anyway.
So, welcome to my life... history.
December 09, 2012
2012 in Review, or "The Blog Version of the Annual Christmas Letter"
Long ago I used to include a letter with our Christmas cards. The letter got shorter every year until I finally started making it really brief with just key words about each individual. (The next year I noticed many of my friends did the same.) And then I just stopped altogether, because good grief, that's what this blog is! That's when I just started including this blog address on the Christmas card. This year we went one step further and included a QR code to take people straight here on their smart phone (that was Jay's idea... it made us feel really cool).
So, here is what we would have included in a Christmas letter many years ago.
(click on each for the details)
Jack turned 8 years old.
Jack participated in his first Pinewood Derby.
Mary ran for student council.
Jack was baptized.
We saw the Harlem Globetrotters, the Phoenix Symphony, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and Jack played on a basketball team and Mary took a cheer-leading class.
Collin got braces on his teeth.
Mary got "published."
Jay turned the big 4-0.
Mary fainted during her school field trip.
Mary & Jack started tennis lessons, Collin started planning his Eagle project, and Jay performed a stand-up comedy routine at a fund raiser.
Collin turned 13 years old.
We celebrated our 15th Wedding Anniversary in Nauvoo, IL.
Mary rocked the MCC Musical Theatre Workshop, and Jack earned his "Wolf" rank in Cub Scouts.
Collin had a blast at two different Scout Camps and earned lots of merit badges.
Collin had surgery on his scalp and his ear.
We had a fun time at the cabin, went to San Diego for a wedding, and celebrated Mary's 11th birthday.
We had a great time at our ranch in New Mexico, and then the kids went back to school (Collin-8th grade, Mary-6th grade, Jack-3rd grade).
Jay found time to enjoy his hobbies.
Alice & Jay visited New York City.
Collin auditioned for and made the high school symphony orchestra (he plays the cello).
Collin won the Geography Bee at school.
And during the year I lost 60 pounds. It's changed my life!
So, here is what we would have included in a Christmas letter many years ago.
The DeWitt Family Highlights
2012
(click on each for the details)
Jack turned 8 years old.
Jack participated in his first Pinewood Derby.
Mary ran for student council.
Jack was baptized.
We saw the Harlem Globetrotters, the Phoenix Symphony, and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, and Jack played on a basketball team and Mary took a cheer-leading class.
Collin got braces on his teeth.
Mary got "published."
Jay turned the big 4-0.
Mary fainted during her school field trip.
Mary & Jack started tennis lessons, Collin started planning his Eagle project, and Jay performed a stand-up comedy routine at a fund raiser.
Collin turned 13 years old.
We celebrated our 15th Wedding Anniversary in Nauvoo, IL.
Mary rocked the MCC Musical Theatre Workshop, and Jack earned his "Wolf" rank in Cub Scouts.
Collin had a blast at two different Scout Camps and earned lots of merit badges.
Collin had surgery on his scalp and his ear.
We had a fun time at the cabin, went to San Diego for a wedding, and celebrated Mary's 11th birthday.
We had a great time at our ranch in New Mexico, and then the kids went back to school (Collin-8th grade, Mary-6th grade, Jack-3rd grade).
Jay found time to enjoy his hobbies.
Alice & Jay visited New York City.
Collin auditioned for and made the high school symphony orchestra (he plays the cello).
Collin won the Geography Bee at school.
And during the year I lost 60 pounds. It's changed my life!
November 01, 2012
My Health and Weight Loss Journey
I began an exciting journey at the beginning of this year; I started on the road to getting healthy and
losing weight. I lost about 60 pounds in 6 months and went from size 16 to size 6. I'm loving life!
After struggling to lose weight for many years (reading everything, trying everything) I finally found a healthy, medically sound way to lose weight, and change my bad habits into good habits so that I can maintain good health for the rest of my life. I was addicted to food and had many "issues" resulting from my emotional dependency on food and eating. But this program has taught me to overcome those issues and bad habits, and taught me how to keep the weight off for good. And having a (free!) health coach to guide me, mentor me, and keep me accountable has made a huge difference!
This has changed my life in so many ways; I have more energy for serving my family and others, and for exercise; I feel better about myself so I'm healthier spiritually and emotionally (and not so grumpy with my kids!), AND I am healthy physically (off medication, less knee pain, and other issues resolved). My life has improved as an individual, as a wife, and as a mother.
I am so grateful for this program, and I'm so excited about how it has changed my life that I decided to train to be a health coach so I can help others. I have really enjoyed coaching others this year as well. If you know anyone who wants to get healthy and lose weight, have them contact me, or visit www.powerloserad.com.
I would love to hear any input you have, or answer any other questions.
SIDE NOTE: I was viewing this before/after photo on my computer when Jack walked up behind me. He pointed to the "before" and said, "Who is that?" I laughed and said, "That's me, silly. That's before I lost weight." He sternly replied, "No mom, you never looked like that!" I could not convince him it was me, and he kept insisting I was never "that fat." Our discussion brought the rest of our family in. My other kids were also shocked as they looked at the photos side-by-side.... they had all gotten used to the "new me" and had forgotten how I looked before. They were used to how I looked when I was "fat" and now they were used to me thin. My husband was quiet the whole time, but when the kids finally left the room (after eventually relenting to their shock and admitting I had once been "fat"), he finally said, "Wow. I hadn't realized how, um, overweight you were either." Naturally, he is very pleased with the "new me." :)
After struggling to lose weight for many years (reading everything, trying everything) I finally found a healthy, medically sound way to lose weight, and change my bad habits into good habits so that I can maintain good health for the rest of my life. I was addicted to food and had many "issues" resulting from my emotional dependency on food and eating. But this program has taught me to overcome those issues and bad habits, and taught me how to keep the weight off for good. And having a (free!) health coach to guide me, mentor me, and keep me accountable has made a huge difference!
This has changed my life in so many ways; I have more energy for serving my family and others, and for exercise; I feel better about myself so I'm healthier spiritually and emotionally (and not so grumpy with my kids!), AND I am healthy physically (off medication, less knee pain, and other issues resolved). My life has improved as an individual, as a wife, and as a mother.
I am so grateful for this program, and I'm so excited about how it has changed my life that I decided to train to be a health coach so I can help others. I have really enjoyed coaching others this year as well. If you know anyone who wants to get healthy and lose weight, have them contact me, or visit www.powerloserad.com.
I would love to hear any input you have, or answer any other questions.
SIDE NOTE: I was viewing this before/after photo on my computer when Jack walked up behind me. He pointed to the "before" and said, "Who is that?" I laughed and said, "That's me, silly. That's before I lost weight." He sternly replied, "No mom, you never looked like that!" I could not convince him it was me, and he kept insisting I was never "that fat." Our discussion brought the rest of our family in. My other kids were also shocked as they looked at the photos side-by-side.... they had all gotten used to the "new me" and had forgotten how I looked before. They were used to how I looked when I was "fat" and now they were used to me thin. My husband was quiet the whole time, but when the kids finally left the room (after eventually relenting to their shock and admitting I had once been "fat"), he finally said, "Wow. I hadn't realized how, um, overweight you were either." Naturally, he is very pleased with the "new me." :)
October 16, 2012
NYC Reprise
Jay had to take a trip to NYC for work, so I bought my own plane ticket and joined him. It was a short trip, and I spent a lot of time exploring the city alone while Jay was in meetings, but it was super fun anyway! The weather was gorgeous too.
I can't wait to go back!
The last time we were in NYC was back in 1998 (pre-parenthood) when Jay won two tickets (on the radio!) to fly anywhere in the continental US. We had NO money so we picked the farthest place where we knew someone who would let usmooch off them stay with them. My college friend, Kathryn, and her husband graciously put us up for a few days in their darling Tudor-style home in Stamford, CT, and we had an absolute blast! Wanna see? I found the photos!
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| Walking the Brooklyn Bridge |
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| On the Staten Island Ferry |
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| Times Square |
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| Brooklyn Bridge at night |
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| Historic South Seaport District |
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| View from our hotel window (Wall Street Inn) in the financial district |
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| Mary Poppins on Broadway! So fun! |
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| In the New Amsterdam Theatre waiting for the show to start |
I can't wait to go back!
The last time we were in NYC was back in 1998 (pre-parenthood) when Jay won two tickets (on the radio!) to fly anywhere in the continental US. We had NO money so we picked the farthest place where we knew someone who would let us
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| On the ferry to Liberty and Ellis Island |
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| Rock Center |
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| It's fun to have this photo of the former skyline - Ellis Island |
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| Times Square was just as crazy then |
October 07, 2012
Today I'm grateful for/that....
A couple of months ago I taught a Family Home Evening lesson about Gratitude. I want our family to remember to feel gratitude daily (not just around Thanksgiving time) because people who remember their blessings on a regular basis are generally happier people. And because it's a commandment to be grateful. :)
So, we started a new "thing" in our family. I gave everyone a small notebook as a "Gratitude Journal" (this is NOT an original idea... people have been doing this for years) which we take a few minutes to write in and then share with the rest of the family what we wrote. We are supposed to write 3-5 things each time, at least once a week. We usually do it just before reading the scriptures together.
After hearing President Monson's talk in General Conference this morning in which he gave us all the challenge to count our blessings, I felt grateful we had already decided to do so. Then I decided to take it a step further and start sharing what I write in my "Gratitude Journal" here in my blog. So, here goes:
Today I'm grateful for/that....
... General Conference Traditions.
... opportunities to serve.
... the blessings of paying tithing.
... a prophet of God.
... another Temple has been announced for Arizona (Tucson). [6 Temples for Arizona! Wow!]
So, we started a new "thing" in our family. I gave everyone a small notebook as a "Gratitude Journal" (this is NOT an original idea... people have been doing this for years) which we take a few minutes to write in and then share with the rest of the family what we wrote. We are supposed to write 3-5 things each time, at least once a week. We usually do it just before reading the scriptures together.
After hearing President Monson's talk in General Conference this morning in which he gave us all the challenge to count our blessings, I felt grateful we had already decided to do so. Then I decided to take it a step further and start sharing what I write in my "Gratitude Journal" here in my blog. So, here goes:
Today I'm grateful for/that....
... General Conference Traditions.
... opportunities to serve.
... the blessings of paying tithing.
... a prophet of God.
... another Temple has been announced for Arizona (Tucson). [6 Temples for Arizona! Wow!]
October 03, 2012
Catching up on the last several months....
Once again I got SO far behind that I just stopped blogging. BUT since this is my journal I feel obligated to catch up. So, I did. But I back-dated everything to be in chronological order so it wouldn't be confusing. If you are interested in an updated, here are links to those posts:
May in Review
June in Review
July in Review
August in Review
September in Review
May in Review
June in Review
July in Review
August in Review
September in Review
September 30, 2012
September in Review
Jay has been busy this month. He took a trip to St. Louis for work and enjoyed that.
He hand painted this old found-by-the-side-of-the-road-former-bouncy-toy-horse into an amazing work of art... just to go with a western themed silent auction gift basket for a fundraiser. He is quite the artist, and it doesn't seem to bother him that all that work will just go to some stranger and might even get thrown away. It would drive me crazy!
Jay is a super hard worker, no matter what it is. He is enjoying teaching Gospel Doctrine Sunday school classes at church, and his class is always packed.... he does a great job. He is often fixing something around the house or yard.... he seems to know how to fix anything, or if he doesn't know, he figures it out... or watches a video on YouTube to learn. :)
Now that school is back in full swing we are all busy with homework, tennis lessons, piano lessons and practice, Cub Scouts/Activity Days/Scouts, book reports, school projects, etc.
Collin (8th grade) is in orchestra and choir this year, is enjoying his classes and teachers, and is working hard and doing well. He is ready to quit piano lessons, but we are hanging in there for one last year. He is getting fairly good at playing hymns, and that's our basic requirement. He loves having Fridays off school and enjoys working on projects, and especially helping a friend film a movie. Big project!
Mary (6th grade) is impressing her parents with her responsibility and independence, taking tennis lessons and improving a lot, and she took sewing lessons over the summer... she made several nice projects, learned the basics, and had a lot of fun. School has been demanding this year, but she works hard and gets it all done (and gets A's), and still finds time to read (a lot), and always practices the piano.
Jack (3rd grade) is doing well in school, loves science and social studies (he's very inquisitive and asks amazing questions!), and often has his nose in a book. (He's loving the Percy Jackson series, and still working on Harry Potter.) He is improving in piano and tennis.... he just needs more confidence. He is very tender-hearted.
I feel very blessed. I have a wonderful husband and great children.
He hand painted this old found-by-the-side-of-the-road-former-bouncy-toy-horse into an amazing work of art... just to go with a western themed silent auction gift basket for a fundraiser. He is quite the artist, and it doesn't seem to bother him that all that work will just go to some stranger and might even get thrown away. It would drive me crazy!
Now that school is back in full swing we are all busy with homework, tennis lessons, piano lessons and practice, Cub Scouts/Activity Days/Scouts, book reports, school projects, etc.
Collin (8th grade) is in orchestra and choir this year, is enjoying his classes and teachers, and is working hard and doing well. He is ready to quit piano lessons, but we are hanging in there for one last year. He is getting fairly good at playing hymns, and that's our basic requirement. He loves having Fridays off school and enjoys working on projects, and especially helping a friend film a movie. Big project!
Mary (6th grade) is impressing her parents with her responsibility and independence, taking tennis lessons and improving a lot, and she took sewing lessons over the summer... she made several nice projects, learned the basics, and had a lot of fun. School has been demanding this year, but she works hard and gets it all done (and gets A's), and still finds time to read (a lot), and always practices the piano.
Jack (3rd grade) is doing well in school, loves science and social studies (he's very inquisitive and asks amazing questions!), and often has his nose in a book. (He's loving the Percy Jackson series, and still working on Harry Potter.) He is improving in piano and tennis.... he just needs more confidence. He is very tender-hearted.
I feel very blessed. I have a wonderful husband and great children.
August 31, 2012
August in Review
Our annual week at the ranch in New Mexico was the first week of August. I love the ranch! This year we stopped in Holbrook on Route 66, both on the way up, and on the way back. (Holbrook is one of the models for "Radiator Springs," the town in the movie Cars.)
Do you recognize the "Cozy Cone" from the movie? It's the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook.
Then to the ranch where it's all about being outside, riding quads and horses, hanging with cousins, visiting, eating, and relaxing.
Again, I don't have many photos.
And I hardly saw my kids because they mostly hung out with their cousins.
And then school started! I didn't get Collin in the obligatory first-day-of-school-front-door-photo since he was already gone by the time I pulled out my camera. Oh well. He probably would have balked anyway.
Mary and her 2 best friends again at Skateland, enjoying a little weekend fun!
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| With Doc Hudson and Mater |
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| Jack watching a lady bug crawl up his arm |
And then school started! I didn't get Collin in the obligatory first-day-of-school-front-door-photo since he was already gone by the time I pulled out my camera. Oh well. He probably would have balked anyway.
Mary and her 2 best friends again at Skateland, enjoying a little weekend fun!
July 31, 2012
July in Review
July was busy and zoomed by!
We spent the first week at the cabin with cousins. Unfortunately, Jay couldn't go with us this time... too busy at work. :(
We took a fun hike along the rim road.
I don't have any photos of our fun time in St. John's celebrating the 4th, but it was great, as usual. I was too busy visiting and enjoying myself to take photos! (I'm so bad about remembering!)
Then Collin had surgery! (Read about that HERE.)
Then I took Jack's Cub Scout den on a field trip to Peter Piper Pizza. They got to have a tour of the kitchen and learn all about what goes on there, then make (and eat!) their own personal pizza. And of course, they got play some games too. They had a blast!
Jay and I went to San Diego for a weekend to attend Jay's brother's wedding.
Then I took Mary and her 2 best friends to a local resort to celebrate her birthday.
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| Liberty Market's amazing burger! |
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| "Ding Dong Cake" is the best! |
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| Grandmary's famous candy bar poster birthday tradition! Love it! |
Mary, Jack and I took guitar lessons this summer. We learned a lot and it was very fun! I found it much harder than I expected, but I really enjoyed it. Now I really appreciate how good Jay is!
July 13, 2012
Collin has surgery
I apologize if you are "squeamish." If you are, you might not want to read on. This is to follow up from this post.
Collin had surgery today for the following:
A Pediatric Neurosurgeon removed a quarter-sized lump on his scalp (lipoma = fatty benign tumor). These are not uncommon, but his was unusually large (they are usually smaller than a nickel), and in an unusual location (usually found on the torso). The surgeon said it looked normal when he removed it, but they will send to lab for biopsy just in case. Collin has a small patch of shaved skin on the top of his head, and we will probably give him a short buzz cut to balance it out until it grows in. There shouldn't be any complications (the lump was all outside the skull) and he just has some internal stitches that will dissolve, and it's "super-glued" closed on the outside. That was the easy part.
Now the harder part. The ENT performed a tympanoplasty to repair a perforation on Collin's right ear drum using a small piece of tissue from behind his ear (externally), meaning he has another incision on his head, behind his right ear, and lots going on inside. The biggest issue is that his equilibrium is way off, causing a lot of nausea (and some vomiting), but that should settle down, and the medication for it helps (but it knocks him out). He had a rough time coming out of the anesthesia and it took him a really long time to be discharged (about 3 hours, rather than the 1-2 that is usual) and they almost decided to keep him overnight because he didn't seem to be holding up very well. But then he perked up a little (after vomiting) and got to come home.... where he immediately zonked out again. :) He has some stitches where they took the graft from, and has to wear a giant plastic shield over that ear that makes him look a bit like a wrestler with lop-sided headgear. :) He will be taking it easy for a couple of weeks, and he won't be doing any swimming the rest of the summer, but that's OK.
All in all, everything went well and according to plan, and Collin was a trooper, though he had a bit of anxiety when they had trouble getting an IV going, and after "blowing" a couple of his veins decided to wait until he was "under." (He takes after me that way. I'm a really hard "stick.")
Collin had surgery today for the following:
A Pediatric Neurosurgeon removed a quarter-sized lump on his scalp (lipoma = fatty benign tumor). These are not uncommon, but his was unusually large (they are usually smaller than a nickel), and in an unusual location (usually found on the torso). The surgeon said it looked normal when he removed it, but they will send to lab for biopsy just in case. Collin has a small patch of shaved skin on the top of his head, and we will probably give him a short buzz cut to balance it out until it grows in. There shouldn't be any complications (the lump was all outside the skull) and he just has some internal stitches that will dissolve, and it's "super-glued" closed on the outside. That was the easy part.
Now the harder part. The ENT performed a tympanoplasty to repair a perforation on Collin's right ear drum using a small piece of tissue from behind his ear (externally), meaning he has another incision on his head, behind his right ear, and lots going on inside. The biggest issue is that his equilibrium is way off, causing a lot of nausea (and some vomiting), but that should settle down, and the medication for it helps (but it knocks him out). He had a rough time coming out of the anesthesia and it took him a really long time to be discharged (about 3 hours, rather than the 1-2 that is usual) and they almost decided to keep him overnight because he didn't seem to be holding up very well. But then he perked up a little (after vomiting) and got to come home.... where he immediately zonked out again. :) He has some stitches where they took the graft from, and has to wear a giant plastic shield over that ear that makes him look a bit like a wrestler with lop-sided headgear. :) He will be taking it easy for a couple of weeks, and he won't be doing any swimming the rest of the summer, but that's OK.
All in all, everything went well and according to plan, and Collin was a trooper, though he had a bit of anxiety when they had trouble getting an IV going, and after "blowing" a couple of his veins decided to wait until he was "under." (He takes after me that way. I'm a really hard "stick.")
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