Zzzzzzz...has it really been that long? Call me Rumplestiltskin

As you can tell, it's been almost forever since I've posted. Guess I've just been living life. We do that sometimes. A few years older, a few years wiser (hopefully), and a few more wrinkles and gray hairs. Still plugging along and feeling blessed by God's grace in my life. So, the reason I'm back is that I had a great idea. Originally, my idea was for when summer started but I can't wait that long. If you don't know, I love to read but have a hard time picking out books. I took my daughter to the library tonight and just grabbed a book off the shelf and decided I would read it. Never heard of the author, never heard of the book. So here's my idea: Each week this summer (ok starting now instead cuz I'm impatient) I will go to the library and randomly grab a book off the shelf and read it. Then I will write a review, an amateur review, on that book. What do you think? Are you ready to go on this journey with me? I kinda think of it as that girl who took Julia Child's cookbook and cooked everything out of it and blogged about it -- but I don't like to cook. I'm pretty sure I won't get to every book in the library, but it's a start. My book for this week is called David by Mary Hoffman. Let's see how it goes...

Thanksgiving

Isn't it funny, and maybe it's just me, but every time I try to focus on the things I'm thankful for, so many things happen to go wrong?? Is it just because we are trying so hard to see the good that the bad rears up it's head and demands some attention? Is it the forever-present devil that is attempting to steal the light? Or is it just the opposition in life that shows us that the good wouldn't be so good if we didn't have the bad to compare it to?

I have tried this month, somewhat successfully, to think of one thing each day that I am thankful for. I'm totally thankful for my home, my family, my friends, hubby's work, food, clothing, the Gospel and so on. But sometimes I wonder if I really see the picture? I've never been without any of them so I feel quite pampered, but do I really appreciate them from the perspective of someone who doesn't have these things? And I sometimes wonder if I can be happy if I didn't have those things? I would hope so.

I thank my Heavenly Father for blessing me so richly; to live in a free country, to be able to worship the way I choose, to have nice things and enough money to be able to help others who are in need. I am grateful to have been brought up in a good, religious family and have been taught to be charitable and loving. I am grateful for my mother, for her attempts at teaching me how to cook and sew and keep a house, even though I was not very teachable at times. I am grateful for my health, that I can get out of bed in the mornings and keep myself busy through the day. I am especially grateful for my awesome husband and children, and that I can pass on what I have learned in life.

To all of you, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving and that you can have so much to be thankful for too!

Gonna Sell

So, if anyone out there still reads my blog, I'm gonna start selling my crocheted items! Wahoo! I know you want some!

I'm in the process of taking pictures (camera ran out of battery so it is taking longer that I wanted) and trying to figure out how to do this.

Anyone know if there are rules for these blogs about selling stuff?? Can I sell it here?

Well, anyway, hope you like what I have.

It snows in ....

Went on vacation, snowed the whole time!! What a crappy way to start Spring Break!!

Ken had a bicycle race to run and only was able to get about 60 miles of the 100 because of the sleet and rain and snow. The poor guy was a Popsicle by the time I picked him up.

Then, of course, when we get back from our trip, the weather forecast says to expect more snow.

Blah!!!

As the Season Changes

The leaves turn from green to yellow, orange, and red. There's a nip in the air and it's just right for those comfy sweaters. And having any little excuse to light the fireplace.

I love Autumn! My favorite colors: oranges, reds, browns, golds and the deep greens of the evergreen trees. It brings to mind cozy country evenings, rich with colors and smells! Cinnamon, nutmeg, baking, and the smells of nature - pine. If I close my eyes I can smell it now.

I love the feelings of thankfulness, warmth, and love that comes along with it all too! I wish my world was enclosed in the pages of the autumn design magazines - who really has their houses decorated so fantastically? - sipping warm cider and enjoying the company of friends. I think that would be my heaven!

And the Winner Is...

What a great opportunity we've had this year to be a part of the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure! Our family supports this cause because we are affected by this disease daily through two children with Type 1, and hope that a cure can be found so they can lead a more normal life.



Already, the scientific advances have made life much easier for our boys but they still have to deal with pricks and shots and long-term effects which come with the disease.

To gain support this year, I chose to raffle an American Flag afghan which I crocheted. I was able to raise over $260 for this charity! Thanks to all those who helped in any way!



And our winner of the afghan is - Kristine Anderson! Thanks again to everyone!

The Inside Workings of My Mind

I'm going to open the door and tell you about the inner workings of my mind for a moment. If you get bored, I understand. Just thought I would lay it out there.

I'm always trying to think of ways to earn some money but not have to go to work. So, of course, this makes me think, "what are your talents?" Hmmmm... reading, crocheting, sometimes crafty items. And my mind starts turning and churning.

Book store? Maybe it would be a used book store. But how many people would really come to a little place like that to buy their books when the big stores have so much?

Crochet? It would have to be some sort of booth situation or online thing but my poor hands don't create fast enough to have a good supply. Then when I am done with a project, can I really get out of it what I've put into it to make it all worth the time and effort?

And the crafty? I like it but just not enough to make it work.

At times I have braided all three ideas together and created a nook and cranny-type store in my mind. Walls filled with books, over-stuffed chairs, hand-made afghans and shawls, and hot-cocoa. Knicknacks all around. Just a place to sit and feel at home, then you purchase some of it and take that "home" with you.

Maybe I don't want it bad enough, maybe I'm just scared to do it, but then, maybe someday I will be able to live my dream.

Thanks for sharing a little time with me and letting me think "out loud".

Flashback Memory

Been thinking about things I remember from my childhood and this one stood out for some weird reason.

I remember loving yogurt! You know the kind that had the fruit at the bottom? Loved it!! But my mom would only let me eat half of the cup of yogurt! Had to share it with someone! They weren't even that big in the first place!

Told my mom about that memory and she doesn't remember doing that...what dumb thing will my kids remember??

What weird thing do you remember about your childhood?

Hating the process

You know the process it takes to make a diamond? High pressure, high heat and billions of years? I've decided that's what it will take to get into shape again! I've started an exercise program that will last 90 days which includes a nutrition/diet regimen. Now, I'm finding that I can pretty much handle the diet issue because it's good food, but I can't eat all of what they want me to eat. Never thought I would feel so full and even not be hungry. I'm usually always hungry. So we're good on that part.

The totally grueling part is the exercise - it's only my second day and half-way through the workout I was ready to quit! I must be pretty wimpy because I felt high pressure and high heat - I sure hope it doesn't take billions of years to make the change that I would like. One day at a time, I just have to tackle one day at a time!

My latest project was intended for Ken. He's been waiting years to have me make this special afghan for him - I've been too scared to try it up until now - but he still won't get it because I had a crazy idea to raffle it off (with his permission) to raise money for the American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure which we will be riding in this summer.

Are you interested in helping us with our cause? Are you interested in entering your name in the raffle for this homemade afghan? We would appreciate any help we can get! For every $10 you donate, your name will be entered into the drawing. Donate directly online at www.diabetes.org/tour. Click "donate" and then enter my name to donate to. When I receive notice that you have donated, your name will be entered into the raffle! Or if you prefer to send your donation directly to me, that would be fine too.

If you want to donate $150 or more, I will make you an afghan of your own! (You might have to be patient to get it though)

If you have any questions, let me know!

Random Thoughts of an Amateur Critic

It's been a while since I've written and savor the thought at sharing my most current thoughts. (pun intended)

During my running of errands today, I pondered on where I would like to get lunch. This brought to mind some of my favorite places and my favorite "dishes" which I will now share with you.

Del Taco has the best Taco Salads and I happen to love their Soft Chicken Tacos too. The prices are pretty reasonable. One of my other favs is Taco Time's Crisp Meat Burritos, but they charge too much for what you get, so I only get these once in a long while.

McDonalds has the best french fries, and Arctic Circle the best burgers. I do like the burgers at In N Out but it's a little too busy for my taste. Love the popcorn chicken at Sonic and their Limeades, which I was only recently introduced to by a good friend, are almost heaven.

These are only a few of the favorites that have gone through my mind today. And remember, they are only the fast-food favs. I can't vouch for the amount of healthy eating they might possess, this critique is purely based on flavor and the enjoyment of eating it brings.

What are some of your favorites?

She got hitched

Amanda got married today.

It was a bit sudden for us since the plan was that she was going to marry later in the year, but she decided sooner would be better than later. No, we haven't met the groom. But she seems to be head-over-heels.

I've been feverishly crocheting an afghan for her and her new hubby and hope to get it mailed to her by the end of the month. Crazy mad woman here!!

Wishing her all the best and hope he treats her well.

This is the only picture we have of her in her dress. Looking forward to some official wedding day pictures. I'll bet they're beautiful!

When it rains, it pours

I was going to post something, but like my whole week, something went wrong and I just deleted the whole thing. I'm not going to re-type it. Sorry. Here's to hoping that your week is much better than mine...

WANTED: Spirit of the Season

Thanksgiving has come and gone in a blur of preparation and expectation and has left me feeling....well, really, with a lack of feeling. My usual approach to the winter holidays is with a fervor that drives my dear hubby and kids crazy. But this year I'm feeling a little -- let's say muffled -- in my celebration.

Not saying it wasn't good to see family and eat great food! I just wasn't feeling the spirit.

Of course, I've kept up the tradition of listening to Christmas music as soon as the radio stations will allow. And this year we had our neighbor put up Christmas lights on our house. That's about it. I'm not really looking forward to decorating this year...

Maybe it's the kids getting older and losing the magic of Santa. Maybe it's the lack of snow (I would never last in a warmer climate). Maybe I'm just not focusing on what this season means to me -- and all of us. Hmmmmm...maybe...

But if you happen to find my Spirit of the Season...please...let me know.

The Light bulb is getting Brighter

If you have known me for a good length of time, you know that I hate to exercise! But as the years keep racing on my body is doing exactly what my dad warned me about. He said, "You won't have this great metabolism forever. Just wait until you get older." (not the official words but pretty darn close). I think he also mentioned in there that I needed to control and curb my appetite so that when this "change" happened I wouldn't be caught off guard and have to make a huge adjustment.

Well, needless to say, I haven't really curbed my appetite much and continue to enjoy the sweets a little too often. It hasn't become a major problem but when I'm finding that even Ken's pants are too tight for me, I know there needs to be a change.

Hence, the workouts with a personal trainer! But not just any PT, this one happens to be my sister. It has been about a month and a half since we started and I'm starting to see little changes. The most major change happened today when I was determined to get rid of all the leaves on our back lawn. They were so deep that even trying to mow them up wasn't working. So I raked and raked, mowed what I could putting the clippings on the garden, and with my son's help, carried 3 or 4 tarp-fulls of leaves to our neighbor's pasture. But I didn't stop there. I even roto-tilled the garden! Now normally this would have taken me several days to get done and I would be extremely worn out but I was able to get it all done and still feel great!

There was also another surprise side-note to trying to get into shape. Mother nature is visiting with her monthly gift and I usually have a really hard time with cramps and moodiness and depression. I've been a little moody, but nothing like the past. But cramps have taken a hike and the depression hasn't arrived. It's so exhilarating to not feel chained and demonized during this time. Sorry if that was a little too much information but it's such an eye-opener to me how these changes have come about!

I can now actually look forward to the next swimsuit season and know that there will be a change this time. I'm hoping it's not just a good change but a great one!

What I AmThankful For

I stole this idea from my neighbor friend but I don't write quite as eloquently as she does.

Sam's morning smiles. Lots of blankets on the bed. Jane Austen. Minty hot chocolate. Doggie kisses. Kids' laughter. Fire in the fireplace. Sisters. A Listening ear. Slow dancing. A good sweater. Jeans. Hubby's health. CJ's hugs. Chocolate. Autumn leaves. Warm feet. Snuggles. Gospel strength. New opportunities. Christian radio. Christmas music. Good friends. Crochet. Backscratches. Family.

Ahhhh...Friday

Do you ever get to the end of the week and just feel like you've been through a tornado? I've been busier this week than I usually ever get (I try to keep my life simple so that I don't stress) and I'm definitely feeling it today. But it feels good to know that I got some things accomplished that have been on the back burner for a while.

We were able to can 500+ lbs of food storage, finally get on track to buy an insulin pump for Sam, get some deep cleaning done and throwing some stuff out. My week will be topped off tomorrow with preparing the garden for the winter. I'm starting to feel a little more organized and in charge of my life and it's been great!

Looking back at the busy-ness of the week and the stress that I have felt through it all, I remind myself of the blessings. The kids made it to piano on time, we're a little more prepared than we were last week, my dresser is actually cleared of clutter and dusted, the kitchen floor is mopped, I was able to have one-on-one quality time with the kids...oh, and the toilets got cleaned too. When I am able to look at the things I've been able to accomplish and see the good that has been done, I am able to relax a little and feel good about my week.

A Few More Things...

OK, I know I already have written today but was just remembering a few more things to talk about (now that it's late and Ken wants to sleep). We were put into a new ward this last Sunday and will be attending our new ward this week. I'm both thrilled and sad for the change but I think the excitement is coming out on top. I've not seen the kids so excited to attend church in a long time...yes excited! I'm just a little nervous as to what kind of calling I will receive.

Also, since I'm homeschooling now, I've been trying to think of/find some free or cheap field trips to take the kids on. Anyone have any suggestions? Utah county would be the best but can travel a little too.

Ponderings

Sitting here wondering if I should get rid of my Facebook account...maybe I'll have to come up with a Pro and Con list. Do you do FB? What do you think about it and why do you do it? I have been finding that I spend too much time playing the games and reading about everyone's day. Do I really need to know all that's going on in my friends' lives? Here's yet one more thing that keeps us from really staying in touch. Yes, it's much easier but where's the human factor? I think maybe I should go back to stamping and making cards so that I can learn to write again and let my friends know how I feel about each one of them rather than giving a blanket statement....but the blanket statements don't really even get to the FB page anyway. Most of it is a bunch of trivial stuff anyway. (sorry, no offense intended here)

So, if you happen to notice that I don't show up on FB anymore, you'll know why. Maybe I'll spend more time with the kids and hubby. Maybe I'll get all those projects done that I've started...maybe...

Girls' Night Out

It's been a week ago and I think I'm still recuperating. What a blast I had with my sisters and nieces on our Girls' Night Out! Thanks so much Shauna, for opening your home to us and our over-abundance of crafts!

It was a bit cold but a couple of the younger ladies decided to try a late-night swim while the rest of us chatted and ate and made beaded watches. Later, we unleashed our paper crafting skills and made cards, scrapbooked and -- I'm not quite sure what you would call the rest of the crafting going on -- a little paper and ribbons and tremendous skill with the HodgePodge. (Is that what they called it?) I'll have to try some of that next time.

Of course, we ended our evening - well, early morning - with a grand performance of Twilight! Then in the wee hours of the morning (3:30 I think) we crawled into our sleeping bags for a little beauty sleep.

Next morning, Shauna led us in a great workout and we ate a very yummy breakfast. It was definitely a time to remember!