I'll Have Cottage Cheese

The other day when I went to the store I purchased a jar of sauerkraut and have been munching on it over the past couple days. With Mike still out of town until last night, snacking has worked just fine for meals. Everyone knows getting kids to try new foods is mostly a matter of presentation so I talked sauekraut up good this morning when I pulled the jar from the fridge.

I told TJei how much Grandma likes sauerkraut. I told her I sometimes eat it cold, right from the jar, and I sometimes heat it up and eat it with a bit of ketchup. I told her about my grandpa making sauerkraut in a crock on his tiny back stoop. I gave her all the yums and oh boys I could muster. Then, when I opened the jar, I put it on pretty heavy, "it smells so good - want to smell the sauerkraut, TJei?" And of course, she did.

"Eww. No thanks, Grandma. I'll have cottage cheese" was her reply! Smarty pants.

Winter Wonderland

With all the rain we've been having in recent days, it is quite a surprise to wake up to a couple inches of snow on the ground this morning. :-)

The wind was blowing quite fiercly last night. We probably would have had another 6 inches on the ground had it not been for the wind! It was a harsh, cold wind, too. brrr

I love this time of the morning. At any time of the year early morning is special but in winter it is especially captivating with small sparkles of light glistening across the town illuminating little patches of darkness. The scene is lighter and brighter in other seasons. In winter there is a deeper darkness casting a softness to each little light.

Catching Up

On the way back from the valley, Mike and I stopped in Payson and picked-up Aunt Ruth to bring her up for a visit with Ann in Vernon, Arizona. The two cousins had a good time reflecting on days gone by and rekindling their friendship. Aunt Ruth is having an MRI done Tuesday on her knee in preparation for knee replacement surgery. She wanted to make it up the mountain for a visit before getting the work done on her knee and Mike and I offered to pick her up then return her back to Payson the same day.

As it worked out, Mike brought me (and the dogs) home while the two cousins visited and he went back to pick-up Aunt Ruth himself. He decided to go to Cottonwood and secure things a bit better in anticipation of flood waters on the Verde River. We've been getting a huge amount of rain (thankfully) across the state which doesn't fare well for the river level. So far, things are holding steady over there along the Verde so it may all work out for the good.

Princess Wishes x3+3

We had so much fun! Glenda and I have been planning this outing with our young granddaughters for many, many weeks now. We had a wonderful time. Glenda's sister, Debbie, was there, too. Debbie didn't get to go to the show, she wasn't here (from Virginia) when the tickets were purchased. I think she enjoyed all the advanced activities though.
Princesses
Times three: TJei, Chantelle, DiDi
Plus three: Glenda, Debbie, Karen

The girls enjoyed an evening of crafts as they added gemstones, glitter paint, ribbons and feathery boa strip to headpieces and sceptors and they fashioned bejeweled bracelets from colored beads. The girls had pizza for dinner and Glenda made beef noodles for the grown-ups.

The girls loved opening little gifts throughout the evening and in the morning. They each had an abundance of little gifts to remind them how special they are and help them remember this special weekend. They had their tiaras, a photo album, a beautiful picture frame, a magic notepad, nail polish, and a pencil in their gift bags. They cuddled up in Glenda's royal boudoir to watch princess movies as they drifted off to sleep.

Glenda took advantage of my visit to learn how to blog! She started her own blog and listed her home for rent during the Super Bowl!

The girls loved being fussed over and getting their nails polished, make-up on and having their hair curled. TJei had plenty of natural curls but Chantelle and DiDi didn't mind waiting on the curls. Glenda and her sister, Aunt Debbie, added all those special touches to bring out the glitter, glow and grins of our little princesses.

TJei was just tickled pink to finally be able to put on make-up and not be in trouble. ;-) Once she was all blushed and glitered and glossed she went to the living room mirrors to check herself out then pirouetted to show us her lovely dress.

Our girls were dazzling when we left for the show. I'm not sure who was more excited - me or them!

All the princesses at the show. For a time, TJei traded off her tiara for a crown. A $10 bag of cotton candy included a crown with mouse ears. Glenda donned the tiara while cuddling with her little princesses.

After the show, we went to Scottsdale and had dinner at Black Angus. This picture was taken at a fountain near the restaurant. The girls were treated like princesses and even a guest at a nearby table commented he didn't realize they'd be sitting across from royalty for dinner.

It was wonderful to spend this time with Glenda (and Debbie, too!) and to do such a fun activity with our young granddaughters. We definitely need to make this a tradition. :-)

Challenger

On January 28, 1986 the world watched in horror as the Challenger Space Shuttle exploded in space shortly after take off. We grieved as a nation. The world mourned with us. It was a terribly sad event.

Today, on the anniversary of this tragic event, news coverage focuses on verbal spats between political candidates, detailed coverage of Kennedy family endorsement of this candidate or another, updates every few minutes to correct inaccuracies of the hostage situation in Pakiston during the last update, passing reference to the passing of President Hinckley last night, panick inducing weather updates across the nation, and speculation on what the president will address in his State of the Union address. On two different national news networks, there hasn't been a single mention of the Challenger or the seven inspiring astronauts who died on this date.

Passing of a Prophet

There really aren't words. It is a sad day, but also a hopeful day. President Gordon B. Hinckley passed away last evening. His passing was peaceful and his family was at his bedside. He has been such an inspiration to so very many. His calm, confident and reassuring demeanor has led us through so many tumultuous times in these recent years - the terrorist attacks of 9/11, our nation's involvement in different wars, devastating earthquakes in all corners of the world, a horrific Tsunami that killed multiple thousands, hurricanes that ravaged our coasts, wildfires and many other acts of nature or man. Always, he propped us up. He restored our confidence in mankind and he led us ... led us to seek knowledge of the Savior Jesus Christ through scripture, prayer, and study. And, he led us to direct our time, energy and resources into helping others through humanitarian efforts and good works. He has been strength and inspiration for many. I am so grateful to have heard his words and read his messages. I am grateful for the lessons he has taught and the life he has led. The words have never held such meaning before, We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet.

Happy Birthday Brit!

Britenee gets into double digits! Happy 10th birthday, Brit. :-)

You have the sweetest smile and playful personality. Uncle Mike and I had so much fun visiting with you and your big sister when we were in Ohio. TJei just adores both of you and all the other cousins, too! I want to make it back there for another visit sometime soon. Hopefully, it'll be before you're turning Sweet 16! :-)

You're such a special little girl. I am so glad you are part of our family, I'm especially glad to be your aunt. I love you, Britenee!

Okay, So Who Likes Avocados?

av·o·ca·do
–noun, plural -dos.
1. Also called alligator pear. a large, usually pear-shaped fruit having green to blackish skin, a single large seed, and soft, light-green pulp, borne by the tropical American tree Persea americana and its variety P. adrymifolia, often eaten raw, esp. in salads.

Without a doubt, I can state with full certainty, this was a first for me. I ate an entire avocado!

There was a time when I could have watched avocados sit and turn to mush without ever once even considering slicing it up and eating it. Maybe its those thyroid meds I've been taking since that pesky little problem was removed from my bod a year ago (Mike's birthday, no less!) but I have done some out of character things during recent weeks and months. Devouring an avocado being the most recent oddity.

I'm not talking about guacamole. That doesn't count as eating avocados. I'm not sure why but it doesn't. I think I'll be retreating back to the days of watching avocados sit and turn to mush. It's one of those things I can check off my Bucket List though ... I ate an avocado.

Nerds of the Wonka Variety

Okay, so everyone who knows me knows that I have my little comfort zone of familiar things and don't too often stray, although I have, especially in regards to food or other edible items ... candy in this case.

I like taffy. I like fudge, especially fair fudge. Those little vendors who sell fudge with a tiny little knife tucked into the box. Yum. I like peanut butter cups (PBCs) and peppermint patties. They're mainstays in the candy department.

For Halloween I intentionally bought a candy that I don't like. I never tried it so I knew it was a given, I don't like it. Otherwise I would have tried it before now. (Don't question the logic.) Tiny little boxes of Nerds would be good. They’re flavored Nerds; grape and strawberry and lemon and sour apple. Nerds are nothing at all like the smooth, creamy texture of taffy or fudge or PBCs. It was a given, I don't like them. A full two months ahead of time I could buy Nerds for the little kids who would come on Halloween and there was not a risk in the least that those little boxes of candy wouldn't be waiting for them to make their appearance at our door.

Done deal ... until someone [no names mentioned Jodie] decided to have a baby the day before Halloween necessitating for me to be in the valley instead of here waiting for the doorbell to ring. Still, the Nerds were fine sitting over there on a table – no temptation at all.

TJei changed all that. TJei spotted the huge bag of Nerds. She had never eaten them before; that I’m sure. I opened the bag and gave TJei a tiny little box of Nerds and she liked them. She liked them so much she wanted to share them. She shared her Nerds and now I have to avoid looking anywhere near that huge bag of Nerds still sitting over there. They are habit forming.

I thought about taking them to the valley and sharing them with the kids but then Kelly said she has quit sugar (be sure to tell her thanks!). I should probably quit sugar but I haven’t. I don’t want to dump a bunch of Nerds on unwitting family members and create new bad habits for any of them. I know several people who teach grade school. I used to give craft projects to them for their students. Maybe I’ll dump some Nerds in those directions unless someone wants to claim them quickly.

Deadbeat

Okay, I'll admit it - I am a deadbeat.

Deadbeat #1
I haven't posted to my blog in ages.

Reason Excuse
There's a ton of things I want to blog about, I just haven't gotten it done. Okay, so I wasn't really over whatever that New Year's bug was as soon as I thought it was gone. I was still feeling poorly days and even weeks later. yuck

Deadbeat #2
I didn't go to church Sunday.

Reason Excuse
Even after calling to confirm start time now (new year, I've been gone other Sundays), I didn't go to church. See Deadbeat #1 Excuse for details. The energy just wasn't there ... even at 9:00am. Somehow I get the feeling all of RS will appreciate my unwilliness to be charitable and share whatever that bug was.

Deadbeat #3
I missed Mike's birthday. :(

Reason Excuse
Well, I missed the actual date (blogging a b-day wish for him). See Deadbeat #1 Excuse for details. I did remember his birthday and extended wishes (sans card or gift) and I had planned ahead for when we'd be in the valley and arranged for our kids and close family to get together for a birthday dinner - Mexican food because its his favorite. Even if he didn't have a new favorite, carne asada, it was fun getting together with everyone. :)

I'm back in fine form now and have a stockpile of things I wanted to blog about while laid up in the living room - that's right for all you non-believers, much of that time I wasn't feeling well, see Deadbeat #1 Excuse for details, I wasn't even in here at my computer! Before long eyes will be weary trying to get up to date on here ... well, maybe I'll wait until after visiting the valley this weekend and going to Princess on Ice with our little princess, TJei. Nah, I'll have something out there before then. :)

It Had to Happen Someday

Many, many years ago someone (memory totally eludes me at this point) introduced Mike & I to warehouse shopping - Sam's Club. Living in a remote area of the state, especially back in the day when price gouging all us noobies relocating into this area was quite common, buying in bulk seemed a lifesaver for families - especially ours. Nearly everything we used was purchased in lots of 3, 6, 9, 12 or more units.

Need a tube of toothpaste? Why not a three-pack? Running low on Irish Spring? Grab a 12 bar package down that isle. The kids need spiral notebooks for class? Grab a package of 24 next time we're at "the store". We even added shelves downstairs in the basement to store our inventory of bulk purchases! There are still flats of canned vegetables - yes, they've been rotated and we eat them too - down there on the shelves.

From five-gallon pails of laundry detergent to frozen lasagna we have bought nearly everything with shelf-life in bulk. We get milk, eggs, fresh veggies, etc at the local grocery store and seriously, Wilbur's meat department cannot be beat! They have the best cuts of meat and pricing ever.

Today the inevitable has happened ... the last square of toilet paper on the roll. We really should have picked up TP when we got that new membership for Costco back at the end of November. We didn't though. After buying the membership, we went into the store and looked around. We stopped by the Verizon shop in there and didn't get a phone to replace mine. :-( I'm not sure, we may have left from the store empty-handed ... it was just that drive to be part of "wholesale" shopping that got us in there at all.

Now, we're going to have to purchase toilet paper at regular retail price. This is going to require some serious rethinking of our shopping habits now that all the kids are gone.

It Won't Be Too Long

Mike and I were able to spend time visiting with a special lady yesterday evening. Ann Jones is Scotty's cousin, she is a younger sister of Pat Boyle and she is Dave's (Dave & Joanie) aunt. Ann has been battling cancer for a long, long time. There was a time when everyone thought she had beaten this terrible disease but it has crept up on her a couple times since. She is a noble and valiant lady.

As we talked, my eyes were repeatedly drawn to familiar faces of long ago family adorning the wall of her living room. I’d seen the pictures many times, at reunions, in family histories, in books compiled by one of Ann’s older sisters, Sis (Alice Lenore) Oyler. Ann smiled warmly and it was evident she felt her words, “Yes, I love my family. I have a lot more Boyle than Shill pictures up but I love all of them.”

She then spoke of meeting, on the other side, those she has known and those she has yet to meet. “This is the last time for me. I’m on hospice now. It won’t be too long.” She is so direct, so resolved. She knows what the future holds for her and she is not afraid.

She is not sitting by idly either. I was delighted to learn Ann is expecting to be connected to the Internet on this very day and she is looking forward to "learning" all she can in whatever time she has remaining. Wow! She is such an inspiration.

Unexpected Errands

Answering the phone in the evening can be cause for spending a large portion of the next day doing unexpected errands. I'm off to Snowflake today. Living in a remote area means small favors for people take hours to complete. An hour over, an hour there, and an hour return means three hours time in addition to the cost of the trip. Oh well, at least I'll be over there during distribution center business hours ... need to pick up a few things.

UPDATE: Sometimes unexpected errands have a way of helping me realize how very blessed my life is and how much appreciation I have for the humility and kindness displayed by others while they are serving. If only I could be so genereous.

The distribution center was closed, too.

The Old Gray Mare

The old gray mare,
She ain't what she used to be
Ain't what she used to be,
Ain't what she used to be
The old gray mare,
She ain't what she used to be
Many long years ago.

Many long years ago,
Many long years ago,
The old gray mare,
She ain't what she used to be
Many long years ago.

The old gray mare,
She kicked on the whiffletree,
Kicked on the whiffletree,
Kicked on the whiffletree
The old gray mare,
She kicked on the whiffletree
Many long years ago.

Many long years ago,
Many long years ago,
The old gray mare,
She kicked on the whiffletree
Many long years ago.

After a few days of choking down horse pills each morning and each evening, I am finally feeling better. These antibiotics are seriously huge pillsand the effects weren't quick to be realized. I started on the meds last Thursday evening so it has been another four days for me to start getting over this cold and inner ear infection that has been kicking my butt.
2008, here I come!

McD Playground

Poor little TJei! She came up to SJ for a visit with grandma and grandpa and has just been shut-in the entire while. Quentin brought TJei and I to SJ on Christmas day, we got here in the evening. That night TJei got sick and vomited all over the place. It was such a mess and she was just miserable. The next day she seemed to be felling better although she had a low-grade fever. The fever persisted and by Friday evening it felt like she was on fire. Her medical coverage wouldn’t authorize payment for a walk-in clinic so we had to take TJei to the emergency room at the hospital on Saturday.

The ER staff at Summit (formerly Navapache Regional) hospital was just great with her and really went the extra mile to address the special worries of a young toddler. TJei even called out to “thank” the nurse who had “poked” her when she saw her sitting at a workstation across from her exam room. In TJei’s terms, being poked is related to needles – drawing blood, getting shots, etc. TJei doesn’t like to be poked; we were quite surprised she thanked the poker.

When we had initially arrived at the hospital and taken to an exam room, TJei was given a hefty dose of some med for controlling nausea. When all was said and done, it seems the settled stomach along with substantially increased fluid intake (Pedialyte and apple juice) had gone a long way to making her feel better. By the time other test results had been returned she was feeling much better and we ended up leaving from the ER without any actual diagnosis and just recommendations to keep the fluids going in. She had perked up bunches.

Sunday TJei and I went to church and did little else during that day. She was feeling better, I was feeling run down. By Monday morning, I was wholly run down and had a harsh, barky cough, a terribly painful sore throat, and a distressed stomach. I had aches and pains all over, would tremble for no apparent reason and was just plain miserable. As the week’s end approached, it became evident I needed to see a doctor but when I called there were no appointments available and they suggested I visit the walk-in clinic. When Mike got off work Thursday evening, we headed over to the clinic.

I should have gone to the doctor earlier. He diagnosed me with sinus and inner ear infections and put me on a high dose antibiotic and also a cough suppressant. We hadn’t eaten dinner before heading out and TJei had been so good and patient. We decided to visit McD’s and get her a happy meal and let her play on the playground for a few minutes.

There were six other little kids playing on the playground – TJei was delighted to have play time! In the 10 days she had been in SJ this was her first real chance for running and romping and playing. She is used to being able to visit the park and play on the playground and have other opportunities to play. Not during this visit though, this was her first real chance to run and play with abandon. She only got about four bites of that burger down but the visit to McD’s was well worth the price and time.

A First for the First

Today is the first day of the New Year. I woke up at about the time the New Year rolled in - but not for long. TJei and I both are down with nasty colds as the calendar heralds in 2008. This morning I'm left with a nostalgic awareness of past new year eves ... waiting for the magical hour with the kids and going out onto the deck with them, their pots and pans and serving spoons in hand, to join the revelry of the neighborhood and add our merry contribution of clanging and dancing. The kids loved to watch the late night sky for fireworks that was sure to dot the star speckled canvas of darkness.

I miss the calls. I didn’t make any calls last night, my throat is painful; it hurts to talk. I didn’t get any calls either. My mind races back to those wonderful calls to and from my mom. It’s been a long time since we’ve shared phone calls but the sentiment and memory of those calls remain a warm and comforting memory for me. Along with the usual holiday salutations we’d just talk. We were friends; we enjoyed sharing those special phone calls; those special visits.

Our welcoming of 2008 was uneventful – Mike slept through it, too. There’s no doubt 2008 will introduce us to many new experiences as Baylee and Mia become more communicative and mobile along with TJei continuing to grow and explore her world. It will be an exciting year.