Tender Mercies Tuesday

Miss Ava Grace herself.

Where do I begin?

Friday night, we went to a fireside that I had really wanted to attend, up until I realized I would have to get dressed up to go. It was by Dr Gary and Joy Lundburg on relationships, which I knew would be wonderful, but it is funny how satan can work on you. We did get dressed up and go and it was so very worth it and gave me some good ideas for my family. Not to mention hearing some of their story hit a lot close to home. I was also awaiting the call from my family about my sister's baby.

I didn't sleep very well that night, and when I got up, I just knew I had to go out immediately to take care of my sister's children so my mom could rest. I called my sister on the way out, and I hope she was secretly glad and not distressed that I was on my way, as I know she worries about my mom, but there wasn't anything else she could do for Saturday. When I got to the hospital, it was standing room only, as the sweet children so sweetly took turns holding that darling new angel. They even let me have a turn. Although the minute I walked in, Miss Ava Grace demanded to know where Sophie was, and then the next thing she wanted was the Oldest. :( I feel so loved. I could sense that my brother in law was trying to ponder, as this baby did not yet have a for sure name, so I volunteered to take the kiddies home. We got the call about Elle's emergency at around 4- I wasn't looking at the clock so I am not positive of the exact time. I told my BIL that there should be someone who could help him bless her, I hung up and quickly began calling down the list of friends and church members, frantically trying to locate a priesthood holder. No one was home, no one answered their cell phones. I spoke to my BIL again and he said there was no time. I turned to see my niece and nephew quietly going into their parents' room with their arms folded. Did I think to pray? I left the house immediately to meet them at the hospital to give them the things they needed.

There was a shocking amount of traffic going the other way, I noticed, but didn't have time to wonder about it. When I got to the floor, as soon as I entered the wing, I could see them preparing her, with my sister and Bil holding and loving on their brand new angel, when out of the blue, there came my other BIL- due to the traffic, he had not been able to go straight home, and my baby sister had reached him and sent him back to the hospital in time to give that precious bundle a blessing with her daddy. It was a special experience, and I can't wait to tell her the story.

By the time they were ready to lifeflight her, they determined that she was doing well enough that she could go by ambulance instead. And less than 24 hours after the first echo, her heart was completely fine.

If not for the cleft palate, they would not have done the echo. If not for the problem, they would not have been sent to Primary Childrens until she was a bit older, and who knows what else.

If not for my concern for my mom's health, I would not have gone out until later this week, as already planned. If not for the unbelievable traffic, my other BIL would have been home and too far away to get to the hospital in time. If not for....

Tender Mercies indeed.

Update on Baby Elle

Baby Elle is still struggling with eating and until she can do well with that, she (and my sister) will be staying at P C H. They have met with several people who will, down the road, be involved with her health care involving the cleft palate. Continued prayers in their behalf would be so gratefully appreciated. She is doing okay, just not great, and the kidlets here are missing their parents, although the daddy came home for tonight (boy, they went straight to bed for him).

It has been a good night, though.

We had dinner- By the way, there are two of us taking care of the kids now, and my sister does it alone :), and then we went on a field trip- to PetsMart, so Miss Ava could give her attention to something other than the Master Gardner's poor Pandora. And shortly after we returned, The Daddy showed up, to the delight of ALL! They are really great kids, but they are out of their comfort zone and a little stressed, but here are a few funnies that we have experienced.

My sister, Favorite Aunt or Master Gardener, was "insulted" by my niece and nephew thinking she was 48 or 50, respectively.
When talking about babies, and multiple babies, my nephew commented the Octo mom must have had a big rear. Actually, what he said was "her butt must be huge!!!!)
Same niece and nephew (really the other two are too young to pay much attention) apparently don't really care for their baby sister's name. Their faces were priceless!
When Favorite Aunt showed up with her Pandora, Miss Ava Grace said, "Where did you get THAT?" Her tone was hilarious!

I head home in the morning, but will be back in a couple of days. I have to go check on the patients every once in a while, or they get unruly and the DR feeds them multiple carbs in one meal.

Miracles

Today, my sister and her dear family were blessed to be given a miracle. Elle was given another echo cardiogram, and the results showed there is no longer anything wrong with her heart. Within 24 hours, we went from life flight to a regular room. There are people who say there are no miracles. I say they are wrong. Very, Very wrong.

The next step will be to make sure she is eating well enough, which quite frankly, got set aside in the concern department as they tried to ascertain the problem with her heart. My sister and brother in law are so very grateful for everyone's support. For the fasting and prayers in their behalf. For the many tiny miracles- also known as tender mercies.

How grateful I am.

Baby Elleanor Erin (Elle)

Baby Elle was born with a cleft palate- and we are not quite sure, still, the complete ramifications, because in doing further testing, they discovered a problem with her little heart, so after a frantic hour or so, several Tender Mercies, and a lot of quick and sincere prayers, they rushed her off to Primary Childrens Hospital. There have been more tests, and we are awaiting word on if they are taking her into surgery tonight. My sister is amazing- stressed, but amazing. My Brother in Law is a honorable, tender hearted, father, and husband.

I am humbled to be lucky enough to be trusted with their other four angels.

Awhile ago, my sister posted about the blessing dresses she makes for her daughters. She stated that this one's dress would have yellow flowers on it. Guess what color of ribbon the nurses happened to put on this sweet baby? She is beautiful, and at 7 lbs and 19 inches, the smallest of my sister's babies- She is also a lot smaller than those babies I gave birth to. Watching them put monitors on her, an IV in her head, and putting her into the lifeflight incubator was pretty tough. I know there are many who have endured harder things, but it doesn't make this any less hard.

My nephew and I had a pretty good talk tonight. He is a knowledgeable young man at 8 years old. He also is a worried big brother, along with his sisters that are old enough to understand. They have faith, and they immediately went off to a room to pray when we first got the word. How tender is that?

The Newest Baby

The newest baby, a girl, was born tonight. I would like to ask for your prayers as there are some complications. As of a little while ago, my sister hadn't even been told yet, but my mother was in the nursery with my brother in law as they were cleaning and checking her (baby) out. I am sure she (sister) knows by now, and my heart hurts for her. All will, I am sure, be well eventually, but until we know more, I don't want to post any particulars.

I don't even know her name yet. But I love her as if she was my own.

Good Food Friday- Memory Lane Edition

Several months ago, while I was out shopping, I happened to see a Paula Dean Cookbook for kids. I snatched it up with the thought that it would be a great cookbook to start the patients out cooking. Middle Patient was very excited and recently went through the book and marked with sticky notes various recipes that she wants to try. One of them was Pigs in a Blanket. Yesterday, while I was picking up milk, I quickly grabbed the stuff to make them. Now, I have to confess that I can't remember ever making them before- crazy, huh?

As it turned out, she had so much homework to do after her various after school activities, that I ended up making them instead, but as I was rolling them up, I had a memory come to the forefront. My Aunt told me this story quite a few years ago, she and my uncle had just moved to Utah, and she thought I would have been about 10- same age as Middle Patient is now. My dad had invited them down for dinner, but not told my mom, so when they arrived, there was no dinner ready and my mom was nowhere to be found. She said my dad just turned to me and told me to go make dinner. My Aunt says I didn't even bat an eye, just went into the kitchen and tried to find something to make, she came to help me. I have no idea what I made- I don't think she remembers either (correct me if I am wrong) but last night I realized that, with the exception of ramen noodles and mac&cheese, Middle Patient, or Oldest Patient would not be able to fix much of a meal. So, this summer, we are going to go through the cookbook for starters, and I am going to conquer my control issues in the kitchen, and the patients are going to start to learn how to cook.

PIGS IN A BLANKET: Just in case YOU have never made them either.

8 Hot Dogs- cut in half across the middle width
2 packages refrigerated crescent roll dough


Separate the dough into triangles and wrap one around each half-hot dog. Place on a baking sheet and bake according to roll directions. You could add a small piece of cheese, or as the Oldest requested, chopped onion. You could also use your favorite, precooked sausage or kilbasa.



One of the crazy things about life is starting to forget what you are doing. Last week, I couldn't think of a recipe, and I completely forgot that the week before I had said I would post the recipe (sort of) for Stank Valling- a swedish dish (at least for my heritage- some of you may know it as something else). I will be back with that one- I promise.

Think About It- BE INVOLVED

President Hinckley defined this a little differently than I would have at first glance. He says, "When I say Be Involved, I am suggesting that you Be Involved in good works. Or, in other words, be willing to work."

When the Outpatient became a teenager, he entered the work force. He had grown up having chores to do, had occasionally cleaned the office for pay, but this was his first real experience working for someone. I worried about how he would do. Would he be a good employee or a slacker? Would he be able to be told what to do by someone (I knew from experience to be worried about that :)). He did very well. He started as a dishwasher at a buffet style restaurant. This is not a fun job. At all. The things he came home wearing, and smelling like about made me sick. He did a good job and eventually was moving up to being a cook. However, he had to work on Sundays quite frequently. A new food place was opening up, and through a connection (thanks Mickie), he was offered a job there, at a higher pay and no Sundays. He even felt obligation to his first employer- now that is a good employee. But, his old boss wouldn't match his pay or the Sunday issue, so he left. A funny thing about being a good employee, bosses are willing to work with you, and since the Outpatient played hockey and soccer in high school, he needed to have that flexibility. Was he perfect? Not by any means, but by comparison to other teenagers- he was a dream :)

For those of you wishing to send a child on a mission, one of the biggest reason for people coming home is they have no work ethic and can't hack it. That isn't the only reason of course, but it is a BIG one.

President Hinckley talked about his family's coal furnace, and stated that it taught him a great lesson:"if you wanted to keep warm, you had to work the shovel". He also tells of having to learn to prune their trees in the spring or suffer from a poor harvest in the fall. All around me I see examples of parents not letting their children "suffer a poor harvest". By not letting our children suffer the true consequences of their actions, we are cheating them out of the most valuable education they will ever get. My Nephew had several of his friends who as a joke, decided to move his vehicle somewhere else during school. Well, it quickly got out of hand and they ended up wrecking it into two other vehicles. My SIL and BIL were blown away when a couple of the friends parents wanted the nephew to just take the hit for his truck on his own insurance rather than their children having to pay(really themselves because they didn't believe in consequences for their children apparently). I admit I was floored by that attitude. If we want a good harvest, we must prune properly.

President Hinckley also used the example of their first automobile, which had to be cranked to start, and the lights only worked well if the engine was going quickly, the slower, the dimmer the lights and he says, "As I have grown older, I have learned that it is the same for each of us. You have to stay on your feet and keep moving if you are going to have light in your life." As the Outpatient has discovered, there is light and inspiration when he is working hard to follow the rules of the mission, and serving the people of Brazil. The lasting effects of such service is seeds that will someday bear fruit. He just found out that a lady from his first area and her husband and child will be baptised this week. He taught and baptised her father, then the lady moved, but remembered him, and when the elders of her new town found them, their hearts were ready this time.

"It has been said that the north wind made the Vikings. Likewise, only through labor do nations become stronger, cities more attractive, families more tightly knit, and lives more robust. There is no substitute under the heavens for good old fashioned work....So Be Involved. Be Involved in good works. Be willing to work, for it will make all the difference in your life." President Hinckley stated.

Any parent knows that it can be ten times easier to do a job yourself than to have the kids do it, but if we want what is best for our children, we must teach them to work and be responsible for that work.

Now if you will excuse me, I must get to work.

Have a good day!

Tender Mercies Tuesday

I have mentioned that the Outpatient was a little difficult to get here. His heart didn't work correctly for about 4 months before he was born and he went into heart failure while in-utero - the doctors took good care of us, did everything they could think of to keep him alive and inside for as long as possible. So long in fact, that they finally evicted him 9 days late.

Before he left for Brazil to serve as a missionary, the Best Friend and I could not get him to focus on the tasks at hand. Like packing and cleaning up his messes. Every time I turned around he had a soccer ball. Apparently he felt the need to practice for this.....






I can't even adequately express my gratitude to my Father in Heaven that I have a healthy, active, show off of a son dribbling in Brazil- for all the amazing blessings of tender mercy that were bestowed on me and him to get him to this point

Looky Looky here!

Quite a while ago, last July or August, we had some very fun pictures show up on email day. The Outpatient had been waiting with his companion for a ride and so he was sitting against the guardrail going through his appointment book and such, when suddenly, he felt the earth shake and quiver- well, not the earth exactly- the guardrail had come alive with little monkeys. Little monkeys who put on a show, stole food, and otherwise entertained the two Elders.

Today, I received a cd from the Outpatient with a few videos on it- and FUN! This was one of them.

Weekend Wrap-up

Since I sort of posted a bit about our weekend already, let me just add a couple of items.

Much as I miss the Outpatient, there are times when he DRIVES ME CRAZY! This weekend, Oldest and I spent a considerable amount of time trying to clean their room, which had so many hidden and thick dust bunnies that I know that Outpatient had not CLEANED his room for a very long time. And he left so much garbage- literal garbage like lunch receipts and candy wrappers, and even a CLEAN THIS ROOM AND THE CAR OR ELSE note from way before he left. He has now been gone nearly 18 months and I am still dealing with the disaster areas he left behind.

The sister patients did a decent job cleaning their disaster area- for them anyway, and it only required blood from one sister. Have you ever decided you are so sick of the bickering that you are just going to let them have at it? Yea- well. Not that great of an idea since one of them might just decide that a book is an acceptable weapon. And can apparently cause major bleeding.

Sunday:

Then we had a wonderful Stake Conference, and they actually did very well, especially comparing the beasts that were sitting in front of us. Nothing like other children behaving badly to make the patients appear to be angelic.

The Temple dedication, now that was a worry. Nothing on the side to keep them entertained for 2.5 hours. Needing to be reverent beyond anything they had ever accomplished before. Made me nearly decide that we would not be going. But, as we often find, they rose to the occasion fabulously, made nary a peep, and listened very attentively.

During personal prayers, the offending patient asked Heavenly Father to please forgive her for the book weapon incident. She had apologized to the offended already, but she remembered on her own that there is someone else whose forgiveness she needed.

All in all, a good weekend minus the bandaids.

Welcome Baby Nikolas! - EVEN MORE UPDATED

My Brother- the Artist- and his wife- Betty Bed Rest, had the wonderful blessing of the safe arrival of their much awaited bundle of baby boy joy! We are so thrilled and we know that Heavenly Father is very, very good.

Since the Artist sent unattached pictures, and no information (how very MALE of him), I will have to update this later!

He was born early this morning, and weighed 7 pounds- and he has DIMPLES! We love us some dimpled baby cheeks!

Welcome to the family- you wonderful answer to fasting and prayers- you!

6 months!

Today- we have been attending Stake Conference- which was very spiritually uplifting and wonderful. We will soon have the opportunity to attend the Draper Temple Dedication with all of our patients, except for the Outpatient, who, obviously , won't be making it to this one, BUT!!!!! The most uplifting thing of all, is that today- there are a measly 6 months left until he returns. Last one to the airport is not going to be me.

I did have a little personal insight today that I would like to share. For years, I have sat in various ward conferences and stake conferences. I am sure that they probably announced the number of members serving as full time missionaries. I know that I have never "heard" them say it until my patient was one. In our ward, he is the "ONE". This brought to mind the thought that we need to read the scriptures often, again and again. we need to attend the temple frequently- and not just to benefit others, but so that we can learn and be taught. We get to "hear" different messages according to our experiences. Just like I never really heard the number of missionaries until it pertained so closely to me, we can hear or see other things that pertain to us at that time. Not a new concept, to be sure, but a powerful object lesson to me.

Hearing the number of missionaries stated as 36, and realizing how many of those are friends of the Outpatient, it brings tears to my eyes. Of gratitude for these awesome young people who love the Lord, and gratitude for the Outpatient and his love and example. Of homesickness for my boy. Goodness, will I ever quit tearing up? One of the talks was about JOY- how we can have fun, be happy, have a good time, but in trying to recall those feelings later, we just can't quite feel it the same, but in moments of true joy, those feelings and emotions can come back with full strength. As it says in John, I have no greater JOY than to know that my children walk in truth.

Today, I am joy-full.

Good Food Friday- Spring is Sprung

Spring is my very favorite time of year. The flowers bloom, the leaves come out on the trees, the days are longer but not too long, and warm but not hot.

Spring is a time of NEW- new baby animals, new blossoms, new grass, new food- okay, well now I have hit a snag. I haven't tried anything new for a loooonng time. I haven't even really tried anything old- other than the pancakes which were a smash hit by the way.

So, I am asking you- do you have any recipies to share? For the next couple of weeks, I even have time to cook :)

Think About It - BE SMART

I have given some thought to being smart this week. Not necessarily how you might think, but we will get to that in a minute.

President Hinckley was a great example of getting an education and continuing to become more informed all the time. In the book, Way To Be, he states: "You need all the education you can get. Sacrifice a car, if necessary, sacrifice anything that is needed to qualify yourselves to do the work of the world." When we were first married, we couldn't afford for both of us to keep going to college- or so we thought- so I quit school and went to work full time to get the DR through school. There are things I regret about that now- because boy will it be harder to go back at this point in life- but it is something I have been thinking about for quite a while now that my patients are all in school all day. I was majoring in Special Education- don't know if I will return to that or just elementary education. Have to pray about that.

President Hinckley also says- "Train your mind and your hands to become an influence for good as you go forward with your life. And as you do so you will bring honor to yourself and to your family. You will be regarded as a man or woman of integrity and ability and conscientious workmanship. Be Smart. Don't be foolish. ... I do not mean to be smart-alecky or anything of that kind. I mean, be wise. Be intelligent...Be wise about training yourself for the future." I love that he particularly mentions not to be smart-alecky- we seem to have far and away too much proficiency in that department. I think about his wording to train our minds and our hands to become an influence for good. To me, that means we are going to have to make a conscious effort to make our minds and hands do the right thing. That may seem obvious, but it harder than it seems.

He goes on to state- "Be smart. Prepare. Be a good student in school. Resist thinking that what you do now doesn't matter, because it does..... Be smart in your appearance and in your manners....be clean and neat in your appearance....GENTLE IN YOUR SPEECH... courteous and respectful in your manner....Sloppy dress signals sloppy ways and sloppy thinking." Although we are told not to judge, there can't help but be a first impression made, and making a good first impression, makes it a lot easier to gain and maintain a good reputation.

President Hinckley reminds us to learn not only from others' successes, but from their mistakes. I remember hearing a quote that says something along the lines that a foolish man doesn't learn from his mistakes, a smart man learns from his mistakes, but a wise man learns from the mistakes of others. Or something like that. You get the main idea, hopefully.

Much of this has to do with schooling, but I want to mention another kind of "SMART" which ties in with the last thoughts. This week, at 2:10, I received a call from the Middle School. The Oldest Patient and a few others had been caught vandalizing the bathroom and would be disciplined by having to stay after this week every day to clean all the bathrooms. "Fitting", I replied. However, I was in shock! This is not normally to be expected behavior from the Oldest. A dozen or so scenarios ran through my mind. The school had me on speaker phone so I wasn't at liberty to question too much further. I went to the school early in hopes of talking to the VP. She was out to a meeting. So I waited for the patient to finish his duties, meanwhile having a conversation with a teacher who knows him, and was as shocked as I was. Our shock was even greater when we saw the "lineup" of the guilty parties. All very good boys, not a trouble maker amongst them. I don't know about the other boys except one dad mentioned further discipline at home, which I was already trying to figure out for my own inmate. When questioned- guilty as charged. Having had a boy this age before, I was more prepared this time for the brain impaired actions that sometimes occur. Additional punishments were discussed and we headed to see the DR- and punishments set in place.

I talked to the Oldest about how important reputation is, and how once something like this happens, it makes it so that people will not trust so much any more.

They weren't being malicious. The VP stated to the teachers of the school, that she was totally prepared to throw the book at the vandals; prepared for them to be the trouble makers and problems of the school. When she saw the boys, and pulled their grades, she was floored. These weren't kids trying to be destructive, they were just having fun- with no brains engaged- but fun.

Be Smart. I told the Oldest to be responsible to turn on his brain, and use it.

OOPS! March Birthdays- a whole lot late :)

Well- I guess better late than never-

Happy March Madness Birthday! (Or Anniversary)

Ammon, Russ and Tiffany, Liz, Jessica, Ashley and Tye, Charity, Ava Grace the magnificent, Mickie, Zannie, Mom and Dad L.

Good thing this is a slow month because by the time the next three babies come, this month will be a lot fuller- and since one came early, in February, which is also a slower month, there is plenty of room!

Happy Day! (belated in some cases)

Honesty is not always the best policy-

Sometimes- we should keep our mouth closed- or our comments to our self.

I was just checking in on another blog- where it is anonymous confession time. This person has a lot of readers- a lot are younger than me. The comments they were leaving make me sick to my stomach- and I wonder about these relatively young married couples who already don't like their spouse, amongst other things.

Is marriage easy? Absolutely not! Getting married is fun. Being married is work. It is one of the hardest things to do- EVER- with raising children right up there in the difficulty scale.

Is life easy? Heavens no! And it doesn't seem to get easier with age- just ask my mom.

Society seems to be getting more and more self-centered, and judgemental, while at the same time, being more and more prone to taking offense all in the name of honesty.

I read blogs about women who have buried children and I remember all too well that fear when I was pregnant with the Outpatient- not knowing what was going to happen with his heart. Then I read about these people who are so discontent with their lives over relatively trivial things ( I am not trying to be judgemental here, I don't know them or their situations- only what they have put out there in print). One commenter mentioned people who are content with their lives aren't old enough to have really had trials. Do Trials have an age limit? I began dealing with depression at 15. I was only 21, dealing with very serious health issues involving my unborn son. I was 22 when my father became head injured and my mom had to deal with his medical issues as well as finish raising the four children still at home. I then spent the next 8 years dealing with infertility, and I don't even want to start on the events of the last few years. And yet- I am generally content with life.

This post is not meant to be a whine. This post is- life is hard. For pretty much everybody, if not right now, it will be in the future or it has been in the past. And most likely both. Most people in my life are not aware of my personal struggles, unless I have chosen to talk to them about it. I am not a social being by nature so I come across as very offish. I know this. I am judgemental- at least to myself. I am appalled at the number of people who comment on people's blogs with such venom and hateful things, but at the same time I sometimes think some of the same thoughts.

I have said it before, and I will say it again. Honesty is not always the best policy. If you can't say (or type) something nice, don't say anything at all. Please don't use the lousy excuse of "being honest" to be cruel. Anyone want to walk a mile or two in someone else's shoes?

Oh- and one more thing- being anonymous is not your friend- unless it is in acts of service-

Happy St Patricks Day

As the luck of the Irish (stretching it a tad) would have it- the leprechauns came to our house and turned the milk green, hid green shirts for the kids, and instead of making a path of gold- they threw gold all over the main part of the house. The leprechauns can be quite mischievious!

Today- I am grateful for my mom, who made it a point to celebrate holidays and make memories. It has carried down to the next generation, and my patients live for the various holidays.


I am in a weird place, emotionally. I have been rather teary for the past while, and missing my outpatient. Holidays, I guess, do that to me, or there is something else, I am not quite sure. I am grateful to know that we have made it to 6 months and ONE WEEK until he returns to this continent. How I miss his large personality and enjoyment of life. I doubt the leprechaun made it to Brazil this year.

Can I get a Hallelujua?

With the exception of Team Parties- Hockey Season has concluded.

After a crazy three games on Saturday, the Oldest patient's team took second in the tournament. They beat P.C. 10 to 2- which has a funny story. DR is a good sportsmanship kind of coach, so when they were up like 6 to 2, he pulled the kids back and they couldn't take a shot on the goalie until they had passed it so many times. Well, they got a few more goals, so they were told to keep it in the zone, but to shoot around the goal. In a total fluke, the puck bounced off the top of one kid's stick blade and into the net. He went back to the bench apologizing like crazy!

Then they played C. V., and won 4-1. It was a little tougher game, and C. V.'s one goal was scored because they pulled their goalie to have 6 skaters. Our team immediately made them pay by scoring an empty net goal from our defensive blueline which is from 3/4 of the ice sheet away- for those who don't know.



Oldest Patient was a pretty effective wall, stopping many a flying disc with his stick, skates, and he even took one in the chest. They played really well for the most part, but Oldest got to experience the "JOY" of having his dad as a coach and the players who didn't get to play as much as they wanted (when a game is tough or close, coaches "shorten the bench" to the best and most experienced players) be mad and blame everything on him (DR), and talk smack, making my mild child get mad enough to want to punch "someone"- but he was too afraid of how much trouble he would get into with me. I told him I had no problem with him sticking up for his dad- but that I guaranteed his dad wasn't at all bothered, he has, after all, coached high school, so a couple of 12 year olds were no big deal. The last team- G. S.- when we played them before, the score was like 8 or 9 to nothing, they had won their other games by at least 4 goals, and this game ended up 3-1 so we did well but were tired, and you could see it in our skating.

If I had a dollar for every hour I spend at a rink- I would be a rich nurse. Instead, I pay for that privilege, lucky me.




Now, I must be off. It is Payroll Monday (yeah) and I have been up all night with a sick Miss Sophie. She must have eaten something she shouldn't have, and she has been SO MUCH FUN ALL NIGHT, so I have washing and carpet cleaning to do - ugh-

Good Food Friday- Deprived Patients Edition

Growing up, my dad would cook upon occasion, which was actually rather unusual for most dads, except for manning the BBQ Grill. My dad would fry steak coated in flour with quite a bit of butter. He cooked Stank Valling- (stank valley) which was from his Grandmother's Swedish Heritage- my sister blogged about that last week. Or he made his mother's Buttermilk Pancakes.

Prior to his accident, he taught me to make these things as well. I hardly ever do. Why? My patients are all starting to like steak (finally). My patients love Stank Valling- all of them but the DR who only tolerates it- so it isn't just genetic. My Outpatient loved the Pancakes and so does the DR, and I don't know about the others because I can't remember the last time I made them- because- it is so much easier to get out a package of mix. My poor patients are being deprived of some of their heritage, which if my dad were still healthy and whole, they would have experienced way more frequently.

I am determined to revive this part of my past. You know, to link my patients' to their heritage. Oh, and because it is YUMMY!

Grandma A's Buttermilk Pancakes

2 Cups Flour

3/4 Cup Powdered Buttermilk

2 tsp Salt

1 1/2 tsp Baking Soda

2 Eggs- Separated

Water

Mix dry ingredients, add egg yolks and enough water to make a rather thin batter, it should run off the spoon while barely coating it. In a separate clean bowl, whip the egg whites until very stiff. Gently fold whipped egg whites into batter. Cook on med- med hot griddle until lightly golden brown. These are thin and very light pancakes.

DELISH! and really, they are not that much harder than a mix. What am I waiting for?

As for Stank Valling- my recipe is different from what my sister posted. It is how my dad taught me. And for those who are wondering WHAT ON EARTH is Stank Valling? It is heated milk with flour dumplings- served with cinnamon and sugar. I may post that next week.

Think About It- BE GRATEFUL

I have been thinking a lot lately about two books by President Gordon B. Hinckley. Way to Be, and Standing for Something. I think there is so much in these books that the whole world could really benefit from.

I want to focus my thoughts on the main points from these books for a while.

"Gratitude creates the most wonderful feeling. It can resolve disputes. It can strengthen friendships. And it makes us better men and women."

President Hinckley goes on to advise us to say thank you to all those in our lives that make our life better, provide for us, support us, put up with us, and to everyone who does us a favor or helps us in any way. He also advises us to thank Heavenly Father for all of the ways he blesses our lives , for the guidance from leaders and scriptures, especially for the gift of his Son, for our freedoms, our privileges, and even for our trials and struggles.

"Be Grateful. Count your blessings and gifts and privileges and see just how long that list is. I imagine that each of you will have difficulties ahead of you. None of us can avoid them. But do not despair. Do not give up. Look for the sunlight in the clouds. And be grateful for what you have."

"Let the spirit of thanksgiving guide and bless you days and nights. Work at it. You will find that it will yield wonderful results."

I know I am blessed- very, very blessed. I also know what trials and struggles feel like. I also know that during the times of trials in my life, my Father in Heaven cares, and sustains me, not always in ways that I perceive. I know when I feel like I can't do another day- the next day is easier, just a little respite to help me regroup and forge ahead. I have seen his hand in the lives of my family and friends manifesting such love and concern for them and their trails.

I am grateful to know He is there, and I am one of his children. That I matter to Him just as much if not more than my patients matter to me. I am grateful to be blessed to be raised with the gospel of Jesus Christ in my life, to be blessed with an amazing man as my eternal companion, and the strong spirits that my patients posses- some days I am more grateful than others- I admit. I am grateful for my circle of friends- no matter their age-for those young ones who let me talk to them about my outpatient, and the even younger ones who run into my arms when I visit their homes or show up at hockey rinks. I am grateful for those older who impart their experience and wisdom to me and my patients. I am grateful for my family- both immediate and extended. We have such a support system- it is incredible. I am grateful for the seasons- although winter seems to last a bit too long around here, spring always follows.

I am very blessed.

Bye Bye Niagara-

After nearly 8 years- we have now bid farewell to the tent trailer. It left our possession today, and it would be sad, except we already replaced it last year with the Cougar- "Good Trade?" Oldest was the only one to express lament. To quote- " I like the new trailer, but that one had good memories." Awwww- and that is why we go camping in the first place- good memories.

The Niagara served us well, and hopefully its new family will have good memories with it, too.

Tender Mercies Tuesday- little bit late

Being able to attend the Temple with the Dr on Ward Temple night- which is also a school night, and we have younger kids. The house was still standing and nobody was permanently injured, homework and lots of reading - done- but not piano. Two out of three isn't too bad.

Selling the trailer quickly, in this economy.

The incredible blessing of all these new nieces and nephew- with special emphasis on the coming nephew who is just a miracle through and through.

6 and a half months.

One thing I am sure of, is that Heavenly Father has us in his care. Life doesn't always go the way WE want it to- and that is often the result of our agency or someone else's agency.

Game Times for Sat the 14th

Peaks Arena

8:45 AM- North Sheet- Dark Jerseys

3:30 PM- North Sheet- Light Jerseys

Weekend Wrap-up

Since I already gave the rundown of the Hockey Games- Let me just wrap up the rest of the weekend- because here at the Looney Bin- there is never a dull moment which might account for the fact that we are a bit looney.

I have to back up a little bit. Wednesday night- we listed our tent trailer for sale. Thursday morning at 8:00 we got a call? Fast? Anyway- guy has a sister that lives here- can she come look at it for him? I said call the DR and set up a time- because the trailer was blocked by the snowmobile trailer so I couldn't open it. I didn't hear anything else- but he had called and talked to the DR.

Sister calls Friday morning and wants to come see it. Of course she does. I ask her to call the DR, because we have to leave out of town for hockey, not to mention that it is tax season. (She knows the DR, it turns out, I know- BIG SHOCKER- another joy of living in Small Town) He comes up at lunch to move it and set it up. He told me he was feeling kind of bad about selling it, UNTIL he had to set it up- then he didn't feel bad anymore :) Of course, she FINALLY shows up right when we are supposed to be leaving- but it looks like the trailer is sold.

We finally left and went to see the newest member of the family- Miss S. She is so sweet and Mr. X is doing just fine with the new addition. The DR rubbed it in that he got to hold her first- but I reminded him that I was giving attention to my buddy- the new big Brother. All of the patients got a turn, to varying degrees of success- Oldest was acting a bit insecure- Middle tried to fold her back into pre-birth position, and Youngest got bored rather quickly. She is a sleeper for now.




We then grabbed food and headed to SIL and BIL house, where we got to bed way too late for having a 5:30 Wake up. We went to the hockey games- and when they let Middle Patient play in the last Squirt Game, that threw a monkey wrench into our plans- because we were headed to snowmobile- but we got a ride for her to meet up with us, then headed back south to get the machines- and headed for the mountains, picking up Middle on the way. We got in a ride over to the lodge for lunch,(NOTE TO SELF- DO NOT PUT LEFTOVER SPAGHETTI IN THE TRUNK BAG OF THE SNOWMOBILE- OR AT LEAST NOT ON TOP- NOT GOOD) then another ride- which I let it go full throttle at one point- much to the delight of the Middle Patient who was on back of my sled- Remind me to never let her drive- she likes speed, but doesn't have all that much common sense.



We loaded up and headed home- making for a very full weekend. Kids were so tired out- that they headed pretty much straight to bed when we got home- all kids out for the count by 9:00 on a Saturday night?

Time change isn't too bad if you have 1:00 church :)

A Hockey Family

I gripe a lot- but believe me- we love hockey! If we didn't- we would not be involved to the degree we are.

Saturday was GREAT! The DR coached the PeeWee team, they let Middle play- even though she and the Oldest wear the same number. Next year might be tricky because they could be on the same team, if she continues to play. Anyway- So Middle Patient played in her first "check legal" games. They tied the first game which was against a team that beat them like 6 to 2 on our ice. I need to point out that WE used a ROOKIE GOALIE!!!!! That kid was AMAZING!!!! I am going to buy him a treat! Then our Squirt roster- that Middle is NOT on played and got massacred. Then the PeeWee's took to the ice again- and WON 4-2. I have to mention that the Utah Roster keeps getting robbed of players to staff the Colorado Roster and it was Tournament Week in CO. SO- DR staffed his roster with THREE SQUIRTS- one of which was his daughter. She took her first hit- which was borderline legal in elbow height- but I was not the only parent to notice he hit her in the Back. But I was a little more concerned that she didn't get up.

She did leave the ice with a little help- so I ran clear around the rink- hopping through the other teams box, penalty box, score keepers box, our penalty box, to finally check her out. Can I say- Nice Facility- stupid rink layout. She was sitting on the bench with one leg stretched out- while of course the MEN were dealing with the game. We got her sock and shinguard off- she had gone into the boards knee first- she was fine, but will be sporting a bruise. As I made my way back through the many boxes- the lady in the score box asked if he was all right- I said- well- he is a SHE- and yes she will be fine. The lady was so cute- she said- Shoot I was really hoping it wasn't one of the girls.

It is funny the games your mind will play. Last Monday, the Squirt teams had a playoff to see which roster got to go to the tournament. Both teams wanted it BAD! It was about as Blue Collar Hockey as I have ever seen on a squirt level- kids and sticks and pucks flying everywhere. She was in there with the toughest of them.

Saturday, she was scared of getting hurt. After that- which was at the beginning of the second period, she sat out for just a minute- bounced back up and insisted she go back in (being so antsy she got us called for too many players on the ice :) ) She went on to play a super tough game and after the DR got after the other teams' Squirt coaches (they wouldn't let her play in the Squirt game because she wasn't on the roster and the poor team only had 7 players and they had 18) They let the two squirts who weren't rostered play. They still clobbered us- but oh well.

Oldest played tough. He is making a lot of progress in game smarts, and his stick handling as well as Skating. I just can't get him to check somebody :) I know that seems conflicting- but it is hockey, and he can and is supposed to check. I know of one time- other than his OWN SISTER at practice that he tried. Oh well- one step at a time. It helps him a lot to be able to see.

ONE THING- even if you don't have any idea that your kid might need glasses- get their eyes checked for real- not the school screening- by the time they are in 1st or second grade- you just may be in for a surprise! I didn't even suspect there was a problem until 3rd grade- holy schmokes! He is now on his 5th prescription since then- can you say Vision Impaired?

They both had fun! The Rookie Goalie made a BEAUTIFUL glove save right at the buzzer of the second game! It was one of the fun hockey weekends in a season of not very much fun. The DR had fun coaching both of his patients- so it was good all around.

NOTE TO SELF!!!! DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CAMERAS AT YOUR SISTER IN LAW'S WHEN YOUR PATIENTS ARE PLAYING HOCKEY! BAD HEAD NURSE!

Hockey Game Schedule

For those who have asked- this is the schedule for what is left of the season- (HALLELUJAH) oops- did I type that out loud?

This Weekend- Oldest has games in Bountiful Saturday the 7th at 7:30 am and at 10:00 am. We are going to try and see if they will let the Middle play as well- this may very well be her last hockey - but who knows.

Next Weekend- the 14th- the Oldest has tournament games in Provo at the Peaks- not sure the games' times right now.

AND that will conclude this VERY long sports season- I think. They are talking a few more possible tournaments. Just shoot me know. I really look forward to a few weeks off before soccer starts- but that may not be the case. Possible Bummer.

I need a funny- anything-

My Aunt sent me a hilarious email the other day because my mention of the stalker monkey balloon reminded her of it. It was a fabulous day for that- I seriously needed a laugh that day. I need another one.

Anyone? Anyone? (Name that movie)

Think About It - Conditioning

I remember just a few things from my high school psychology class. One is Pavlov's response, where a response can be trained to an action. For example- we have a home security system and every time the door opens, a chime sounds. Well, Miss Sophie knows this. I like to torture her by opening the bedroom windows- which also make the alarm chime- and makes her run to see who is home. She goes confusedly from front door to back door. I giggle at her. I am easily entertained.

Any way, I was thinking early today about how we become conditioned to accept things or behavior or circumstances over time. 200 years ago- a man's word was his bond. Now- you can hardly trust anyone- and what's more- we actually expect people to let us down.

I can think of many examples.


We have become conditioned to accept poor behavior from participants in sporting events. We have become conditioned to blaming others for our problems. We have become conditioned to poor standards of dress and grooming. We have become conditioned to being treated with disrespect by those around us. We are becoming conditioned that the government should take care of us- instead of us taking care of ourselves.

Maybe I am being cynical. But can you think of something that is becoming acceptable- that even 20-30 years ago was not? I can think of A LOT! Our country and its moral compass is on a downward spiral, which is in turn trying to force us to become conditioned to accept things that are against our personal moral code.

To raise children in these circumstances is a whole lot of scary! It is no wonder we need to pull even tighter together as families- to counter this conditioning.

By the way- Miss Sophie is NOT conditioned to think her kennel is a wonderful place to go, which just shows us that we do not have to become conditioned- we can take a stand

I do not deserve the DR

At least most days. He is an amazing person, and why he puts up with me, I just don't know.

I love that man!

Tender Mercies Tuesday

UPDATE ON GRANDMA BUNNIE:

Well- the PET scan was not a clean bill of health. What is the problem, for right now- we are not sure. The cancer in the body seems to be gone- but there is something going on around her heart which wasn't there before- and the doctor isn't sure at this time what it is- so more medical stuff is on the horizon and your continued prayers in her behalf would be appreciated.


On a more positive note- The DR and I lived together before we got married.

Well- not exactly how the world would view that- but he did move into my room, in my parents' house for a couple of months while we waited for our apartment to become available. I moved back into my old room with my little sister. Long story short, he had his stuff in my parents basement, and thought that his Patriarchal Blessing was lost forever.

Last night, he brought me an envelope. Looks like it was lost in HIS mother's house- not mine :) Now that it is my possession, I will take good care of it - I will put it with mine.

I woke up this morning and what did I see?

A fabulous- and a funny.

It was payroll monday (again) so I started rather early, and at a little after 6:00 am- this email came in. It was in Portuguese- but seeing as how I have had quite a few emails from Brazil- it didn't faze me- then the word "Batismo" caught my eye- YES! The Golden Family that the Outpatient has been teaching were all baptized on Sunday- and she (the mom) emailed me pictures! Can't start a day off much better than that.

That is the Fabulous!

Now- on Valentines Day- Grandma Bunnie let my patients take a monkey shaped helium balloon- which the Middle Patient decided to give her dad for Valentines ( I didn't tell him where it came from) On the Youngest Patient's Birthday- a friend gave her a balloon- so we have had these two Mylar balloons floating around our house- occasionally having a run in with the ceiling fan, and what have you as they gradually got closer and closer to the ground. Oldest Patient- being a preteen boy- couldn't resist beating the tar out of them when he got the chance and finally succeeded in popping the Youngest's.

Today, the DR asked if it was okay to lose the monkey balloon because- and I quote- " It is freaking me out" I guess it likes to move around when his back is turned- following him around or something. I thought that was pretty funny!

That was the Funny!

And I, for one, am glad of the demise of the other balloon because it was freaking me out scratching across the ceiling at night- but shsh- don't tell anybody.

My Baby- edited

My baby is now a baptized and confirmed member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.


The last of this particular milestone for my patients. The day was relatively peaceful, we had more than enough food to feed the masses, and she was beautiful, excited, and totally herself. I can't really describe how much joy she brings to all the family- she is one adored girlie. I am happy that for once, I actually managed to get a picture of me with my baptism child- I hate having my picture taken- but I have felt bad as I have looked back and not had that, at least. Last night- the DR took the camera for a minute.

We also managed to get pictures of nearly every body who came to support and witness the baptism- another first. My Youngest Patient will always easily remember the date of her baptism- because it will be her cousin's birthday-how fun to share that




This is Kate and the Infamous Ava Grace. She isn't sick- she is mad. She didn't want to wear her dress, her tights, or her shoes. Just before I took this pic- she had the most hilarious "I am mad at the whole world" face I have ever seen. Oh, and pretend you can't see the preggo lady in the background.- K- thanks!

Thank you so much- Family and Friends- your love and support means so very much to us. When the Youngest was blessed- 8 years ago in April, there was a freak snowstorm, and my family wasn't here for her blessing. I did cry about that- there is just something about family support. Yesterday- the weather reports weren't great- but HA! the day was perfectly clear and actually fairly warm for these parts this time of year

This is more normal for this crew- they get it from their Grandpa :)