Happy Halloween- and other such stuff

Last Halloween, we had hockey games that night, here in Small Town. We had two Trunk-or-Treats, one with the Ward and one with the visiting hockey teams. We had two class parties (since Oldest had moved on to the bigger world of Middle School), and it felt like I was running around crazy all day.

This Halloween-

There are hockey games. This time they are out of town and in the morning (DR just called- won first game 2-0, won second game 8-1) Youngest and I didn't go because I couldn't figure out any solution for this.....

There are no Trunk-or-Treats. Class Parties were yesterday, but I wasn't involved with any of them.

I need to clean house. And that is it. Patients out of the Looney Bin on a 24 hour pass will barely make it back in time to go Trick or Treating. Maybe.

This year...

Youngest decided to be a bat. Because no one in the Looney Bin has ever been one.

Middle is being kind and using her 50's outfit that I spent time and money on for the Daddy Daughter date.

Oldest begged me to let him dress up. I don't care if he dresses up. I do have a problem with anyone who needs to shave going trick or treating unless they are only helping a younger sibling or child. He is going as a prisoner. Well, he has chains.

Outpatient supposedly went to some giant party in the same town where the hockey games were last night. I haven't talked to him, so I am not sure. He was going to dress up in faux Lederhosen, suspenders, and be a mountain yodeler.

I am, of course, the requisite hag.

The DR, the hero.

Good Food Friday- Soup's On ?

Fall is ending- Winter beginning.

Any one have any good soup recipes to share?

I have posted most that I make with any regularity. I am up for something new.

I think I haven't posted my Grandma F.'s Kidney Bean Soup- which is too easy, and only liked by half the patients, but loved by the DR.

1 LB ground beef
4 cans Italian Style Stewed Tomatoes
2 cans Kidney Beans
1 can of water-
Cooked noodles (usually rotini)

Season beef with salt and pepper. Brown and drain. Add tomatoes, water, and kidney beans. Cook until hot. Meanwhile, cook noodles.

I will mix the noodles in the soup if I think there won't be leftovers, but I almost always double this, and put cooked noodles in a bowl and cover with the soup. Can be served with Parmesan cheese as a garnish.

Then, on another day, I just heat the leftovers and cook fresh noodles.

The DR's favorite. My grandma made it with rice, but the Looney Bin prefers noodles.

Pass on your favorites- Pretty Please?

Words, Words, Words

I'm so sick of words- (I get words all day through first from him... now from you... (name that...))

When did my mind take a flying leap off a short pier?

Why does it seem like the hurrier you go, the behinder you get?

Why does it seem impossible to keep a house clean?

Why is it when someone does something wrong, they get mad at the person or people who call them on it?

When will we find more time?

When did two of my patients join the ranks of pre-teen?

Why do I get punished for the actions of others- isn't there an article of faith about that?

Why do I even bother thinking about how things will be? They never turn out that way.

Why are my patients growing like weeds right now?

Why am I in such a funk?

When did the world decide that friends are more important than family?

Winter.

Not looking forward to that.

Memories- in the far reaches of my mind

Okay- so I read my sister's post (bids2calvin)- and nearly laughed out loud. She endured the maturation class with her first child. A daughter the same age as Middle. I have a few maturation stories of my own (bummer) and since I haven't yet had the dubious honor of attending with a daughter, my stories involve my two sons. There wasn't anything that I learned from the actual maturation programs that I wasn't fairly well informed on already. I did, however, get an education I was not prepared for from my sons. I did NOT sign up for that. I know I didn't. And I dare anyone to show me where I signed up for that. Isn't that what dads are for? I mean, really. I would go into more detail, but trust me, you really don't want to know if you don't already. I did get a chuckle out of watching a few red faced dads at the classes. I think it was a bit awkward for them having the small smattering of mothers in attendance.

Here is another awkward thing. After the class for Oldest, he felt it was his duty, or right, or obligation, or something, to begin educating his various cousins. Even though he had been talked to about keeping private things private at the presentation, by me, by his dad. He was just so thrilled with his knowledgeable status, he was bound and determined to share the wealth- much to the chagrin of an Aunt or two. I guess there were worse places they could get information, but still.

So Sis, here's a toast to conquering this step into the raising of a teenager. I wish you better times than I had, and hopefully at least as much success with your first born as I have had with mine. Cheers!

And I promise- you did need a- a.r.b.- spelled backwards.

No- I am not dead or missing :)

Grandma Bunnie called. She wanted to know if her child was dead or missing since there hasn't been a post in a few days. I am here- and relatively fine. Saturday- the second game ended up in another tie- 3 to 3. Then we made a super dash out to Cougar town, dropped the DR off at the game (no comment on that one), and went to make Monster Cupcakes with the Woffies.
Sunday was not a great day. Yesterday was Payroll Monday. Today was spent trying to outrun the snow while trying to "vacuum" the FIVE MILLION leaves up off the lawn. Oh, and making a last minute Halloween Costume since Youngest changed her mind about what she wanted to be (for the third time). Fun times were had by all.

I have to admit, the tender mercies have been a little too well camouflaged this week. Other than a rather big and expensive one.

As you know, Outpatient recently realized his dream of becoming a Mac owner. That was two weeks ago yesterday. One week ago today, he came upstairs to inform me he was ticked. Apple just announced a newer, bigger, better, badder iMac. And they no longer were selling the one he JUST barely took possession of. Both the DR and I told him to at least call and talk to someone in Customer Service. Within less than 30 minutes, he had the new machine on order, and I had an email with the RMA#. He was told it would not be able to be shipped until Nov. 18th- but small price to pay.

I received shipping notice on the 22nd and the computer made it here from China by yesterday. That is some serious customer service. I had hoped- at the most- for a refund of a couple of hundred dollars. Small problem- it did come with a Spanish keyboard. I feel confident that will be a minor thing to deal with.

Other than that- I still didn't get all the leaves mowed up- and we need to do it down at the in-laws- so I am crossing my fingers it doesn't really snow all night and tomorrow like the weather says, so we can make an attempt at their house.

Remember how I said Winter would be quick on the heels of Autumn? Yeah- about that....

What's up?

Today Oldest and Middle start the day off with two hockey games and I am doing the concession stand. It helps to have them on the same team- but why they scheduled our team moms to do concessions at the same time as the game- I just don't know. Then we are making a mad dash to the Bigger City for Cougar Football, and for the other family members to chill with the likes of Miss Ava Grace, Elle, and the other inhabitants of the Woff den. Possibly steal a few kisses off of X and S- but it will be a quick crazy trip. Probably better to spend the time at home- but the temptation to see family is too great.

Sunday we have to be home early because it is the Primary Program. Middle's last one. Last year we missed the last one for Oldest because we were in Hawaii that week.

I have to load luggage in the car and head back to the rink. First game was a tie- 2 to 2. Oldest played well- Middle didn't see too many shifts as she is a rookie at this age level. I didn't see any of it because I was heating up chili and cheese (gross!)

Have a Fabulous weekend. It is a gorgeous day!

Think About It- Perceptions

Yesterday I was involved in some company-wide training via phone and web. My web link didn't work, so I was only able to listen in. The training was on harassment and bullying in the work place. The DR and I joke about him harassing me all the time, but I don't think that is what they had in mind :).

I was thinking about this one statement the trainer made- she said that harassment and bullying were interpreted by the victim not the instigator, and how something made them feel. I think that is true, but also a little tough to define. I can take things in a certain way while someone else may take it completely different. I posted on here last fall about how my mom was treated by someone from her work. She made me edit it, but what ended up happening is that several other employees turned in the bully boss, and that person eventually lost their job. My mom and I were talking about stressful occupations the other day and she said that her job was just about stress free now that so and so was gone, and everyone at work felt it. One person's behavior and decisions had a great effect on the workplace and productivity (also covered in the training). Once confronted, this person claimed to my mom that they had not thought they were abusive to my mom. Their perception of their behavior was that everything was wonderful.

Just because we don't think we did anything wrong, and even if people around us seem to go along with what we do, does that make it right? My mom had worked with this person who claimed friendship for several years and put up with the behavior until someone else did something about it. My mom should have said something, but partly in fear of her job, and partly her personality kept her quiet.

So many times, we do things that nobody says anything about, and we may be under the delusion that it was fine. No harm, no foul. However, if someone does say something that goes contrary, we may want to shoot the messenger. I have been "shot at" many a time because I have been a messenger. I have also taken aim more frequently than I want to admit. Nobody likes being told we are wrong, that we messed up, that we are out of line. It is a pride thing, I guess. But hopefully we know that people who care about us, for real, will have our back, and also be willing to tell us when we make a mistake or they don't agree with something. In the training, they mentioned if we observe or have knowledge of a situation and don't do or say anything, we become accomplices- or part of the problem.

I finally sat down and watched all of the biggest loser episodes for this season. My perception of one participant is that she is there for the wrong reason, among other things that I perceive. This may be due to editing, or she really is that awful. She may come across even more manipulative than she would because of the editing, or she may be even worse than she seems. It is all in how you perceive things. There are those who may see nothing wrong with what she has done while others are appalled.

Everyday we make choices. They affect others and may be perceived differently than we think. I used to have a quote on our bathroom mirror that I got off my sister- Favorite Aunt's mirror- that went something like this....

"It will sometimes be necessary to chose between having a good time and living a good life."
I think- but am not positive- it was by M. Russell Ballard (sis- correct me if you remember).

My perception or interpretation of this is that sometimes (or often) we have to choose the right thing rather than the fun thing, or the safe thing (like my mom), or the easy thing. And we can't always rely on our perception. We may need to get input from others whom we trust to give us their honest opinion, not just say what we may think we want to hear.

If you are interested- Check out the post on Pandora's Garden in my Family Therapy section (no I am not dead). Serious food for though in there.

It's Autumn Time, It's Autumn Time...

The leaves are blowing down. In our little corner of Small Town, the wind blows from March until the end of May, or June- a lot- and usually from the West. In the Fall, the wind blows from September until November or December (and more frequently from the eastward direction)- or even clear around to the spring winds. I am sure that someone could tell me why it changes direction and blows so often in this part of the valley, but it wouldn't change the fact that I get a little tired of wind. The wind blows a lot of the time during other months as well, but it seems much more constant and strong during the windy months. I am well aware that I have family members who would say that my birth town has more wind, but I would be willing to say that our area could quite possibly go toe to toe (or blow to blow).

Today it is as if giant golden "snowflakes" are dashing about in the wind, while the bushes and trees shake and quiver, scraping against the sides of the house, and rustle wildly as they shed their leafy bounty. Two days ago, we had lawn with a few leaves here and there, today it is a golden, quickly fading to brown, carpet.

Autumn brings sweaters and rakes. Hot Chocolate mornings and comfortable afternoons, followed by rapidly cooling evenings. Here in Small Town, winter will come quickly on its heels, bringing freezing cold for months, and months, and months. Winter seems to last a really long time here. This year, I pray for slightly more tempered weather. Plenty of snow, without the bitter temperatures to make it solid ice. Maybe the snow could fall neatly on the yards and avoid the roads and sidewalks. That would be great.

Tender Mercies Tuesday

I have had to think harder this week. One tender mercy was that Outpatient made a sale- so his trip wasn't a waste- even though it was a split sale. Then last night, he and his friend were able to call me so I could provide proof of friend D's hockey registration- which made it so they could play hockey together again- which led to three goals for the Outpatient and a goal for D- (they both had assists as well)-BIG smiles for both of them. And Outpatient, on the whole, seems to be happier. Still not sleeping real great- but he is making progress in the healing process.

I have been able to keep my dishwasher limping along- to buy some time before we have to purchase a new one :)

Youngest doesn't seem to be as sick as Middle was, so hopefully she won't miss as much school. And so far, Outpatient and Oldest aren't sick.

Now- we have a few trials this morning. Last night, the DR's computer showed that it is full of viruses. This is REALLY BAD! He hasn't backed up recently, and his computer is full of work information that is critical. And just now, when he went to leave for work- his truck won't start, and refuses to be jump started. Don't need that going on. I am praying that the computer issue can be resolved without too much trouble. And I am going to make sure a back up both my laptop and the desktop today- just in case.

I took these pictures yesterday, and last night the wind blew and blew. Half of the leaves are now off the trees.


It may not seem like a tender mercy to some, because we made decisions which made it possible, but with cutting back our patients' activities, and Middle and Oldest being on the same hockey team by age, there are actually white spaces on my calendar. Hopefully this will keep us a little more sane than in years past. Maybe I can learn to be a happier mom again.

Elle Update

Elle seems to be doing better. They have been suctioning out her lungs every few hours, and rehydrating her through IV. Thanks for your thoughts on her behalf.

Prayers for Elle-

I just got off the phone with my mom.If you can, please pray for my sweet little niece, Elle. They took her to the hospital tonight with RSV- not good under normal circumstances but with her other health issues- very serious. EDIT- She has been re-diagnosed with Bronchialitis and Influenza A-.

Must be goin round-

So- Middle was out of school for the whole week, flu-like symptoms. No, I didn't take her in to see if a pig was involved. What were they going to be able to do about it? The highest her temp got was 102.4, oral, wrapped up like a mummy in my very toasty bed. My sis, whose hubby is doing medical training at UofU has brought the info home that if you have the flu right now, it is most likely piggie in nature since the other flu season has yet to hit. However, I don't think that is necessarily the case. I used to get the flu every summer- without fail when I was the girlie patients ages. I am sooo looking forward to her returning to school. She is a busy body and went a little nuts being home for the week. Other than when the Outpatient was recovering from his dog bite- I have never had a patient home more than a day.

Friday, Outpatient went out of town to sell security systems. Oldest had two overlapping birthday parties (I dislike buying gifts for preteen boys whom I don't know), I did make pizza (outpatient missed it since he stayed over- unplanned) then my BIL and SIL and kids showed up- we visited, then hit the hay not too late.

Saturday, the EQP- known around these parts as the DR- left early to help a family in our ward work on their house, the patients and I cleaned house and yard, then the DR returned, helped in the yard, then we ran to get munchies for the all important weekend event- Cougar Football. We made yum sandwiches, and other snack foods for everyone to enjoy. The Lunchlady, Oldest Carrotstick and I avoided the crowds and kept track of the game by the level of noise issuing forth from the gathered throngs of loyal Cougar Fans. Good thing we heard yelling towards the very end.

Shortly after the departure of said guests, Oldest took himself off to bed. (He does that. I know, weird for a preteen). It was only 9:00. The DR and I decided we were tired too- so we sent the girlie patients to their wing, and took ourselves to ours. Sad. It was 9:30 on a Saturday night. My tiredness must be catching.

Anyway- funny, the DR laid there a while, then said he had a desire to go sleep in the trailer. He asked me if I cared. Um, no. A quiet night's sleep- no snoring or bed-hogging. I had just started to drift off, when I heard a lot of banging- like someone was taking metal garbage cans out. I looked out the window- and apparently the propane tanks were empty- so rather than come back in the house, he was out there- 11:00 pm- swapping out tanks! Now, I know that bed is really comfortable, but that was ridiculous. Anyway- he came in this morning ( I didn't even hear Outpatient get home) and reported his activities as well as recounting his dream- which I want to blog- but he won't let me.

Now it is not even 9:00, the younger patients are all asleep, and I am headed there soon myself. Maybe if I go to bed early for a week, I won't be dragging.

The doctor thinks I might be a little stressed.

No Buts About It
I read a book this week that I really enjoyed. There was one thing that really stuck out to me called the but statement (or something like that). It's simple but really powerful. When you say anything with a but in it try switching the positive and negative statements that you're joining. It makes a big difference. Watch."I went to the gym today but I gained ten pounds," becomes..."...I gained ten pounds, but I went to the gym today."And, "I had a good day at work, but my boss yelled at me," "...My boss yelled at me, but I had a good day at work.""I'll see my husband this weekend, but he has been gone all week," "...My husband has been gone all week, but I'll see him this weekend.And, "I love watching Grey's Anatomy, but it makes me cry," "...Grey's Anatomy makes me cry, but I love watching it."Try it out. It's amazing how just a small switch can make a big difference. Happy Friday.

Were you ever this tired?

Put a computer in front and that would be me.

*photo came from an email sent to me full of similar animal photos

Good Food Friday- In the Good Old Days

Once upon a time, my patients didn't really know what a frozen pizza was- nor did they have much experience with take out pizza. The reason? I made it from scratch. I remember a friend of Outpatient being at our house, and looking at our pizza with longing. He claimed to have never had homemade pizza in his life. Now, I know his mom, and I doubt she never made homemade pizza. However, I do think she ended up where I am. Seems like it takes too much time and I never have the right stuff on hand.

I know, I know- why don't I plan it in the grocery shopping? I don't know. These days when we have pizza- it is of the 5 buck- grab and go variety. But, a couple of weeks ago- some of the in-laws were in town and we went to a pizza restaurant. It was really good- greasy- but good! And it made me miss the days of homemade pizza- so I am going to try to get back to the place where that is the norm for us.

Pizza Dough: Makes a 16 inch or (2) 12 inch

8 oz warm water
1/2 tsp sugar
1 TB yeast
1 tsp. salt
1 TB veg oil (I use canola)
3 3/4 C flour (give or take)

Put water, sugar, and yeast in mixing bowl and allow to soften and become bubbly. Add salt, oil, and flour (1 cup at a time) until the dough cleans the sides of the bowl. It can stick a little to the bottom. You can either knead by hand for 3 minutes, or use your kitchenaid on a 2-3. Shape and place in a greased bowl, cover and let rise until double in volume. Punch down and let dough rest for 4 minutes.
Lightly grease (spray) your pizza pan and wipe off excess. I use a perforated metal pizza pan.
Roll out to desired size, transfer to pan and make an edge if you need to. The edges of my pans curve up, so I generally don't. Allow to raise for 10 minutes.

Now, top at will. Place on bottom rack in a COLD oven, turn oven on to 500 degrees F, and bake 17 to 20 minutes, depending on your oven.

We love Chicken Caesar Pizza at the Looney Bin-

Caesar Dressing
Minced garlic
cooked chicken
grated Parmesan cheese (not the green can kind)
Monterrey Jack cheese
Romaine lettuce
Roma tomatoes

Once crust has risen. Spread with 2-3 TB of the dressing and 1 - 2 cloves of garlic, minced. Add 3 cups of cooked chicken, diced. Then layer 1/2 lb grated Monterrey Jack cheese, and 1/2 C fresh grated Parmesan cheese (I buy it pre-grated).

Cook at 450 for approx 15-18 min. until crust is light brown and cheese is bubbly. Remove from oven. Add torn Romaine lettuce leaves, and sliced tomatoes. Drizzle with remaining dressing to taste.

Think I will make it tonight.

Mac Pics-

I don't know if I have mentioned before- but the Outpatient is a little weird.

Bag Lady Revisited

I am having a major temptation.

I have no excuse, other than it is cute.

Think About It- Selfless vs Selfish

This has been on my mind a great deal lately. This morning, I re-read a post by CJane titled A Heavy Meal. It is about going from a girl to a woman. Today I noticed an edit, and the third item she listed caught my attention in particular. She said, " I think the threshold of going from girl to woman comes from learning to love someone more than yourself". I think it is that, but so much more. I think it is getting to where you put others needs before your own.

I looked up the definition of selfish, and selfless.

selfish:
1. concerned excessively or exclusively with oneself, seeking or concentrating on one's own advantage, pleasure, or well-being without regard for others.
2. arising from concern with one's own welfare or advantage in disregard of others.

selfless:
1. having no concern for self.

I also happened to watch a clip from the biggest loser where two of the players sacrificed their time on the ranch, so that another player could stay. You know, it never ceases to amaze me that of all "reality" game shows, the biggest loser very seldom is about selfishness, and when someone there is being selfish- it jumps out at you, it is in such sharp contrast.

I don't think that being selfish is only about thinking totally about yourself, sometimes it involves thinking about others and then totally disregarding them, which I think is even worse, because it shows that you very deliberately were selfish and hurtful.

Back to CJane's comment. I feel that becoming a woman- in other words, becoming a grownup, is becoming selfless. We are counseled constantly by our church leaders to serve others. To forget ourselves. Most often, this does happen as you become a mother, but it should happen so much sooner. Growing up is - number one... being honest with yourself and others. Number two...putting others needs and feelings before your own. Number three... accepting responsibility when you mess up and not taking credit for things which are not your doing.- There are more signs but these, to me, are the most basic.

I found this quote that was quoted by Elder Joe J. Christensen in the May 1999 Ensign.

“Dear God,

“So far today I have done all right. I haven’t gossiped, haven’t lost my temper, haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish, or overly indulgent. But in a few minutes, Lord, I am going to get out of bed, and from then on, I am probably going to need a lot more help.”

Oh- boy am I going to need a lot more help. Well, and a lot more effort on my part.

Where Oh Where.....

Has my egg costume gone?

doesn't Youngest looked thrilled?

I made this egg costume for the Outpatient when he was one, and each of my kids has worn it at roughly the same age.

It was seen not too long ago, but now seems to have flown the coop. I can't remember loaning it out to anyone, but as seems to be the case all too frequently around the Looney bin, our generosity with lending stuff to others without always remembering to whom, has bit us a few too many times.

So, if you have borrowed my little egg- or remember me saying I was lending it (that list would be very small), please let me know. We are also looking for a few other terminally borrowed items. Like our dutch oven. and a roofing nail gun, and a few other things. (EDITED- hey- the hockey pants came back! hurray!)

I guess that is the reason they say "neither a lender nor borrower be". sigh.

Tender Mercies Tuesday

Bet you thought I forgot :)

First- I do have pictures of the GRAND MAC opening- however, my camera cord has temporarily been misplaced so I can't upload them - although- I just had a tender mercy :) (or I guess you could call it a light bulb moment) I just remembered I can use any one of my patients' three cameras- just move the card to one of their cameras and I am good. Gee- it helps you think to write things out. I will soon make this part obsolete- but I will finish writing first.

Outpatient is doing pretty good the past few days, helped greatly by the love and prayers in his behalf, the arrival of his new toy, and he has been busier. He has been helping the DR move their offices, worked at his former place of employment a couple of days, helping with the Oldest and Middle's hockey team practices, and tonight, he and the DR went to Ward Temple Night.

Oldest went to bed a grumpy bear without his supper at 6:15 tonight. He must have been really tired because that boy NEEDS his food. Middle was home sick yesterday, went to school today, but ended up coming home sick again. Youngest is being a turkey. As for me, I am exhausted. Like, back before my hysterectomy, severely anemic, no energy whatsoever, exhausted. Could be stress, maybe my thyroid went south. I need to make the time to get my blood work done.

So, tender mercies. The earlier than expected arrival of the MAC- (if you know my son, you totally understand how big of a deal this is.) The other part of this tender mercy is that the DR, unknown to the Outpatient, has been saving his car money, and that is where the money for the Mac came from. The Outpatient has paid us rent every month for the use of the car, and the DR squirreled it away. I didn't even know until a year or so ago.

The gal who has been on maternity leave came in and helped with payroll yesterday which was very good since I was really feeling cruddy yesterday.

The Girlie patients' voice teacher stopped by last night to borrow their costumes, and told us her younger sister, and several of the sister's friends are dying to go out with Outpatient- and tonight at dinner he told us the sister contacted him today.

I took a 2 hour nap today. I needed it.

The love and support we feel from all of you- whether you know me in real life or we hope to meet in the future. That is a tender mercy. Obrigado. Danke.

Thank you.

Wish you could have been here-

When this showed up!

More pictures to follow- like, real ones.

Thoughts on the Past

For some reason this morning, I was thinking about how the DR's past comes to visit again and again. Then- weirdly enough- I thought about how my sister's high school boyfriend's best friend (follow that?) moved into their ward and now is their bishop.


The thought I had, and wished I had known and followed years ago is this...

Live your life in such a way that when the past comes to visit, it is a visit, not a haunting.



Obviously, if we are living the gospel correctly, that would happen naturally, but I have been way less than perfect my whole life.

Faces from the past on Facebook(and blogs :) )

I finally figured out what is fun about facebook- these are some of the faces we love from Oregon. Three of them were our "adopted" kids, and some were the Outpatient's best friends. It seems like yesterday.

How Does One...

How does one recover from shock and realign life goals in a heartbeat?

This past week has not been a fun one for the Outpatient. Not only did the relationship not work out after a 4 year investment. - and I do mean investment-, but he is here, in small town, with people from their past, and since he just got home, many are seeing him for the first time after his mission, and since they know both of them, of course they ask. So not only does he have to deal with the pain he is feeling, the wound gets reopened frequently. And on top of that, he goes to a class twice a week that her father is the instructor of.
How do I help him, when I do not understand what happened, and what is happening. I have no experience to equal this.

He will have a happy this week. His mac will be here by Wednesday. This will, I hope, give him something to do as he begins to dream new dreams and find some focus again. He also has a couple of days work lined up for a former employer, and that will also help.

If you could remember him in prayer, I would appreciate it. He needs to get his school situation figured out. He needs a job so he can afford to go to school. He needs peace in his heart. And he needs friends who are not so connected to his past.

They say the truth shall set you free. There is some truth out there we are starting to see.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month- Please Click!

Pic from her daughter's facebook

Two and a half years ago, my then 42 year old sister was diagnosed with breast cancer. And because she can't do things half way, she had an aggressive, more abnormal type. She was lucky, because most women are not having regular screenings at her age.



In our family we, or at least many of us, are more conscientious about our screenings.



I encourage everyone to get earlier and more frequent screenings. Just because you may not have a family history of breast cancer, doesn't mean you can't have it.



And early detection truly does save lives.



Just ask my sister. Or her husband. Or her four kids.


Please click on the button for the breast cancer site. This month, their sponsors double their click count to allow more women to have free mammograms. go back and click as often as you can- every single click counts. You can even go do some shopping if you are so inclined.

Do it for your sisters.

Today

Today... today is not a good day. It isn't a totally horrible day either, though. I have been listening to a piano concert from the living room. The music..."Miserable At Best".

That about sums it up.

Food For Thought

Maturity is measured in how you act and react to a set of circumstances or situation.

You know you are becoming an adult when you worry more about other people than you do about yourself.

You know you are a mom when you worry, period.

Tender Mercies Tuesday- Hidden Blessings

Years ago, during our trial of years of infertility, we could not see the path or the blessings to come. I feel like this week has a whole lot of that going on. That there will be blessings, I have faith, but trying to hold on to the faith that blessings will come gets a little tricky sometimes. Many of the things that felt like trials in those years, were necessary apparent road blocks to get us detoured to the place where the Oldest was placed in our arms. A blessing more than worth all the trials.

Today, I am grateful for the blessing it is to be able to listen to conference. Again. And again. I am on my third time for Saturday's meetings, and I even took the opportunity to listen to Priesthood. Oh my- I needed that. I would challenge everyone to take advantage of this blessing. We don't have to wait 6 months to hear personally from our leaders. We can partake of that spiritual feast every day. One thing I have never ever heard is that we have to fast of spiritual food.

I am grateful that Outpatient's cousin dragged him- slightly kicking, down to the rink last night to face his fear of having lost his skating ability. I am grateful that friends are supporting him as he tries to make the transitions he must make.

I am grateful the DR and Oldest were protected during their hunting time. Wish they had something to show for it. My freezer could use some filler.

One thing that was very interesting- remember Brother Michael Ringwood's talk on easiness and willingness?- Sunday night, that was the very chapter in Helaman that we were on. I made a point of helping the girl patients notice that.

Lost and Found- Missed and Not Missed

Welcome to the Looney Bin Lost and Found. The following are a few of the items found recently in our possession which do not belong to us. If you recognize anything- let me know.giant metal serving spoon
boys sock
woman's pink top from Eddie Bauer
IHC hospital mug
little boy's shirt (Xan the man maybe?)




Things I have missed:





Things I didn't miss.

Welcome to my family room decor for the next six months.

Minus the Outpatient's bag because he was already on the ice.

sigh.

General Conference Quick Clips- Sunday Afternoon

Elder Jeffery R. Holland: Even those of the Covenant will be deceived by the enemy of truth. Mists of darkness fell upon ALL the travelers, the stalwart and the weak. He bore one of the most powerful testimonies of the Book of Mormon I have ever heard.
Elder Quentin L. Cook: Stewardship of self and families. Grandparents water source- not protected and then became polluted- much like our souls- if we don't keep them protected, they will become polluted. "What happens in Sevier County, you can share with your friends (very funny to me on many levels- Canada, anyone?) When we report to the Savior about our duties, many of us a far more diligent in providing the temporal things and far less diligent in providing gospel instruction. We will be held accountable for those things we have been blessed with.
Brent H. Nielson: Of course I got teary with this one- President Kimball challenging members to lengthen our stride and to pray that countries would open their doors. He prayed as a missionary in Finland for a certain area in specific- and 32 years later- his son had the opportunity to serve there.
Dale G. Renlund: likened heart transplant and the necessary medical treatments and medicines to a change of heart and the necessary efforts we need to continue with all diligence to take to keep our "heart" healthy. How being casual in daily efforts towards prayer, scripture study, callings and church attendance can bring on the hardening- or rejection- of hearts.
Michael T. Ringwood: Lamanites "easiness and willingness to believe the word of God" while Nephites grew more hard hearted. Not the circumstances- but the commitment to living the gospel that have softened hearts. Those with easiness and willingness to believe will know His voice.
Joseph W. Sitati: Covenants- Jaredites and Nephites were destroyed because they would not keep the covenants.
D. Todd Christofferson: Moral Agency. For positive outcomes, moral agency must be accompanied by moral discipline. Lack of internal controls means increased external government controls. "We would not accept the yoke of Christ, so now we must tremble under the yoke of Ceasar".
President Monson: Pray we leave this conference a better person that we were when it started. The Lord is ever mindful of us. Please remember him and the other General Authorities in our prayers.

I do have more notes than these. I just picked the most powerful points to me.

I am so grateful for the blessing of listening to our leaders. Yesterday during the morning session, I was skyped by one of the converts that Outpatient taught. She was unable to connect and watch. It would be her first GC. I hope she enjoyed the session today.

General Conference Quick Clips- Sunday Morning

President Eyring: Love of others is at the heart of our capacity to follow Jesus' example. "Please... No Empty Chairs", Husbands and Wives pray for the love to see the good, not the bad, and make their joys your own.
Elder L. Tom Perry: Ronald Reagan quote" I don't want to go back to the past, I want to go back to past way of facing the future", Manti Temple (one of my personal favorite temples)- true principles of ship building= eternal principles and truths applied to our lives.
Bishop H. David Burton: the "ITY" virtues (long list). -ity- quality, state of being. civility, fidelity,humanity,responsibility, generosity, solidarity, spirituality, integrity, charity, morality, dignity - honesty. President Faust quote" Integrity is the mother of all other virtues."
Sister Ann M. Dibb: Painters on a bridge in Australia. They had safety equipment, they chose not to use it. "It was pretty scary, I tell you." Heavenly Father has given us safety equipment. Get a Grip.
Russell M. Nelson: Communication with no monthly fees. Firm Faith. Real Intent- real intent to follow the counsel. Faith, Hope, Virtue, Charity, Humility, Diligence. Ask, Seek, Knock.
President Monson: "what did you do for someone else today" We can all do something for others. Often we live side by side, but we don't communicate heart to heart. How often do you intend to be the one to help? Too often we find ourselves in the thick of THIN things- things that don't really matter that much. Acts of service for his birthday (warm Fuzzies jar)

So you won't have to ask how its going

As of Friday, Kaylen has decided to not be a part of the Outpatient's life any more. We wish her good luck.

Learning to ride-

Photo is Oldest when he learned to ride his bike

Quite a few years ago, the Outpatient received a bike for Christmas. It was a bike with hand brakes, and no training wheels. A big bike- well for him anyway. We were spending Christmas in a hotel in Medford Oregon because of work. It was a fun Christmas actually- very different from what we were used to.

The DR took Outpatient out to try it in the parking lot of the hotel. The Outpatient was less than thrilled. I wish I could remember exactly what he said because back then he said things that made you wonder how old he really was, but I remember it being something along the lines of he would wait to ride it later. That went on for a while, until after we moved to Oregon, and one of the neighbor boys was riding his big bike. Finally he decided he would try.

I watched the DR run along, holding on to the seat, and letting it go, repeating the process until in a very short time, he was riding like a pro. He even fell, got hurt, but got back up and gave it another go.

As parents we walk a fine line. There are things that can cause pain and injury for our children, but we have to trust in their growth from experience. As they wobble, we hold ourselves back from grabbing hold again to keep them steady. If we leave the training wheels on forever, they never learn to ride independantly. They may fall. They may bruise. They may even bleed. But, if we let them, they will take off and ride, even if they get shoved off the bike.

They just need the courage to get back on.

Food For Thought

I just stumbled across this on the internet-

"when you love someone, put their name in a circle because hearts can be broken."

Too true-

Hence the symbol of eternity is a circle-

Good Food Friday- Back From Brazil

The following recipes are compliments of Becky- formerly of Misplaced Americans- and now of Pensievity. She posted the beans instructions on her blog a couple of weeks ago- (just in time for me :) )- and when I emailed her about Outpatient being home, and that I had tried the beans for him- now I just needed to learn rice and churassco- she obligingly emailed me right back with rice instructions- and some very rough Churrasco instructions- ( I think between Outpatient, and his Comps- we should be able to figure it out at some point)

I need to point out that these are not exact recipes- but if you cook at all, you can figure them out.

Following from Irma "Hebecca"- as the Brazilians would say-

"So ... rice and churrasco, eh?Well, to explain rice is kind of difficult. But I'll do my best. Fry up finely diced onions, oregano to taste, and a clove or two of garlic with about two tablespoons of oil (although Brazilians use at least double the amount of oil). When the onion is soft, put in maybe a cup? of rice and half a tablespoon of salt. Basically enough rice that it's not too oily - just make sure it's all coated and turns translucent. In the meantime, get a pot of water boiling. Now pour the water in with the rice and return to boiling. The amount of water is tricky to describe. I've never measured it out before. Basically, you want enough water that when you stir the rice, the "top of spoon's heap" touches the top of the water. Make sense? Sort of?Now cover the pot and NO PEEKING. I use a transparent lid so that I don't have to.It's ready when there's "holes" in the top of the rice. Turn the heat off, wait five minutes, then fluff with a fork. The rice kernels should be nice and separate.

Churrasco is harder ... Brazilians only use REALLY NICE cuts of meat, because it's so stinkin' cheap down there. All they do is drizzle it with olive oil and rub rock salt into it. Then grill it with garlic. That's it. It just depends on the cut of meat.What makes REALLY good churrasco is vinaigrette. (Vin-a-GRETCH.) Chop of onions and cover in lime juice. Let soak. Dice up a ton of tomatoes - you want about three tomatoes to every onion. Stir them together and douse with vinegar, olive oil, cilantro, garlic seasoning and salt. Serve with rice and beans and churrasco. Mmmmmmmmmmm. "

For the beans- Please visit her here-
http://pensievity.blogspot.com/2009/09/my-name-is-not-julia-or-julie.html

October Birthdays-

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MISS SOPHIE! You are 5 years old! And yes, I love you best.

Happy Birthday David!
Happy Birthday Noah!
Happy Birthday Andrew D.!
Happy Birthday Ellen!
Happy Birthday Amy C.!
Happy Birthday Cade!
Happy Birthday David!
Happy Birthday Rick!
Happy Anniversary Julie and Brent!
Happy Birthday Tyler!

And...
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Anticipation----

This weekend- I get to spend the WHOLE thing at home- without any "have to be dones", deadlines, or menfolk in my house. Two weeks ago, the DR took all the inpatients with him, and I stayed home alone, but I pulled out appliances, painted, scoured, dusted, de-junked, did my big girl job, and otherwise worked my fanny off.

This weekend, the Outpatient is attending the BYU game on Friday night, General Conference Saturday morning, and who knows when he will reappear here at home- most likely Sunday night.

The DR and Oldest are off to hunt Elk. A much needed and most assuredly deserved break for him- and his brother, PB & J is bringing the male carrot sticks so they can have a grand male bonding weekend. Should I feel guilty because I don't want to go?

The girls and I will stay home. No games, practices, deadlines; nothing that has to be done. Plenty that I can - and will work on- but I can hardly believe I get a free weekend at home. Never happens.