Tender Mercies Tuesday (A tad Late)- thank you honest people-

My Tender Mercy for this weekend was kind of a bigger deal.  When the patients and I stopped to visit Outpatient and O, we were talking in the parking lot because I had very little time before the BYU game would be over and I needed to meet the DR and Youngest.  I had brought Middle's picture out to give to the Grandmas, so I unlocked the car and went around to the passenger side to get it to show Outpatient.  We ended up going up to his apt because he wanted to show me something and I had bought them some doughnuts and he needed a plate to put them on.  We ended up being upstairs for quite a while. 

When we returned to the car, imagine my shock to find the driver's side door ajar. I had a mild heart attack- then noticed that the GPS was still attached to the window, that Oldest's iTouch was still sitting in the cup holder.  And my purse- full of my whole life, was sitting on the floor.  And my camera was still in the back seat. The car parked next to me was gone- so people had been right there, with my car wide open and plenty of valuables within super easy grasp.

So thank you very, very much for not stealing my belongings when I made it so very easy for you to do so, if you had so chosen.

Is it really Wednesday?

It has been crazier than usual around this wing.  As if the normal running wasn't enough, hockey has begun, and where I usually get to enjoy several weeks in the fall without practices of some sort-  we have been balancing (not terribly well, mind you) Comp Soccer practices for Oldest and Middle, and hockey for both as well-  not to mention the fact that Middle is trying to play two teams this year in hockey- oi-  shoot me now. Digging out gear in September really goes against the grain.  Oh- and Oldest-  yea- he pretty much needed all new gear. Again.  Because growing, he does really well.

Last weekend, we went out to Big City territory for a total of 4 games between the two, plus BYU football which was attended by the DR and Youngest.  The games were a split-with Middle's team being handed their first loss, and Oldest's team being trounced.  The morning games were both wins, though.  We got to stay with some dear friends and former neighbors- how dare they move- and it was so fun to see all that they have done with their house and yard-  My in-laws came to watch Oldest play in the morning- then the DR, his dad, and Youngest headed south.  After the afternoon games, the patients showered and we headed south as well- catching up with Outpatient and O. for a brief visit.  Then we had to drive home.  Bummer.  It was a late night and early morning.

Monday was payroll, so busy. And I honestly can't remember what else we did- but it was jam packed. Activity day for Youngest, and Hockey for Middle, I know. We didn't even get to eat dinner until 8:30.  Tuesday- more of the same, with a funeral thrown in there, I worked until 5:00- the occasional running of kids to this, that, or the other.  TaVaci, Soccer- homework.  Dinner at 8:00.  Late night dinners wreck havoc with the D- word.  So- here it is Wednesday already, and I am not sure how we got here on one hand and on the other, it feels like it has been two weeks crammed into two days. Soccer, Hockey, Activity Day, Mutual.  One more full week of soccer and then that will be off the agenda.  Tomorrow, SEOP for Middle, Hockey for Oldest, TaVaci, Soccer and hockey for Middle, and we are supposed to have a Sealings Assignment.  Wow.  I really, really, really need a nap. or a psychiatric evaluation.  Take your pick.

Speechless- a little bit

I have to share that when Outpatient saw this picture- he got a little teary.  And he is not even her mother.

Almost Complete Opposites

Last night I went to Parent Teacher Conference (SEP)  for Oldest.  For 13 years, every time I went to a SEP with Outpatient it was the same old same (well unless there was a teacher who really disliked him)... He won't be quiet... He talks all the time....He visits too much.... lalalalala.  It is somewhat refreshing to hear the reports for Oldest.... He is very quiet....He doesn't talk very much....He doesn't cause any trouble....He is very well behaved.... And my personal favorite from last night-  "What is your name?  I don't yell at you enough to know your name yet."

Reflections on Married/ holidays

A couple of years ago- I blogged about the DR and my dating and engagement.  I didn't tell absolutely everything- that would be somewhat annoying.  I also blogged a few years ago about the pre- engagement talks needed to include Christmas Tree style.  Only half joking on that one.  In recent conversations with some of the in laws who are now experiencing married children, we started talking about what we did and what their children have been doing with regards to family time with the now-extended families. 

The DR and I didn't really talk that much about it.  Other than he thought my family's Christmas tradition of presents and Santa on Christmas Eve was crazy.  The only tradition he wanted to keep of my family's was having fondue for dinner.  In hind sight, I wish I would have discussed that more and come up with a better compromise.  I loved my traditions- not the cooking ones.  Other holidays traditions have come partly from my mom's influence and partly from my own ideas. The DR's family didn't really have those.

My first year of being married, the DR was very kind and let me have both Thanksgiving and Christmas with my family.  We were very newly married- like two weeks before Thanksgiving.  The next year, we came out to small town for both.  I didn't mind Thanksgiving. Christmas, however, stunk.  My sister was home from Texas, and I hadn't seen her in months and didn't get to see her at all. I called my parents house on Christmas Eve, after a dinner of pizza, and was very sad and homesick hearing the party in the background.  The next morning was a bummer too. First, one sister in law insisted that we wake up at 6:00.  I don't know why.  Seriously.  We couldn't do anything until Grandma M was willing to wake up and join us- which was almost 7:30-  so we sat on the stairs for almost an hour and a half.  It was just too different.

Fast forward a few years.  We lived out of state but would come home for a couple of weeks at Christmas time- and because our parents lived so far apart, we ended up spending Christmas with the DR's parents, while having several days before with my family and the last few days back with my family- which at least we were with both my mom and dad on their birthdays.  Not exactly fair- but the best we could do.

Eventually, we moved to Small Town, and we determined that our Christmas was just that- Our Christmas.  We spend it with our family, although my MIL and FIL often join us for dinner on Christmas Eve.

Thanksgiving, we alternate.  It is the Larsen side one and the next it is the other. The Larsen year is the odd years (ha ha ha). Then the past 5 or so years have alternated with a get together after Christmas with the Larsen side-  so far it has been the same as the Thanksgiving year- but I am in negotiations with the in laws to get that on the alternating year so that we have a get together every year instead of two get-togethers every other year.  My family, on the other hand, has had two - the year before the Outpatient and his cousin left on their missions- and last year- after they returned.

What one of my BIL/ SIL's is having a hard time with, is that their children are not splitting things up very fairly.  If- their married children is supposed to be with the in laws- they won't see them at all.  But- if they are supposed to be at their home, the married children leave after a few hours to go over to the in laws.  Which would be fine- if that was what they did in reverse.  It has opened their eyes to how they handled similar things when they were in that position. 

I wonder what we could have done different before we even got married, but quite frankly, we didn't really think about it.  We made decisions as circumstances arose.  I had a very hard time being away from my family during holidays.  It was hard on me to be with the DR's family.  The whole huge crowd thing (which is quite funny when I think about how much bigger it has grown), the very different customs and celebrations.  But, I  adjusted. It is what you do when you are married.  Two cultures come together- either to join or collide.  Not everybody tries to blend.  It is those people who will get a shock when the shoe is on the other foot.

I know that my mom had a hard time with some of the choices we made.  She too has adjusted over the years.  The blending of two families is tricky stuff.

Tender Mercies Tuesday- in the nick of time

My little tender mercy of yesterday started out feeling like a bad dream.  I was at the store and I had a cart full of stuff- case lot, regular needs, etc.  I got to the checkout and she had rung up just about everything- while I was searching for my debit card.  Then I remembered,   I had registered my patients for hockey earlier and I had left my card on the table by my computer.  My only option was to use the card for my account- which has no money in it because I haven't used it in months.  I was worried it wouldn't even go through- although I do have over draft. We have been out of checks for a while and I usually don't have the check book at all- anyway- so I knew I didn't have any checks.  I was turning 50 shades of red, when to my mind was brought the remembrance that I did, indeed, have a check in my possession.

One check.  The DR pays our bills at work and uses an accounting program (big surprise, I know).  He uses big, computer-generated checks.  He brought me some home so I could take care of a few things.  On last Thursday, I had stuck one in my purse to pay for Oldest's contacts/exam.  I hadn't used it because they had to order his contacts and the doctor said the exam was just a check so no charge.

I very happily wrote out my one check to pay for my groceries.  Not earth moving- but it made me happy.

Weekend Wrap up-

We spent Saturday in Big City so Middle and Oldest could play soccer.  We drove out on Friday night, picked up my BIL and met his family for dinner.  After that my SIL and I took the patients and her two youngest to Trafalga to make use of our passes.  It was okay, I guess.  Since it was basically free- no real complaints other than the lateness of the hour.

Middle and Oldest both played at the same times, and not too far apart- but at completely separate fields. Middle's game got interesting-  about 5 minutes before half time-  the sprinklers turned on!  That was a bit of a shock-  The girls didn't miss a beat, just kept playing until the ref stopped play while they tried to get them shut off.  Couldn't for a while- so they eventually said to play on- they did and we scored. One guy finally figured out that the box was right in the middle of the field in front of the goal- so he ran out into the game to turn them off.  Then, another set turned on when there was about 1 minute left of the game- so we just played on-  we won 3-0.  Oldest's team was ahead 2-0, but then came out with cement in their shoes or something after half-  ended up losing 3-2.   We grabbed lunch then headed to the next set of games- apparently we were really well matched because both games were 0-0 until nearly the end.  Oldest's team tied  up on a PK and the game ended 1-1 and Middle's team scored a goal with less than a minute left.  When you take into account that we are playing double headers and the other teams are only playing one game a day- we do pretty well.

We listened to the end of the BYU destruction- then gathered up our stuff, grabbed some dinner, and headed home. 

Sunday, the DR was conducting at church and asked how many people liked to sing the hymns-  lots raised their hands.  He said, good- we have a meeting this afternoon at 4;30  where you can sing the hymns.  And we will begin making lists for interviews following that meeting.  It was an attempt to get people out to choir practice.  It worked pretty well- there were over 20 people there.

I will post pics after I get them off my camera.

Full Force Busy-ness

Well- we are almost in full swing- but if you consider the fact that we haven't normally been dealing with soccer at this time of year, we are there. Middle got a call for hockey practice for Tuesday night- but she had soccer and was babysitting for the P family while we went to Ward Temple night. Oldest came home today claiming hockey practice was supposed to be tonight for him as well- but I can't handle adding that to our agendas just yet. We have games out of town the next two weekends for soccer. I am really dreading having both sports going at the same time. I refuse to get too bogged down- hockey lasts forever with no breaks, so I am letting that one fall to the back -priority wise.

Today, we got some good news for Oldest. He wanted contacts for aesthetic reasons- the doctor wanted them for medical reasons. Today we went back for a check up to see (no pun intended) how well Oldest could see. For the first time since third grade, the answer was NO CHANGE!!!!!! no increase in his prescription strength, no further degeneration of his sight. WAHOO!!! Did I mention that I put his glasses on one day recently- just out of curiosity. Man sakes alive- that boy is a blindy bat. Complete and total blurriness for me.

The girlies have started TaVaci and I am already excited for the concert- it won't be until December- but after the first week, they are singing some cute songs. I have been working a bit more than I thought- again with the good.

And- against my better judgement, we are headed to Hawaii again. It will be shorter this time, but our friends are celebrating their 30th anniversary, I will just barely have my birthday, and we will also have our 24th anniversary. Lots to celebrate- oh, and I guess we can count the DR's 47th birthday in there too. Might as well. Wish me luck in the childcare dept. Inlaws are on a mission, my mom works, and my kids are way too old to be able to just miss a week of school. Outpatient is in school as are all his possible friends. But the DR is determined, so I am sure he will find a way.

Weekend Wrap up-

It was a beautiful, but busy weekend. Middle and Oldest had soccer games on Saturday, BYU had a game (away) at nearly the same time as the afternoon game, Outpatient had a birthday (first one since he came home from Brazil), and Youngest had a performance with TaVaci.

First- the morning games were good- Middle's team won 3-0- Oldest's lost 3-2. Then Middle's team won the afternoon game 2-0- and Oldest's game was forfeited by the other team (wimps).

In between, Youngest had to be taken to practice and to perform.

The DR had a bit of a panic because our cable box decided to die that morning- so he was running around trying to get that dealt with. Then he and Outpatient took the opportunity to do a session at the temple. Meanwhile, I had the task of making sure the game got recorded. This ended up requiring garbage scrounging because one neighbor accidentally threw the other neighbors house key in the trash. It could have been worse- because the can could have been fuller- but trust me, it was plenty bad enough- ugh! Anyway- since our new box wasn't fully ready in time, I recorded the game at our neighbors once the key was retrieved from the trash.

Meanwhile- since that was taking me way longer than anticipated, O was nice enough to get Middle to her game on time- then we all headed over to watch the game. We got some sun (I was rocking the raccoon look thanks to my glasses). How quickly suntans fade.

Then I made Chicken Caesar Pizza for dinner (not my best, darn). O and Outpatient made a Brazilian cake for his birthday cake.

Sunday morning got a little hectic since we were not in our normal arrangements- but we made it to church on time- Poor O and Outpatient got harassed pretty well in Gospels Principles, the teacher is our neighbor and quite the tease. It brought back memories of my first trip to meet the DR's family. Brother Tullis was the teacher in Sunday school and he gave me quite a hard time. Sweet man was the first in line at our open house. After church, I made manicotti, and we had the cake for Outpatient's birthday. The P family came over, which made O nervous because Sis P is Brazilian- but I hate cake and the cake was delectable. (I had two pieces!!!!)

Then Outpatient and O loaded up and headed back to their various scholarly pursuits. Oldest and Middle went to practice for the Stake Conf. Choir, and the DR went to practice with the Ward Choir, Bro. P went hometeaching, and Sis P and I sat and visited while Youngest played with their two little darling girls- who, by the way, speak Portuguese- the one is doing better with her English, but still- communication is never an issue with Youngest- no matter who you are.

It was a great weekend- and Thank You- O- for the awesomely d-word unfriendly birthday cake. It was fabulous! I forgot to do candles, and no pictures either-

Dear Outpatient:

You've had a birthday, shout hurray!. (well- technically, you have now had TWENTY-TWO)

Never- Ever forget.

It really hit me, just last night, how quickly time had passed since that wake-up call. My phone rang and the whole world had been changed.

In all the recent media coverage, there have been some things that have made me a little sick to my stomach. The questioning of whether it is too soon to use the bombings in ad campaigns. Seriously? Using a tragedy of that magnitude to further your own interests?

Then, the man in FL who not only has had every intention of carrying out an old fashioned book burning, but that book would be considered scripture by more than hundreds of thousands of people, and that act has the potential of being fuel to even more attacks against our soldiers not to mention pretty much our entire country. All of this in the name of Christianity. I don't know what scriptures he is getting his instruction of Christianity from, but it isn't the Bible.

A friend recently referenced the 11th Article of Faith in this regard- and it really could be applied in both the positive and negative way in this particular case. He believes it is his right to worship in that manner. But, I think it means that we should be free to worship how we see fit, as long as it doesn't infringe on another's right to do so as well.

As for Ground Zero, the Pentagon, or the field in Pennsylvania; I believe that anything placed or built any where near the grave/memorial site of people's loved ones should be put to a vote to those- and only those- people. The spouses, children, parents, siblings left behind.

It was a turning point for our country. I don't think that we have seen the last of it. My sister and her family recently went to NY for a family vacation. She said she was shocked that the security she has been through in other airports has been much more severe than she experienced there. I am not sure why that is, but I do believe that just as the passengers of flight 93- no one will ever sit back and let it happen again without putting up a fight.

I will never forget that morning. My children don't remember it. They were too young, and Outpatient was at school. His memories are much different than mine in part because of perspective. I watched it and understood what it meant.

This post is not what I had envisioned. I may re-write and re-post something else, but here are my thoughts at exactly 9 years to the hour later.

Good Food Friday- Banana Cake Edition

I have meant several times to put this recipe on here- I have even searched through all the posts several times before, certain that I had- but if I did, it has disappeared or is hiding extremely well-

I have made this recipe for several years. Then one day in my blog wandering, I found a recipe that they claimed was the "best ever"- "hands-down"- well, with that kind of praise, and enough cooking experience to read the ingredients and think- wow- it is probably delish- I tried said recipe. Um- no. No one but the DR and I even had more than one taste.

So- back to tried and true for me. It comes from the Lion House Cookbook- the only change I make is I don't bother measuring the bananas- I just use three or four- depending on the size. I tend to buy small bananas because when I buy the bigger ones, my lovely patients leave unfinished bananas around. And I will add vanilla.

1/2 margarine (I use Gold n Soft or Blue Bonnet)
1 cup sugar
2 eggs
( 1 tsp pure vanilla if desired)
3-4 smaller bananas - mashed
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp lemon juice
2 cups Flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt

chopped pecans or other nuts if you desire 1/2 cup or so- I don't measure, just throw in a handful or two.

Cream margarine and sugar. Add eggs and beat well. Add bananas (confession- I just throw them in and let the mixer mash them) vanilla if desired, milk, and lemon juice. After those ingredients are mixed in well, add the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. I add these separate from the flour so that they get a better chance to fully incorporate instead of using the sifting method. Then, add the flour and nuts (if you are).

Bake in a 8 x 8 cake/brownie pan- at 350 degrees for approximately 45-50 minutes. Or you can bake in a loaf pan for banana bread and you would need to bake it for an hour.

For a 9x13 pan, double the recipe.

Once when my niece Kate came to visit, she downed nearly half a pan all by herself. I have been known to do that too-

Activity Day- Tithing

Yesterday, we got back on track with Activity Day. We had only skipped the first day of school- so not too bad. Youngest is in a different group and they haven't done anything in almost two months.

We are down from 19 girls in my group to 11- but most of those are inactive- and we only had two show up. But we talked about tithing, how and why. I used a talk by Elder Holland from 2001- and we discussed his five reasons to pay tithing. Then- I like to have an activity to go with what we talked about so we made Tithing Banks.

I have been collecting the containers that the 2 qt Crystal Light packs come in. When you take off the lable, it is nearly clear and a cute oval shape with a snap on lid. Cutting the hole in the lid was harder than I thought it would be, but it wasn't too bad. Broke the tip off of my x-acto knife :)

I bought scrapbook stickers to decorate them with, and I had been afraid that they wouldn't stick all that well- so I bought clear contact paper- but they stuck great! I let Youngest and Middle both make one since I had plenty of containers.

Hosting Thanksgiving

Apparently I am a decent enough hostess that my family is going to come to Small Town for Thanksgiving. We are going to be blessed by my parent in laws' generosity to have their house to use as a hotel and to feed the masses. My inlaws are so very kind and generous with their home and I really appreciate it. We have used my house, but it gets a little squishy. Tiff- you can invite your parents too- just let me know if they want to brave Small Town again :)

Start praying now for good weather and maybe we can do some of the local entertainment.

(Flash is welcome at my house- promise!!!)

Tender Mercies Tuesday-Perspecitve

Sometimes, we go along in life. Not really doing anything we think is overtly wrong, but knowing deep down that there are things we do that are not right. We talk about or to people with annoyance, frustration, or disrespect. And then, like the drip of water which is capable of bringing down an entire mountain, we realize the effect those comments and or actions, which seemed rather benign at the time, are having not only on our eternal progression but those around us as well. Sometimes these lessons are quite painful. Excruciatingly so.

But. When this paradigm shift occurs, beautiful things can happen. Permanent changes can be made. Repentance begun and forgiveness sought. It is the kind of change that parents hope and pray for in the wayward child. It is what estranged families hope and pray for. After all, it pretty much rips your heart out when a child says to you, "don't worry, I still love you". The poor innocents caught in the crossfire of adults behaving worse than children.

I was once in a difficult position. Someone whom the Outpatient loved and admired was making some very destructive life choices. Choices which not only could cause physical harm, but more importantly, great spiritual harm. Complete avoidance was not an option. I worried a lot about the effect this would have on Outpatient, but I also knew that Outpatient could have a good effect on the person. What a tightrope. Outpatient was in Middle School at the time. We set up some clear rules and explained them thoroughly to Outpatient. The whys both physical and spiritual. I have given a lot of thought to this, and I will tell you, I would rather my children be hurt physically than spiritually. Not that I want them hurt at all and tend to be overly protective, but, broken legs, arms, those things can be mended, fixed. Spiritual damage is much, much harder and the effects can last through eternity.

What does all this have to do with tender mercies? Sometimes tender mercies come in pretty major disguises. Things that seem like a giant trial make you stop and take stock of where you are and the choices you are making, either consciously or subconsciously. When you find your self justifying, not defending- justifying, your actions or position, maybe you need to change your position.

Week Wrap up-

Labor Day weekend was hot and then not so hot. Friday night- hot. We met Grandma B up at the BYU bookstore to get our new version of Cougar Attire. Youngest, in true Youngest fashion, found some people making balloon sculptures and managed to get them to gift her with a couple, at which the other two patients chomped at the bit and "in a group, because I am not going alone" they went over and asked for two swords. I was in the ladies room so was spared the embarrassment of my very forward charges. Then we over indulged at the Pizza Pie Cafe. Small Town would love one of those- but my d word- not so much.

Saturday- very hot- Miss Sophie was able to go to her doggie spa- well- okay- she went to the groomers which she pretty much hates to do until it is over and we love all over her because she is clean and fabulous. Hair cut, nails done, they even brushed her teeth- I vote spa. Then Youngest and I went with Grandma B- Aunt SmAsh and her two kiddos, and Addie, we took a few hours to experience Swiss Days. Holy Hannah. Not on Saturday ever again if I can help it. Super crowded, super hot. Not that much to interest me in the area that we went through. Youngest did get me to buy her a cute beanie with a crocheted flower on it. Grandma B bought the kids Chinese umbrellas. The food lines were so long, we all ate the same thing. Ran into our friends who informed me that she recently woke up in a panic that the DR and I were getting a divorce. So- now our cover is blown ;) . Here is a helpful hint. Don't eat at Swiss Days. Either bring your own food, or go out and down the street a little. Cheaper and less crowded. We got a little bit pinkish. But it was still good to go and experience. The DR, Oldest, and Middle enjoyed the fabulous Cougar Football Game.

Sunday (not quite as hot) we went to church with Sister in Law and Brother in Law. Nephew Michael was ordained an Elder. He looked just like he was ready to head out into the mission field. However, he just turned 18 in July so he has a year to prepare. His older brother should get home shortly before he leaves. Funny- the Sister in Law and Father in Law have ipads. They have the scriptures and the hymn book on their ipads (did you know you can type notes right on the ipad scriptures- just as if you were writing notes on paper). Well- the DR was feeling left out- so he would mimic his dad every time we turned to a new scripture- sliding his finger across the "screen" to turn the page, then pretending to "scroll" down the page. It was funny the first time- but he did it through all of sunday school. I wasn't all that entertained any more. Very nice family dinner and visit. Always interesting to see who comes and who doesn't.

Monday,(not hot so no water park) the DR and I took Youngest and went to visit the newest member of the family. Our niece had her baby on the 31st- they are naming her Amelia. She has a ton of black hair, which led the Oldest to declare that she looks Korean. Ha ha- we all got a laugh out of that. They were living in Korea for about 8 months- but no, they are not Korean. Then we went and got lunch and took patients, cousins, and uncles to play laser tag. I had the lovely job of fighting off a migraine (getting those way too often these days)- then we went and stood in line for about 45 minutes to get season passes to Seven peaks/Trafalga- oh- by the way, if you want those, the killer deal ends on the 10th- so hurry in. Ran into friends we took camping last month and teased them about being banned from the park because of the hubbies dare devil antics. Then we headed home. And boy were we glad we were headed in the opposite way as the bulk of the traffic- talk about a parking lot for a highway. Stopped for a snack and drinks where we met up with a friend of Outpatient's and since he was headed to Cougartown, we warned them of the lovely traffic.

Got home and I was so jacked up on caffeine from trying to ward off the migraine that I stayed awake until 3:30- 4:00 when I took a pill to help me out. Guess what? Nobody wanted to get up and go to school.

Grandma B's Princess Party

Last month, Grandma Bunnie hosted one of her fabulous parties for little princesses. She used to hold them annually, but finally realized that was crazy :) So now she holds them as often as she can come up with a good excuse.

I have to say, I love this picture of Miss Ava. I have several darling pictures of her- some she even smiled in.

Miss Kate strikes a pose.

Miss Talia and Middle channeling their inner Diva. Youngest being difficult. If she thought I wouldn't post her picture, she doesn't know her head nurse very well.
Miss Addie had already discarded her finery by the time I caught up with her. Well- other than the veil.

Miss S- had a really, really great time. She helped lots of people eat their goodies.

Miss Elle- the youngest granddaughter. Miss Laci- the oldest granddaughter (with Ava)

All but two of the granddaughters were able to be present. Amazing on several levels.

A few more shots of a few princesses.

A Few Scattered Memories

For some odd reason, I woke this morning to some very random childhood memories. First I was thinking of my friend's giant sheepdog. On facebook, I accidentally called it a St Bernard (both big dogs)- Out of the blue memory for sure. Then, I started thinking about being a candy stripe - r volunteer at the hospital. Random enough for you?

My friend Heathre lived down the street and had an awesome treehouse/playhouse. She had one sister, and they were both adopted. I could tell their parents loved those girls very much. Her mom had the best laugh! I can still hear it in my mind. Her dad worked at the college in the food services. Sometimes we got to go to his work and we would get a mint brownie. I remember LaDawn taking us to Salt Lake and buying me a bag of sea shells. Heathre got her dog, Eddison as a puppy. He was roughly the size of a bear cub :). He went through all those puppy stages in giant fashion. I seem to recall lots of destruction in their back yard. To get into the playhouse, her parents had to lower the steps/ladder that was on a pulley system. I also remember Heathre and I trying to get that dog up that ladder into the treehouse- what I wouldn't give for a video of that today- I am sure it was hysterically funny to watch. Why I was thinking of all that this morning between the older patients' alarm, and the Youngest's, I don't know.

When I was in junior high, I became good friends with a girl named Tonya Lane. Her mom was a romance novelist (for real). I don't know what her dad did, he seemed to always be around when I was there which was different from my dad. Anyway, I don't recall exactly how it came about, but she and I decided to volunteer at the hospital. The older ladies that do so are known as Pink Ladies. The girls were called Candy Stripe- ers. I wrote it that way to make sure you pronounced the Stripe- and not strip. Ha. We wore white shirts and white pants, then a red and white striped apron. I think when we signed up to do that, we thought we would be spending the time together, but we seldom worked at the same time. A few of the "jobs" I did were sitting at the front desk and answering phones, in those days, we actually could give out the room numbers. We accepted floral deliveries and took them to the patient rooms. I also called bishops or other religious leaders to let them know a member of their congregation had either died, had a baby, or was in the hospital for some other reason. I doubt they do that stuff any more. This strikes me as funny, because anyone who knows me, is aware that I have a phone phobia when it comes to calling. My mother made my hair and other appointments clear up until I moved to Washington- and sometimes, even then she made appointments for me when I was coming home for something. LOL! She is SUCH an Enabler :) (Thanks Mom!!! Love you!)

Another job I did at the hospital was the candy/gift cart. Oh- that was also hard for me. We had a cart that was covered in stuff from the gift shop that we would take to certain floors and rooms to give patients and their families a chance to get a treat or a prize for those who couldn't leave their room. I also had the job of washing hair. I am not kidding. We would go into rooms- particularly of elderly ladies, and offer to wash their hair with waterless shampoo.
I am sure there were other responsibilities that I don't recall, but those were the jobs I remember doing , and as reward for our service, we got to eat in the hospital cafeteria, which has much better food that what comes to the patients' rooms.

My friend Tonya and I went completely separate ways when we got to high school. I remember watching with shock as she and another girl I knew from childhood got into a huge fight at our rivals' home court during a basketball game. I read in the paper a while after graduation that she had been killed in a car wreck. Then, about a year later, I read in the paper that her parents had divorced. I don't know what would have changed if she and I had stayed close. I just knew she was choosing different friends than I wanted to have, so I let the relationship slide.

Your guess is as good as mine as to why these two memories were in the fore-front this morning between 6 and 6:30. A friend's dog, and being a candy stripe -er.

And just like that, it's Fall

It seems as if summer finally arrived, just in time for it to be over. We spent the past week or so experiencing the psycho weather patterns that we endured this past spring, all over again- well, except it didn't snow. And the nights have turned very chilly almost immediately. School is in full swing, we are gearing up for fall soccer, hockey signups were last weekend- which we missed- and this weekend begins Cougar Football. The suspense for the DR has been palpable. Can't wait to hear any second now, what BYU has decided to do.

This weekend, Miss Sophie will get her last short cut- and since she looks like such a wreck right now, I am looking forward to that. Then my mom and I are going to Swiss Days. I am not looking forward to the crowd of Saturday- Fridays are bad enough. But it will still be fun to go with my mom. I usually go with a neighbor and we haven't made it for the past couple of years. It is Labor Day weekend, and we will not be camping because the DR and one of the younger patients will be at the game.

September Birthdays and Anniversaries

My neice squeeked in another August birthday last night- so I will say congrats and hope you decide on a name soon :)

HAPPY TWENTY SECOND BIRTHDAY TO OUTPATIENT! You are now older than I was when you were born.

Happy Birthday to Kristy
Happy Birthday to Mike
Happy Birthday to Les
Happy Anniversary to David and Ashleigh
Happy Birthday to Mark