Tonight we had a little dinner get-together for several friends. I love to host things.
With the amount of food we have leftover, we could probably have another party tomorrow ;). (My husband always worries that we won't have enough food, so we usually end up going overboard!)
I'm grateful we have an apartment that can fit extra people (our first together house was not quite 500 square feet, and there was only one parking space: mine). I'm grateful we have friends to invite! I'm grateful we can make dinner to feed a crowd. And I'm grateful for fun conversation and visits.
Definitely grateful for dinner get-togethers, and I definitely need to plan them more often!
Shhhh... Don't tell my husband ;)!
What are you grateful for today?
Friday, February 28, 2014
Thursday, February 27, 2014
Shorty & Slim Music (and CDs)
Baby Girl is at the age when she loves to "dance" to music. This entails her holding onto something and bobbing up and down again and again. It's pretty much the cutest thing in the world.
So this morning I wanted to find something to play that would have a fun beat (she likes those best). Something happy. Something different. Something that wouldn't drive me crazy!
And I thought of all my Shorty & Slim CDs. Jackpot!
If you've ever lived in Panama, then you may know who Shorty & Slim are. And you may understand their songs.
And if you do, they probably bring a smile to your lips, like they do mine. It's irrepressible.
But if you weren't so fortunate to live in Panama (or even visit there), then here's a couple of songs for you to enjoy anyway (even if you don't understand them):
You Would Understand
Going Down to Panama
The second one had Baby Girl jammin'.
So, if someone was looking in the windows of my apartment at 7:00 this morning (Baby Girl decided on a super-early morning and was up at 6:10), they got the pleasure of seeing me, dancing with my baby girl, to MINE from their fourth CD. Love that song, and I find that it has new meaning now.
It was the best way start to my day, because it made me so super happy. Even in spite of less sleep.
And it made my baby girl dance and smile her huge beautiful grin, and nothing tops that :).
And here's some fun trivia: Shorty was my 11th grade Physiology teacher. I learned a lot from him. And though I was terrified and had no desire to ever take that class (the counselor felt I should challenge myself, though) -- I mean, who wants to poke their own finger to type their own blood, carry in a cup of their own urine to analyze, or dissect a cat!?! -- it ended up being one of my favorite classes of all time. Life's funny that way.
I look forward to the years ahead when I can tell my little girl (and hopefully other kiddos) what all the things in these songs mean. And maybe one day I can even SHOW them.
What are you grateful for today?
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Our Stroller
Today was a beautiful day. The sun was shining. It wasn't frigidly cold. Perfect weather for a walk outside. Which means Baby Girl gets an adventure, and Mommy gets exercise!
It's times like these I'm super-grateful for our stroller. And I think the munchkin is too -- because she sure does love to see the world!
Funny story about how we acquired our stroller... So back in the days before our baby girl made her debut, we started stock-piling the baby equipment. We decided to see what craigslist had to offer, because we don't mind used -- with certain criteria met. So, for weeks, I scoured craigslist for all sorts of items. Among them, a stroller and a car seat.
And one day, I found one that seemed reasonable. So I emailed the person who put up the posting, wanting to know the manufacture date of the car seat (since they have expiration dates). I told the hubby about it when he arrived home from work, but still hadn't heard back from the owner of the items, which I also told him. His reply: "Well, it's craigslist. Half the time you're dealing with flakes."
So, that night, we happened to have plans. We were going to see a play our friend's son was in at a local high school, and then join a group of play-goers for dinner afterwards. We did this. And as we were pulling into the restaurant parking lot, it occurred to me to check my phone (which I'd silenced during the play).
I had a message. From a number I didn't recognize.
So I listened to it.
It said (and I practically quote): The baby items you wanted are sitting outside your house.
Ummm... Okay. That was weird. I wasn't sure if this was an incredibly weird coincidence wrong number. Because I didn't give the owner of the items any contact numbers -- only my email address. But how crazy would that be for it to have been a coincidence on the very day I was inquiring about baby items!?!
So I told my husband. And he was like, "If there are baby things outside of our house when we get home, I'm buying a gun." Hahaha.
So when we joined the group inside, we told them about this weird phone call from a number we didn't recognize. I mean, it wasn't even a local (Washington State) area code, for crying out loud.
Fortunately for us, someone with the group was way more sophisticated that we were (are) and had a smart-phone. And looked up the phone number. Which was a Minnesota number.
And as I pondered it a bit, I realized we did know people from Minnesota through church. And I figured they might still have a phone with that area code (in this wonderful world of cell phones).
Well, we were mostly right. It turns out it was a friend of the couple who was visiting them. They wanted it to be a surprise and just give us the baby gear, once they recognized my name on the email address. And actually, the wife ended up texting me, since she was worried we would think showing up at our house and just seeing the stuff there would be freaky. She told her husband they would be creepy. Hahaha.
And that's the story of the craigslist caper. Seriously had us freaking out for a short time, though. I mean, what are the odds!?!
I love that story. And I love the stroller. And I'm grateful for it and for the wonderful people who gave it (and the car seat) to us. They've definitely been well-used!!
What are you grateful for today?
It's times like these I'm super-grateful for our stroller. And I think the munchkin is too -- because she sure does love to see the world!
Funny story about how we acquired our stroller... So back in the days before our baby girl made her debut, we started stock-piling the baby equipment. We decided to see what craigslist had to offer, because we don't mind used -- with certain criteria met. So, for weeks, I scoured craigslist for all sorts of items. Among them, a stroller and a car seat.
And one day, I found one that seemed reasonable. So I emailed the person who put up the posting, wanting to know the manufacture date of the car seat (since they have expiration dates). I told the hubby about it when he arrived home from work, but still hadn't heard back from the owner of the items, which I also told him. His reply: "Well, it's craigslist. Half the time you're dealing with flakes."
So, that night, we happened to have plans. We were going to see a play our friend's son was in at a local high school, and then join a group of play-goers for dinner afterwards. We did this. And as we were pulling into the restaurant parking lot, it occurred to me to check my phone (which I'd silenced during the play).
I had a message. From a number I didn't recognize.
So I listened to it.
It said (and I practically quote): The baby items you wanted are sitting outside your house.
Ummm... Okay. That was weird. I wasn't sure if this was an incredibly weird coincidence wrong number. Because I didn't give the owner of the items any contact numbers -- only my email address. But how crazy would that be for it to have been a coincidence on the very day I was inquiring about baby items!?!
So I told my husband. And he was like, "If there are baby things outside of our house when we get home, I'm buying a gun." Hahaha.
So when we joined the group inside, we told them about this weird phone call from a number we didn't recognize. I mean, it wasn't even a local (Washington State) area code, for crying out loud.
Fortunately for us, someone with the group was way more sophisticated that we were (are) and had a smart-phone. And looked up the phone number. Which was a Minnesota number.
And as I pondered it a bit, I realized we did know people from Minnesota through church. And I figured they might still have a phone with that area code (in this wonderful world of cell phones).
Well, we were mostly right. It turns out it was a friend of the couple who was visiting them. They wanted it to be a surprise and just give us the baby gear, once they recognized my name on the email address. And actually, the wife ended up texting me, since she was worried we would think showing up at our house and just seeing the stuff there would be freaky. She told her husband they would be creepy. Hahaha.
And that's the story of the craigslist caper. Seriously had us freaking out for a short time, though. I mean, what are the odds!?!
I love that story. And I love the stroller. And I'm grateful for it and for the wonderful people who gave it (and the car seat) to us. They've definitely been well-used!!
What are you grateful for today?
Tuesday, February 25, 2014
Angel B
Today the munchkin and I had errands to run in the next city over -- the one where I used to work.
It feels funny to talk about it like it's some huge distance -- which would probably be true in South, because things are a little more sprawled out. But it's really only 15 minutes down the road.
Nonetheless, now that I don't work there anymore, we don't go there frequently. Maybe once a month at most (and that's mostly when I have lunch plans with former co-workers). One nice thing about this town is that it has a SUPER Wal-Mart. The one in my town isn't super.
The even better thing is that today I was able to meet up with my friend Angel for lunch. It was awesome because
a.) Angel is awesome and I love hanging out and catching-up in person (and not just through texts)
b.) We went to A&W where I had a 99 cent rootbeer float (love) with my crispy onion cheddar burger and fries. It's the only A&W restaurant I've ever even seen, and I think it's a pretty cool place. And the staff is always so friendly.
Anyway, I met Angel while working for the County Commissioners. She was working in Administrative Services doing fiscal stuff. She was always super friendly to me -- but that's just because she is super friendly.
But then I got the opportunity to really get to know Angel, because I was asked to take on some fiscal responsibilities while Angel started filling in for someone who was going to be out on maternity leave. I was thrilled for the opportunity to learn something new -- and I really enjoyed doing it. It was fun! And that's probably partly because I had an amazing trainer: Angel.
Angel is unbelievably patient. She would sit with me and help me through a whole ton of payment vouchers. No matter how many times I had questions, she was always willing to answer them, and she was never annoyed (even if she'd answered the question a million times for me already). And she never made me feel stupid for not understanding something right away -- or even after 10 times. Quite the opposite, she always encouraged and complimented me when I was successful. I think she is a born teacher, because not everyone has that capability.
She is very smart and capable. Our boss said that about her often. And it is true. In the time we worked together, I experienced many times when people from other departments would call her for guidance and help. And I think she trained a lot of the new people hired to do fiscal stuff in those other departments. She just had a huge knowledge-base.
She is another of those incredibly giving people. She gives so much to others and, I think, never wants to say no when asked to do something. She helps wherever there is a need. Which is why she was always asked to train people.
And, she is an Excel genius. (Anyone who understand that program and can navigate it is phenomenal in my book!).
Something else I'll never forget about her was how positive she was all the time. And I admire that about people. She is a strong woman with a great outlook. I appreciated her happy perspective and laughter when we'd sit talking while working on vouchers.
I am sad that I don't work with Angel anymore. But I'm so glad I met her and was taught by her. She helped me broaden my horizons and acquire new skills -- skills that I actually enjoyed! I appreciate what she taught me while we worked together; not just the skills of fiscal work, but also in her example of patience while teaching. And I appreciate that we created a friendship that has endured.
What are you grateful for today?
It feels funny to talk about it like it's some huge distance -- which would probably be true in South, because things are a little more sprawled out. But it's really only 15 minutes down the road.
Nonetheless, now that I don't work there anymore, we don't go there frequently. Maybe once a month at most (and that's mostly when I have lunch plans with former co-workers). One nice thing about this town is that it has a SUPER Wal-Mart. The one in my town isn't super.
The even better thing is that today I was able to meet up with my friend Angel for lunch. It was awesome because
a.) Angel is awesome and I love hanging out and catching-up in person (and not just through texts)
b.) We went to A&W where I had a 99 cent rootbeer float (love) with my crispy onion cheddar burger and fries. It's the only A&W restaurant I've ever even seen, and I think it's a pretty cool place. And the staff is always so friendly.
Anyway, I met Angel while working for the County Commissioners. She was working in Administrative Services doing fiscal stuff. She was always super friendly to me -- but that's just because she is super friendly.
But then I got the opportunity to really get to know Angel, because I was asked to take on some fiscal responsibilities while Angel started filling in for someone who was going to be out on maternity leave. I was thrilled for the opportunity to learn something new -- and I really enjoyed doing it. It was fun! And that's probably partly because I had an amazing trainer: Angel.
Angel is unbelievably patient. She would sit with me and help me through a whole ton of payment vouchers. No matter how many times I had questions, she was always willing to answer them, and she was never annoyed (even if she'd answered the question a million times for me already). And she never made me feel stupid for not understanding something right away -- or even after 10 times. Quite the opposite, she always encouraged and complimented me when I was successful. I think she is a born teacher, because not everyone has that capability.
She is very smart and capable. Our boss said that about her often. And it is true. In the time we worked together, I experienced many times when people from other departments would call her for guidance and help. And I think she trained a lot of the new people hired to do fiscal stuff in those other departments. She just had a huge knowledge-base.
She is another of those incredibly giving people. She gives so much to others and, I think, never wants to say no when asked to do something. She helps wherever there is a need. Which is why she was always asked to train people.
And, she is an Excel genius. (Anyone who understand that program and can navigate it is phenomenal in my book!).
Something else I'll never forget about her was how positive she was all the time. And I admire that about people. She is a strong woman with a great outlook. I appreciated her happy perspective and laughter when we'd sit talking while working on vouchers.
I am sad that I don't work with Angel anymore. But I'm so glad I met her and was taught by her. She helped me broaden my horizons and acquire new skills -- skills that I actually enjoyed! I appreciate what she taught me while we worked together; not just the skills of fiscal work, but also in her example of patience while teaching. And I appreciate that we created a friendship that has endured.
What are you grateful for today?
Monday, February 24, 2014
My Husband's Help
Today was quite a day.
Self-inflicted. But quite the day, nonetheless.
I got a lot done. But I honestly couldn't have done all of it without my husband's help (even though I thought I could!)
This was my to-do list for the day:
exercise (which today was walking with a friend to a walking DVD)
pay bills (3 different ones)
make soup for dinner
make breadsticks for dinner (it was Monday Meals night tonight)
make salad dressing
make salad
3 loads of laundry
strip and re-make bed
arrange Baby Girl's quilt (I'm onto the next step -- sewing rows! -- so I had to lay it out)
read 2 chapters in The Book of Mormon
write my grateful blog
take Munchkin's 9 month pictures and write her 9-month letter
watch a 16 month old for 2 hours (in addition to my 9 month old -- both of whom needed naps by the 2nd hour, but neither of whom were willing to take one! Haha...)
make dessert bars
take dinner to a friend whose kiddos have been sick
bathe the baby
read 30 pages of my pleasure-reading book
Phew!
But aside from the grateful blog, which I'm writing right now, and reading the 30 pages... I managed to get it all done.
With my sweetie's help. Because he's actually the one who delivered the dinner. And he's the one who bathed the baby. So I could exercise and finish breadsticks and salad and set the table for Marvelous Monday Meals.
He helps me other times, of course... Like when he watches our sweet girl so I can go out for girls' night. Or go to the grocery store alone. Or when he just helps me -- just because! Like on Saturday when he helped me iron 133 hexagon/triangle combos for the quilts I'm making.
I appreciate him. And I'm so grateful for his help... even if he does think I'm crazy for scheduling so much all in one day. ;).
What are you grateful for today?
Self-inflicted. But quite the day, nonetheless.
I got a lot done. But I honestly couldn't have done all of it without my husband's help (even though I thought I could!)
This was my to-do list for the day:
exercise (which today was walking with a friend to a walking DVD)
pay bills (3 different ones)
make soup for dinner
make breadsticks for dinner (it was Monday Meals night tonight)
make salad dressing
make salad
3 loads of laundry
strip and re-make bed
arrange Baby Girl's quilt (I'm onto the next step -- sewing rows! -- so I had to lay it out)
read 2 chapters in The Book of Mormon
write my grateful blog
take Munchkin's 9 month pictures and write her 9-month letter
watch a 16 month old for 2 hours (in addition to my 9 month old -- both of whom needed naps by the 2nd hour, but neither of whom were willing to take one! Haha...)
make dessert bars
take dinner to a friend whose kiddos have been sick
bathe the baby
read 30 pages of my pleasure-reading book
Phew!
But aside from the grateful blog, which I'm writing right now, and reading the 30 pages... I managed to get it all done.
With my sweetie's help. Because he's actually the one who delivered the dinner. And he's the one who bathed the baby. So I could exercise and finish breadsticks and salad and set the table for Marvelous Monday Meals.
He helps me other times, of course... Like when he watches our sweet girl so I can go out for girls' night. Or go to the grocery store alone. Or when he just helps me -- just because! Like on Saturday when he helped me iron 133 hexagon/triangle combos for the quilts I'm making.
I appreciate him. And I'm so grateful for his help... even if he does think I'm crazy for scheduling so much all in one day. ;).
What are you grateful for today?
Sunday, February 23, 2014
April W
I am obviously on a "grateful for people" kick these days. But that's just because there are some seriously awesome people in my life.
Like my friend April.
April and I began our rockin' friendship in the hallway at library school on a Saturday afternoon while someone was giving a report in our class. What were we doing in the hallway instead of in class?
Well, April had left to get a drink of water before the guy started presenting and didn't make it back in time to go back in without interrupting. I purposefully left the classroom to avoid the presentation. Because when I know someone is going to drone on way past their allotted time, I tend to feel awkward for that person. I start to feel antsy and embarrassed. I don't know why, I just do. So, to spare myself those awkward feelings, I left -- knowing I wouldn't be able to go back in until the presentation was over.
And a beautiful friendship was born. A friendship that makes me smile and ever so grateful to have placed myself in that hallway that day.
April is very generous. She lived in Birmingham, and let me park my car at her apartment and then would drive me to the airport at hideous hours of the morning so I wouldn't have to pay to park my car when I would fly out to Washington for vacation. And then she'd pick me up at night. And now, if I ever fly into Birmingham from Washington, she picks me up. And one time, when I flew down for her wedding, she even arranged for her mom to take me to the airport, since she and her hubby went on their honeymoon, and I was still in town for a couple days.
On both occasions when I've gone down to Alabama since meeting my husband (once when we were dating and once since being married and having a baby), April has fed us lots of yummy food! The first time was as an awesome breakfast. The second time was fun dinner (mostly finger-type foods).
April is an awesome librarian. True, I don't work for her and never have. But she just rocks. She has great ideas, and I feel like the community who has her as their library director is seriously the luckiest ever.
After several years of our friendship, I learned that that summer April and I had that weekend class together, April had been spending the night in her car on the weekends we had class (we had class Friday night and Saturday all day once a month). I felt so bad that I didn't know that -- and that we hadn't become friends sooner. I had a huge apartment all to myself and would have been more than happy to give her a place to stay! If only...
I love that April and I have so many awesome memories. Like getting mooned by a fabulous ferrous fanny (we went and saw the Vulcan statue in Birmingham). Like dressing up like The Office characters and making food based on that show (like putting a Dwight pen in jell-o and having a kitty litter cake in celebration of Angela's unnatural cat obsession and having fake bacon (April's a vegetarian) because Michael Scott grilled his foot on a George Foremann Grill... hahaha). Like getting our hair done for her wedding -- and decorating the reception area in a library-theme. Like me getting beat by her and her daughter at Trivial Pursuit 80s edition (the shame!). Like discussing angry lawyer dude and his dislike of one our teachers... The teacher who gave me a book as a grade (she drew it) on an exam (for some reason I can never remember what April got), but at least I didn't get a clock! Like chatting (hopefully) privately via a (supposedly and hopefully) private chat built into one of our online classes. Like talking on the phone for at least 2 hours when we have one of our marathon catch-up conversations.
I love that April is always so thoughtful. She finds some of the most awesome stuff and sends it to me as gifts for birthdays and Christmas. Where she finds some of the awesomely 80s stuff she finds, I'll never know. But I'm glad she understands and shares my love of all things 80s. She's the one who sent me those awesome throwback 80s cereals for my birthday back in October. (For the record, due to efforts to make them more 'healthy,' those cereals would no longer be good without the sweetness added by the marshmallows... But if I have to say which one was best, it would be Fruity Yummy Mummy -- which tastes like orange creamsicle.) Her packages seriously make my day.
And I love that, despite the miles, we still have plans. Plans for our Scrubs party that WILL happen one of these days. Plans that we always see each other if I'm in Bama. Plans to be friends... forever.
Yep, April is awesome. And just sitting her reminiscing about all these things has brought numerous smiles to my face. And that rocks the Nilla Life too.
What are you grateful for today?
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Tarylyn H
Tarylyn was my sister-in-law for many years. 10, I think.
And it's true, by law, we are no longer sisters-in-law. But a quote from the ever-classic movie Clueless comes to mind: "You divorce wives, not children." (And in this case, maybe it's a little different, but still, the idea to me is that not all relationships have to be destroyed as the result of a divorce). I'm not saying divorce is ever a great thing. It is a hard thing. A heart-breaking thing. And sometimes, you do end up severing all ties, because that is just what's best.
But there are times when, after the dust all settles, things can be smooth. They may not ever return to what they were. But relationships can be mended, and time (and forgiveness) can heal much. And I am grateful that Tarylyn has made the effort to keep in touch with our family and has been open and inviting always in regards to us being a part of my niece and nephews' lives. That she always informs me of birthday parties and tries to make sure we know about school concerts and other events.
Today was one of those times. My youngest nephew turns 8 tomorrow, and today we celebrated him. And I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of that celebration. That bitterness and grudges don't exist between us, and that the children can feel loved. I really appreciate that Tarylyn has afforded me this. And I'm also grateful that my brother is also grateful we are all still a part of the kids' lives.
I am grateful, too, for the fond memories of the past. Of Rainbow Brite birthday cakes, Halloween parties, trips to Valdosta to house-hunt, and spending the night in the hospital waiting for the birth of a niece.
And, yeah, the law may say we are no longer related... But her kids are still my niece and nephews. Her blood and my family's blood runs in their veins. And so I guess that means we're still family, after all.
What are you grateful for today?
And it's true, by law, we are no longer sisters-in-law. But a quote from the ever-classic movie Clueless comes to mind: "You divorce wives, not children." (And in this case, maybe it's a little different, but still, the idea to me is that not all relationships have to be destroyed as the result of a divorce). I'm not saying divorce is ever a great thing. It is a hard thing. A heart-breaking thing. And sometimes, you do end up severing all ties, because that is just what's best.
But there are times when, after the dust all settles, things can be smooth. They may not ever return to what they were. But relationships can be mended, and time (and forgiveness) can heal much. And I am grateful that Tarylyn has made the effort to keep in touch with our family and has been open and inviting always in regards to us being a part of my niece and nephews' lives. That she always informs me of birthday parties and tries to make sure we know about school concerts and other events.
Today was one of those times. My youngest nephew turns 8 tomorrow, and today we celebrated him. And I am so grateful that I was able to be a part of that celebration. That bitterness and grudges don't exist between us, and that the children can feel loved. I really appreciate that Tarylyn has afforded me this. And I'm also grateful that my brother is also grateful we are all still a part of the kids' lives.
I am grateful, too, for the fond memories of the past. Of Rainbow Brite birthday cakes, Halloween parties, trips to Valdosta to house-hunt, and spending the night in the hospital waiting for the birth of a niece.
And, yeah, the law may say we are no longer related... But her kids are still my niece and nephews. Her blood and my family's blood runs in their veins. And so I guess that means we're still family, after all.
What are you grateful for today?
Friday, February 21, 2014
Wendy W
I am so excited for tonight. I am hanging out with my friend Wendy. Some much-needed and looked-forward-to girl time! (Daddy gets to baby-sit ;)).
And maybe it'll feel sort of like the days of yore when we would hang out and watch a movie and eat dinner. Tonight it's pizza and dessert! I have such fond memories of times hanging out with Wendy.
Like the time she and our friend Heidi watched General Conference together at Wendy's house and enjoyed lunch together during the break.
Or the time Wendy and I went to the Single Adult Conference (but we both skipped the dance, because it's just not our thing).
Or another time we went to a Single Adult game night. That was pretty fun!
I can remember going with Wendy and her parents to see the play Little Shop of Horrors at the local high school, as well as seeing one of the Twilight movies (possibly New Moon) with she and a bunch of other ladies.
And I can remember a night sitting at our friend Amalea's house, just the three of us, and I was having a hard time with not understanding the hand life had dealt me at that point. I was struggling to understand why I was here in Washington where nothing had seemed to work out, even though I knew I was supposed to come here. I sat there crying, and noticed that there were tears streaming down Wendy's face as well.
And that memory has never left me. And is a large part of why the first word that comes to mind when I think of Wendy is compassionate.
Wendy is amazing, kind, fun, talented (she makes beautiful quilts, diaper bags, quiet books, and so many other awesome things!), smart (she's a high school math teacher, after all!), outgoing, and so many other great things. But, to me, she is the epitome of compassion. And such a great example to me in that way. She loves purely and completely with a Christ-like love. I've never heard her judge. I've never seen her angry. I have only ever seen her as an example of her Savior in the things she does, the way she speaks.
Wendy serves unselfishly and tirelessly. She concerns herself with the welfare and well-being of everyone she knows. It is no surprise to me that she is currently serving as the Relief Society President in her Ward. And those women whom she serves are blessed to have such an amazing woman to serve them as she serves the Lord with her giving heart, her helping hands, and her deep compassion.
I have so much to learn from Wendy. She is a blessing in my life. And though she and I don't get to hang out as often as we used to (it's been probably 7 months!), I am so grateful she is still in my life -- a shining example of the kind of person I want to be more like. I'm grateful that we still keep in touch through facebook and texting. And I'm grateful that we are going to hang out tonight! I've been looking forward to it for quite some time (we planned it quite a while back), and am so glad to have something so fun to look forward to! It's making my day!
What are you grateful for today?
And maybe it'll feel sort of like the days of yore when we would hang out and watch a movie and eat dinner. Tonight it's pizza and dessert! I have such fond memories of times hanging out with Wendy.
Like the time she and our friend Heidi watched General Conference together at Wendy's house and enjoyed lunch together during the break.
Or the time Wendy and I went to the Single Adult Conference (but we both skipped the dance, because it's just not our thing).
Or another time we went to a Single Adult game night. That was pretty fun!
I can remember going with Wendy and her parents to see the play Little Shop of Horrors at the local high school, as well as seeing one of the Twilight movies (possibly New Moon) with she and a bunch of other ladies.
And I can remember a night sitting at our friend Amalea's house, just the three of us, and I was having a hard time with not understanding the hand life had dealt me at that point. I was struggling to understand why I was here in Washington where nothing had seemed to work out, even though I knew I was supposed to come here. I sat there crying, and noticed that there were tears streaming down Wendy's face as well.
And that memory has never left me. And is a large part of why the first word that comes to mind when I think of Wendy is compassionate.
Wendy is amazing, kind, fun, talented (she makes beautiful quilts, diaper bags, quiet books, and so many other awesome things!), smart (she's a high school math teacher, after all!), outgoing, and so many other great things. But, to me, she is the epitome of compassion. And such a great example to me in that way. She loves purely and completely with a Christ-like love. I've never heard her judge. I've never seen her angry. I have only ever seen her as an example of her Savior in the things she does, the way she speaks.
Wendy serves unselfishly and tirelessly. She concerns herself with the welfare and well-being of everyone she knows. It is no surprise to me that she is currently serving as the Relief Society President in her Ward. And those women whom she serves are blessed to have such an amazing woman to serve them as she serves the Lord with her giving heart, her helping hands, and her deep compassion.
I have so much to learn from Wendy. She is a blessing in my life. And though she and I don't get to hang out as often as we used to (it's been probably 7 months!), I am so grateful she is still in my life -- a shining example of the kind of person I want to be more like. I'm grateful that we still keep in touch through facebook and texting. And I'm grateful that we are going to hang out tonight! I've been looking forward to it for quite some time (we planned it quite a while back), and am so glad to have something so fun to look forward to! It's making my day!
What are you grateful for today?
Thursday, February 20, 2014
"Uncooked" (or No Bake) Cookies
These were my favorite cookies growing up. Oh my heck. They still rank pretty near the top (and as I pondered the matter in the shower, I couldn't really think of a cookie I preferred to these, just a bunch that I would enjoy equally).
The truth is, they may just be the best cookie in the history of ever. (I know I say that a lot and I totally stole it from Hostess, but it's an awesome phrase, and I believe in borrowing and spreading awesomeness ;)).
Not only are these cookies completely and utterly delicious (and possibly a tad addicting), they are also super easy and quick to make! I pretty much always have the ingredients on hand, so they are my go-to recipe if I need something fast.
And, they are gluten-free. Bonus for if you're trying to make a treat for someone avoiding gluten.
Plus, they have another added bonus: lots of happy memories come with them :).
I'm pretty sure every person on this planet has a recipe for these, but regardless, I'll include mine. I have a few different ones, but the ones pictured (and the ones I like best) are the super-fatty-sugary ones. I've tried to make the "healthier" versions (and trust me, I'm using that term lightly), but I always come back to this one. Which my mom made my whole growing up life, and which I now make -- and plan to make for my kids. According to my mom, this was her grandmother's recipe. And we always called them uncooked cookies as opposed to no-bake. But it's all the same deliciousness, no matter what they're called :)!
Basically, these cookies have been rockin' the Nilla Life for many years. And still are. And will be for many years to come!
Uncooked Cookies
1 stick butter (or margarine)
3 cups sugar
dash salt
1/2 cup milk
3 tablespoons cocoa
1/2 cup peanut butter
3 cups oats (quick cooking or old fashioned... I prefer old fashioned)
In a saucepan over medium heat, mix first five ingredients. Bring to a boil and boil one full minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and add peanut butter, stirring until dissolved (I usually turn off the burner, but keep the pot on the burner while melting the peanut butter, because it takes forever for the peanut butter to melt). Once peanut butter is dissolved, quickly stir in oats until just mixed in. Quickly drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper. Let cool.
I think I need one of these for dessert now.
What are you grateful for today?
Wednesday, February 19, 2014
My Husband's Kind Understanding
I totally didn't anticipate this being my grateful for the day. I probably should acknowledge it more than I do, though.
But today, it really made my day.
Because while traveling to the library with the munchkin, I noticed that the van's shifting into 2nd gear while on a hill was not at all smooth... twice. But I thought, "Maybe I was trying to force it to much on a hill..." (And believe me, all there are in Western Washington is hills.)
And then, later in the day, munchkin and I went to scrapbooking at the funeral home (I use this time each month to work on Baby Girl's baby book -- it's important to me that I keep it updated). No problem with the van there. So I didn't think anything more of it.
Until I offered to take someone who works at the funeral home... home. And I got on the freeway, and halfway there, both my check engine light and the traction control system light came on.
To say I was stressed is an understatement. After I dropped off the lady, I pretty much melted down all the way home. Hoping and praying we'd make it home on top of it all. (We did.)
I mean, seriously!?! What could this mean? I don't know, but anytime the check engine light comes on, I don't figure it can be good. Especially after shifting problems on the hills.
I did not look forward to telling my husband. Mostly because he's sick and I didn't think this would be the happiest news. And because I was already uber-upset about the potential yuckiness of what this means as far as fixing it (I'm thinking transmission issues...). And because I do not like being the bearer of bad news.
And so, while I told him all about how stressed I was, how upset, how worried and what all happened (as he tried to discern what it may be based on what I was telling him), he calmly listened and started analyzing.
And he said, "Yeah, I'm frustrated about the van, but it's not your fault. It's 13 years old, and it's bound to start wearing out. I'm pretty positive you weren't out there trying everything you could to make those lights come on and break the van..."
And just like that, I felt a million times better. Even though this has the potential of being annoyingly expensive.
We will be driving it until we are sure it's a transmission problem, by the way. So don't be surprised if you are local and I call you to come pick me up ;).
But seriously, I'm grateful for my husband's kindness and understanding. And how he can put me at ease and help me put things in perspective when I get all wrapped around the axle. He's so good to me. And so good FOR me.
What are you grateful for today?
But today, it really made my day.
Because while traveling to the library with the munchkin, I noticed that the van's shifting into 2nd gear while on a hill was not at all smooth... twice. But I thought, "Maybe I was trying to force it to much on a hill..." (And believe me, all there are in Western Washington is hills.)
And then, later in the day, munchkin and I went to scrapbooking at the funeral home (I use this time each month to work on Baby Girl's baby book -- it's important to me that I keep it updated). No problem with the van there. So I didn't think anything more of it.
Until I offered to take someone who works at the funeral home... home. And I got on the freeway, and halfway there, both my check engine light and the traction control system light came on.
To say I was stressed is an understatement. After I dropped off the lady, I pretty much melted down all the way home. Hoping and praying we'd make it home on top of it all. (We did.)
I mean, seriously!?! What could this mean? I don't know, but anytime the check engine light comes on, I don't figure it can be good. Especially after shifting problems on the hills.
I did not look forward to telling my husband. Mostly because he's sick and I didn't think this would be the happiest news. And because I was already uber-upset about the potential yuckiness of what this means as far as fixing it (I'm thinking transmission issues...). And because I do not like being the bearer of bad news.
And so, while I told him all about how stressed I was, how upset, how worried and what all happened (as he tried to discern what it may be based on what I was telling him), he calmly listened and started analyzing.
And he said, "Yeah, I'm frustrated about the van, but it's not your fault. It's 13 years old, and it's bound to start wearing out. I'm pretty positive you weren't out there trying everything you could to make those lights come on and break the van..."
And just like that, I felt a million times better. Even though this has the potential of being annoyingly expensive.
We will be driving it until we are sure it's a transmission problem, by the way. So don't be surprised if you are local and I call you to come pick me up ;).
But seriously, I'm grateful for my husband's kindness and understanding. And how he can put me at ease and help me put things in perspective when I get all wrapped around the axle. He's so good to me. And so good FOR me.
What are you grateful for today?
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
Tender Mercies of the Lord
Today I was given a beautiful opportunity to witness (in a sense) a tender mercy of the Lord. It is not the first time I've been blessed with the opportunity to see His hand in my life -- or, as in this case, in the lives of others. But it was just one more time I've seen it. And had reaffirmed to me the knowledge that we are children of a loving Heavenly Father. That He knows us personally, just as I know my baby girl (okay, better than that, actually). And that He cares about us and what we are going through.
A few weeks ago, I had a friend on my mind. A lot. For about 2 weeks, she kept popping into my head. Finally, I sat down and wrote her a letter. I mailed it. I continued to think of her for two more weeks. And so today I called her. And apologized for not calling sooner (I'm a little dense).
Her words to me were, "I should have called you. Your letter came just in time, as I'm sure you know."
I didn't know. I had no idea what she was talking about. And I told her that all I knew was that she had been on my mind, so I wrote the letter.
She then proceeded to tell me about a serious trial she has been going through for the last month. The heart-ache of a parent. The anguish and emotional pain.
And in that moment, I knew. I knew that I had been given an opportunity to be an instrument in the Lord's hands to help one of His beloved daughters, even if only in a small way. And I felt humbled.
I still do.
Some may chock it up to coincidence. But I don't believe in coincidence. I believe, as President Thomas S. Monson said, that "the Lord is in the details of our lives." I believe He loves us beyond our comprehension. And that He will orchestrate blessings, large and small, to bless us. These are His tender mercies.
I also believe He often uses people to bless other people. I believe we are His hands.
I have been blessed by His tender mercies many times. When I first learned that we'd lost our first baby, I was alone. I was waiting to talk to my doctor, and I just started crying. A woman I did not know was at the check-out counter. She had a tiny newborn with her, as well as her spouse. She came over to me and asked if I was pregnant. I could not stop the tears from falling as I said, "I was, but my baby stopped growing." This woman I did not know put her arms around me and said, "I'm so sorry. It happened to me too." I will never ever forget that moment. That kindness. And I believe she was put there to wrap her arms around me and offer me physical comfort from one who knows the pain I was feeling by a Father who loves me and knew I was in such pain.
In January 2013, I was struggling with adjusting to stay-at-home life and not having the socialization I'd been used to through work. For some reason, I was feeling really low; unlikeable; unliked. My husband was working graveyard shift, and one night it just came to a head while I was alone. I just started crying. And I prayed that night. Told my Heavenly Father how worthless I was feeling. I pretty much cried myself to sleep. The next day, I had this outpouring of contact from friends both far and near. Friends who didn't know I was struggling. And I knew these were tender mercies. That these wonderful people were being instruments in the Lord's hands to help ME. A simple text, a blog comment, a friend asking to make plans to hang out... I felt the love of the Lord immensely that day through the love of my friends. I knew He knew me. That He'd heard my prayer. And cared about me. And placed people in my path, one way or another, to help me feel it.
Yes, I am grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord. And I am grateful for opportunities to witness His love and His goodness -- not just for me, but for all of His children whom He loves so much "that He gave His only Begotten Son."
What are you grateful for today?
A few weeks ago, I had a friend on my mind. A lot. For about 2 weeks, she kept popping into my head. Finally, I sat down and wrote her a letter. I mailed it. I continued to think of her for two more weeks. And so today I called her. And apologized for not calling sooner (I'm a little dense).
Her words to me were, "I should have called you. Your letter came just in time, as I'm sure you know."
I didn't know. I had no idea what she was talking about. And I told her that all I knew was that she had been on my mind, so I wrote the letter.
She then proceeded to tell me about a serious trial she has been going through for the last month. The heart-ache of a parent. The anguish and emotional pain.
And in that moment, I knew. I knew that I had been given an opportunity to be an instrument in the Lord's hands to help one of His beloved daughters, even if only in a small way. And I felt humbled.
I still do.
Some may chock it up to coincidence. But I don't believe in coincidence. I believe, as President Thomas S. Monson said, that "the Lord is in the details of our lives." I believe He loves us beyond our comprehension. And that He will orchestrate blessings, large and small, to bless us. These are His tender mercies.
I also believe He often uses people to bless other people. I believe we are His hands.
I have been blessed by His tender mercies many times. When I first learned that we'd lost our first baby, I was alone. I was waiting to talk to my doctor, and I just started crying. A woman I did not know was at the check-out counter. She had a tiny newborn with her, as well as her spouse. She came over to me and asked if I was pregnant. I could not stop the tears from falling as I said, "I was, but my baby stopped growing." This woman I did not know put her arms around me and said, "I'm so sorry. It happened to me too." I will never ever forget that moment. That kindness. And I believe she was put there to wrap her arms around me and offer me physical comfort from one who knows the pain I was feeling by a Father who loves me and knew I was in such pain.
In January 2013, I was struggling with adjusting to stay-at-home life and not having the socialization I'd been used to through work. For some reason, I was feeling really low; unlikeable; unliked. My husband was working graveyard shift, and one night it just came to a head while I was alone. I just started crying. And I prayed that night. Told my Heavenly Father how worthless I was feeling. I pretty much cried myself to sleep. The next day, I had this outpouring of contact from friends both far and near. Friends who didn't know I was struggling. And I knew these were tender mercies. That these wonderful people were being instruments in the Lord's hands to help ME. A simple text, a blog comment, a friend asking to make plans to hang out... I felt the love of the Lord immensely that day through the love of my friends. I knew He knew me. That He'd heard my prayer. And cared about me. And placed people in my path, one way or another, to help me feel it.
Yes, I am grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord. And I am grateful for opportunities to witness His love and His goodness -- not just for me, but for all of His children whom He loves so much "that He gave His only Begotten Son."
What are you grateful for today?
Monday, February 17, 2014
Forgiveness
I have contemplated forgiveness a lot lately. And I've wanted to include it in my gratitude blog; but it's one of those things I feel deserves contemplation and worthy-writing. So I've put it off.
But I am so eternally grateful for forgiveness. On so many levels.
First and foremost, I am grateful for the forgiveness afforded me through the Atonement of my Savior. I am a flawed individual, because I am human. I make mistakes on a daily basis. Some are bigger and of more consequence than others. In my lifetime, I have made choices that were not the best. Choices not in keeping with the things I was taught by my parents. Choices not pleasing to my Heavenly Father and my Savior. Choices for which there were (as there always are) consequences -- many of those not happy ones. I have known feelings of guilt and sorrow. But, through the repentance process, I've been washed clean. I've been forgiven. And I have felt the weight lifted. It is a thing hard to describe, other than to say I can remember the wrongs I've done and the way I felt as a result, but the sting of guilt is gone. And that is how I know I have been forgiven. And that, as He promised, the Lord remembers those sins no more. How grateful I am to understand that feeling of forgiveness.
I'm also grateful for the forgiveness extended to me by others. Sometimes even when I don't deserve it. As I said, I have made many, many mistakes. There have been nights in which I have lain awake remembering things I have done which are regrettable. These may not be grievous immoral sins, but they are things I ought not to have done. An unkind word, a snide comment, a spread of gossip. Sometimes it has been even milder than that: envy, jealousy (things that only ate away at me). As I've gotten older, (and hopefully wiser), I have seen more and more where I have been wrong. Quick to judge harshly. Willing to be petty due to jealousy. I have, at times, chosen to apologize to some of the individuals. Sometimes those people had no idea I felt the way I felt. Or sometimes they figured I didn't like them, but didn't know why. In the times I have taken the time to write those people and apologize for my behavior -- and explaining to them the why (which was usually some petty jealousy or envy on my part), they have forgiven me. And I have appreciated that forgiveness. And been given the opportunity to change my attitude and see the wonderful people they are. And to be blessed by their kindness. And much closer to home, I know I have needed forgiveness from my family. From those I love most in this world. Because I have rolled my eyes in frustration at my husband... I have gotten irritated at my mom... I have criticized my brother. But they have forgiven me. And for that, I am grateful. It gives me the chance to be better than I was before. To try again.
And I'm grateful I have the opportunity to forgive others. I may not always be good at it. But I do have the opportunity. Like every person on this earth, I have been hurt at one time or another. Intentionally, or unintentionally. It happens. We live in a fallen world. And at times, it's hard to remember that there have been times I have hurt someone. But obviously there have been. And just like I have hoped for forgiveness when I am in the wrong, I must try to forgive when someone else is. It can be a phenomenally difficult thing to do. There are some pains that cut so deep, it may feel the hurt will never stop. But we are required to forgive. And I believe we can have help from above, when we earnestly seek to do what is asked of us. It may take time, but I believe we can succeed through the mercy and enabling power of the Atonement. And I am grateful I have had opportunities to learn to forgive. That I will continue to have those opportunities. It is helping me to grow and become better. And it is helping me to understand more about my Savior, who He is, and what He did for me.
And perhaps my thoughts aren't as fluid as I'd hoped. Perhaps I have not done this grateful topic justice. But I am grateful for forgiveness. That it exists. That it is possible. Because without it, I think all would be lost. But with it... With it, there is beautiful hope.
What are you grateful for today?
But I am so eternally grateful for forgiveness. On so many levels.
First and foremost, I am grateful for the forgiveness afforded me through the Atonement of my Savior. I am a flawed individual, because I am human. I make mistakes on a daily basis. Some are bigger and of more consequence than others. In my lifetime, I have made choices that were not the best. Choices not in keeping with the things I was taught by my parents. Choices not pleasing to my Heavenly Father and my Savior. Choices for which there were (as there always are) consequences -- many of those not happy ones. I have known feelings of guilt and sorrow. But, through the repentance process, I've been washed clean. I've been forgiven. And I have felt the weight lifted. It is a thing hard to describe, other than to say I can remember the wrongs I've done and the way I felt as a result, but the sting of guilt is gone. And that is how I know I have been forgiven. And that, as He promised, the Lord remembers those sins no more. How grateful I am to understand that feeling of forgiveness.
I'm also grateful for the forgiveness extended to me by others. Sometimes even when I don't deserve it. As I said, I have made many, many mistakes. There have been nights in which I have lain awake remembering things I have done which are regrettable. These may not be grievous immoral sins, but they are things I ought not to have done. An unkind word, a snide comment, a spread of gossip. Sometimes it has been even milder than that: envy, jealousy (things that only ate away at me). As I've gotten older, (and hopefully wiser), I have seen more and more where I have been wrong. Quick to judge harshly. Willing to be petty due to jealousy. I have, at times, chosen to apologize to some of the individuals. Sometimes those people had no idea I felt the way I felt. Or sometimes they figured I didn't like them, but didn't know why. In the times I have taken the time to write those people and apologize for my behavior -- and explaining to them the why (which was usually some petty jealousy or envy on my part), they have forgiven me. And I have appreciated that forgiveness. And been given the opportunity to change my attitude and see the wonderful people they are. And to be blessed by their kindness. And much closer to home, I know I have needed forgiveness from my family. From those I love most in this world. Because I have rolled my eyes in frustration at my husband... I have gotten irritated at my mom... I have criticized my brother. But they have forgiven me. And for that, I am grateful. It gives me the chance to be better than I was before. To try again.
And I'm grateful I have the opportunity to forgive others. I may not always be good at it. But I do have the opportunity. Like every person on this earth, I have been hurt at one time or another. Intentionally, or unintentionally. It happens. We live in a fallen world. And at times, it's hard to remember that there have been times I have hurt someone. But obviously there have been. And just like I have hoped for forgiveness when I am in the wrong, I must try to forgive when someone else is. It can be a phenomenally difficult thing to do. There are some pains that cut so deep, it may feel the hurt will never stop. But we are required to forgive. And I believe we can have help from above, when we earnestly seek to do what is asked of us. It may take time, but I believe we can succeed through the mercy and enabling power of the Atonement. And I am grateful I have had opportunities to learn to forgive. That I will continue to have those opportunities. It is helping me to grow and become better. And it is helping me to understand more about my Savior, who He is, and what He did for me.
And perhaps my thoughts aren't as fluid as I'd hoped. Perhaps I have not done this grateful topic justice. But I am grateful for forgiveness. That it exists. That it is possible. Because without it, I think all would be lost. But with it... With it, there is beautiful hope.
What are you grateful for today?
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Pancake Mix... And Sunday Traditions
Shortly after we got married, my sweetie and I started a Sunday tradition: making pancakes for breakfast.
Usually it was around brunch time.
But still... It's breakfast.
Back then, we weren't members of Costco. So I usually had the off-brand pancake mix stuff. And we had a box of Bisquik someone gave us as part of a "breakfast in bed" wedding gift.
Now we buy in bulk! And we always have a bag of this buttermilk pancake mix in the pantry (and usually an extra one under the bed... We don't want to run out!). I love that all we have to do is add water. Especially because I'm a little weird and like to lick out the batter bowl.
It's become a fun tradition for us: to wake up most Sundays and make pancakes. Today, my pancakes were shaped like hearts, since my sweetie did the pancake-making. And he actually didn't put a secret ingredient in! (These have ranged from cinnamon to cloves to white chocolate chips to some really weird add-ins like paprika and cream of tartar and ginger). Sometimes he drives me crazy with his experimentations... But even that is fun, because he always makes me guess what the secret ingredient is. And I'm not very good at it ;).
I look forward to the years ahead when our kid(s) are big enough to eat pancakes with us. They'll love getting a heart-shaped pancake every now and then. And they'll probably think having paprika in their pancakes is the bees knees. And it'll just be fun for me to have a tradition we created.
And we'll always appreciate the ease of "just add water" pancake mix from Costco :).
What are you grateful for today?
Saturday, February 15, 2014
Rain
I have never lived where rain is a scarcity.
I especially don't live in such a place now.
Generally, I am grateful for rain. And so I will decide to be grateful for it today, even though it annoyed me a bit today (because I wanted to walk down with my little family and check out a house that seems worth looking at... But since it drizzled all day... Grrr).
But generally, I am grateful for rain. Even when it annoys me.
I am grateful for the free watering rain gives my garden in the summertime. Those are the days I hope for rain the most. Because, even in Western Washington, rain in the summer isn't as prevalent. And I do love a good harvest! So rain makes that possible by watering my vegetable plants. Plus it saves me a lot of time and effort :). Lazy.
I am grateful for the fact that rain = green. Oh my goodness, I love the green. Thank goodness this part of Washington is evergreen. I have also never lived in a place without beautiful greenery for at least the majority of the year. But I have driven through places that seem pretty gray and dull in the middle of summer. And I just don't think I can live there.
I am grateful that rain provides water for uses such as drinking, bathing, and cooking. Because we all know the water cycle... And without that rain, our aquifers would be pretty pathetic.
I do have to say I prefer the pounding hard storms of Panama and Alabama that would come on suddenly (every afternoon at about the same time) and last about 30 minutes -- then be gone until the next day. I'm not as fond of the Washington drizzle, because it kind of lasts all day long.
But I am grateful that the drizzle keeps the temperatures more moderate -- not as hot in the summer and not as cold (generally) in the winter.
And I'm grateful that rainy weather makes me feel like cuddling up with a good book. And since the baby is down for the night, maybe I'll do just that. (Well, okay, so I'll be curling up with a mediocre book, since that's what I'm reading right now...).
What are you grateful for today?
I especially don't live in such a place now.
Generally, I am grateful for rain. And so I will decide to be grateful for it today, even though it annoyed me a bit today (because I wanted to walk down with my little family and check out a house that seems worth looking at... But since it drizzled all day... Grrr).
But generally, I am grateful for rain. Even when it annoys me.
I am grateful for the free watering rain gives my garden in the summertime. Those are the days I hope for rain the most. Because, even in Western Washington, rain in the summer isn't as prevalent. And I do love a good harvest! So rain makes that possible by watering my vegetable plants. Plus it saves me a lot of time and effort :). Lazy.
I am grateful for the fact that rain = green. Oh my goodness, I love the green. Thank goodness this part of Washington is evergreen. I have also never lived in a place without beautiful greenery for at least the majority of the year. But I have driven through places that seem pretty gray and dull in the middle of summer. And I just don't think I can live there.
I am grateful that rain provides water for uses such as drinking, bathing, and cooking. Because we all know the water cycle... And without that rain, our aquifers would be pretty pathetic.
I do have to say I prefer the pounding hard storms of Panama and Alabama that would come on suddenly (every afternoon at about the same time) and last about 30 minutes -- then be gone until the next day. I'm not as fond of the Washington drizzle, because it kind of lasts all day long.
But I am grateful that the drizzle keeps the temperatures more moderate -- not as hot in the summer and not as cold (generally) in the winter.
And I'm grateful that rainy weather makes me feel like cuddling up with a good book. And since the baby is down for the night, maybe I'll do just that. (Well, okay, so I'll be curling up with a mediocre book, since that's what I'm reading right now...).
What are you grateful for today?
Friday, February 14, 2014
Love
As the song goes: Love is a many splendored thing.
Love.
The Beatles said All you need is love.
And I can see where that has truth to it.
I have been loved deeply throughout my life. I have been richly blessed to have this love. Love of my Savior. Love of my Heavenly Father. Love of my earthly parents. Love of my siblings. Love of my friends. Love of my husband. And, now, love of my baby girl.
I have been given the opportunity to love deeply throughout my life. Which, yes, means I have opened myself up to the hurt. But the hurt only indicates how deeply I have loved. And loving is never a mistake. Not when it's true, real love.
One of my favorite quotes states that To love someone is to see a miracle invisible to others.
How grateful I am for the love I've felt -- both that directed toward me, and that which I've been privileged to give. It has made my life more wonderful. How grateful I am to know that love grows. Especially when we allow it to.
I'm grateful for all the love. Romantic love, brotherly love, charity (the pure love of Christ), unconditional love... I would not be who I am without all the love I've felt in life. It has lifted me, strengthened me, helped me, and encouraged me. As have those who have given it so freely.
I am blessed.
What are you grateful for today?
Love.
The Beatles said All you need is love.
And I can see where that has truth to it.
I have been loved deeply throughout my life. I have been richly blessed to have this love. Love of my Savior. Love of my Heavenly Father. Love of my earthly parents. Love of my siblings. Love of my friends. Love of my husband. And, now, love of my baby girl.
I have been given the opportunity to love deeply throughout my life. Which, yes, means I have opened myself up to the hurt. But the hurt only indicates how deeply I have loved. And loving is never a mistake. Not when it's true, real love.
One of my favorite quotes states that To love someone is to see a miracle invisible to others.
How grateful I am for the love I've felt -- both that directed toward me, and that which I've been privileged to give. It has made my life more wonderful. How grateful I am to know that love grows. Especially when we allow it to.
I'm grateful for all the love. Romantic love, brotherly love, charity (the pure love of Christ), unconditional love... I would not be who I am without all the love I've felt in life. It has lifted me, strengthened me, helped me, and encouraged me. As have those who have given it so freely.
I am blessed.
What are you grateful for today?
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Growing Pains (the 80s Show)
I cross-stitch.
And when I cross-stitch (which is usually during baby naptime and at night), I just generally like having something on the TV.
And today, that's where Growing Pains came to the rescue.
A couple of weeks before the hubby and I got married, I bought the first two seasons of Growing Pains on DVD. At the time, it was all that was available on DVD, though I noticed today (while ordering some stuff from Amazon) that apparently season 3 is now available... Hmmm... That may have to find its way into my cart some day soon...
I LOVE this show.
For one thing, it is totally 80s. A decade I love like no other.
For another thing, it stars the dreamy Kirk Cameron. Only every 80s-girl's teen heart-throb. (Seriously, I was in love with Kirk back in the day... But wasn't everyone?). I am positive I had at least one poster of him from Teen Beat magazine or whatever was cool then. My parents never bought those magazines for me, but I had some very generous friends who shared their good fortune...
For a third, it has the most awesome theme song (and intro, for that matter)... in the history of ever. (Click there to hear it)
And, I don't know, it's just a feel-good family-oriented show. And I love that. Even now.
I even love the name of the show, now that I understand it. Because sometimes, as you learn in the show (and real life...), growth is painful.
So, as I sat there, cross-stitching and watching some of the final episodes of season 2, I couldn't help but get all nostalgic. I do that sometimes. And I laughed at some of the corniness of the show. I actually contemplated the fact that I will one day find myself in the position Jason and Maggie Seaver found themselves in in one of the episodes... And I just enjoyed the innocence of a show where a baby is born on an airplane with the help of a psychiatrist who miraculously has no mess anywhere, including his hands. Because, yeah, I know that's not real life. But it is happy when everything wraps up in a nice, neat little package. And Growing Pains was generally that kind of show.
And I love it. Now... To get that Season 3.
What are you grateful for today?
My Sweet Sister Christina
*Due to internet issues last night, I couldn't post. But I was grateful yesterday and wrote this last night.
Today my sister turns 29.
Twenty-nine. Really!?!
It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I was 29. How can the baby of the family be on the verge of 30 now?
But that’s time for you. It marches on, almost imperceptibly. Until one day, you realize just how much of it has passed. Like when your baby sister turns 29.
But how grateful I am that she’s been in my life these past 29 years. She helps make my life full. Full of fun. Full of great memories. Sometimes full of frustration ;). But what sister hasn’t done that at some point?
So we were born back in the day when ultrasounds were not so commonplace, unless there were complications. So my parents didn’t know with any of us whether we would be a boy or a girl until we were born. When my mom was expecting Christina, everyone was sure she was expecting a boy. Including one of my grandmas, who had apparently been right with all the rest of us. Well, everyone thought she was expecting a boy with one exception. Me. I was sure I was having a sister. And it turned out I was right.
True, there were times during my teenage years when I wished I’d have been sure I was having a brother (as though that was going to change the baby’s gender… Ha!). But I don’t feel that way now. I have cherished memories of my sister. Moments that still make me laugh.
Like how we used to play “Prissy laid an egg” with various toys. Christina was always prissy, who would sit on the edge of the bed (there was a gap between the mattress and the bed-frame, because it had once been intended to hold a waterbed), and pretend to read while Brad and I would find various toys to stick in the gap – Prissy’s egg – and then Prissy would check out her newest addition. The most hilarious one was when we put the fake-blood-covered Bravestarr doll in the gap and Prissy declared it was a rotten egg and threw it to the corner of the room.
Or how she would help me study for Physiology class when I was a junior in high school. I feel it was a true act of charity that she gave up her time when she could have been talking to friends, playing with whatever she was into playing with at the time… whatever. But she chose to help me study. Chose to help me learn various names for human anatomy. Like popliteal (which, after 15+, years I no longer am sure how to spell, but it is the back of the knee). And the thing is… What cherished memories came from that sacrifice she made on my behalf.
Christina and I are like night and day. She is brave and adventurous. I am neither of those things. She is opinionated and outspoken. I’m opinionated, but I’m less likely to shout it from the rooftops. I usually share my thoughts with those who I think will be in agreement. This fact led to another hilarious story from our childhood. It was back in the day when we were all too young to stay home alone. My mom had started taking computer classes at Panama Canal College, and one of her classes was in the afternoon. Which meant she had three kids tagging along. We were to sit in the student center and behave ourselves while she attended class. And, to my recollection, we did pretty well. We kept to ourselves in a spot over by the windows. Well, it was the student center, and so when classes would get out, a lot of students would pour into it to have snacks and visit. And every day, there was this one guy who would walk in after all the others and loudly declare his presence by hollering “Hola! (hello!)” as he walked through the door with his arms raised high. Like he was somebody. He did this, like, every single day. Mouthy that I am (but only to Brad and Christina), I quietly said, “Next time he does that, I’m going to yell back “Adios! (goodbye!)” I’d have NEVER in a million years had the guts to seriously do it… But I liked to pretend I would. Christina, though… Yeah… She’s gutsier than I am. The next time we were there, sure enough, that guy walked in with his usual loud greeting. And what did Christina do? Yelled, “Adios!” There was a massive pause as all eyes turned to our little corner. And then everyone laughed. And that started a conversation in which they asked us why we were always there, etc. At one point, they asked if we were siblings. Christina – in her infinite wisdom – said, “Well, they are; but I was found under a rock.” Hahahaha…. She knew she didn’t want to claim us, but sort of got it backwards! Hilarious! Anyway, that guy ended up being pretty cool. And I can still remember one day, as we were in the car leaving the campus, we passed that guy, and he totally waved at Christina.
And I remember being 18 or 19, and Christina would help me get pretty for my dates by doing my hair and make-up (she’s always been more skilled in these areas than yours truly).
And if I had to describe my sister in one word, it would be loyal. She is absolutely 100% loyal to those she loves and holds dear. And I really admire that about her.
And! I remember sharing a bed with her. I swear this is why I learned not to roll much. Because one time, I accidentally rolled on her side of the bed, and she woke me up with a swift punch to the butt and told me to move over! But, she was a blessing too, as far as bed-buddies go. Because during my teenage years, I would sometimes awake in the middle of the night with excruciating muscle pains in my calves. She would always go get our mom for me. And she would sometimes wake up with bouts of vertigo, and I’d go get our mom for her. So it worked out well – in spite of any bruised bottoms ;).
It’s been a fabulous 29 years. Yes, there have been plenty of doses of downs to accompany the ups. But that’s just life. I’m grateful for this sister who has helped me through a lot of life. I’m grateful for the memories we share and the memories we have yet to make.
Happy 29th, Christina. I love you.
Today my sister turns 29.
Twenty-nine. Really!?!
It doesn’t seem like that long ago that I was 29. How can the baby of the family be on the verge of 30 now?
But that’s time for you. It marches on, almost imperceptibly. Until one day, you realize just how much of it has passed. Like when your baby sister turns 29.
But how grateful I am that she’s been in my life these past 29 years. She helps make my life full. Full of fun. Full of great memories. Sometimes full of frustration ;). But what sister hasn’t done that at some point?
So we were born back in the day when ultrasounds were not so commonplace, unless there were complications. So my parents didn’t know with any of us whether we would be a boy or a girl until we were born. When my mom was expecting Christina, everyone was sure she was expecting a boy. Including one of my grandmas, who had apparently been right with all the rest of us. Well, everyone thought she was expecting a boy with one exception. Me. I was sure I was having a sister. And it turned out I was right.
True, there were times during my teenage years when I wished I’d have been sure I was having a brother (as though that was going to change the baby’s gender… Ha!). But I don’t feel that way now. I have cherished memories of my sister. Moments that still make me laugh.
Like how we used to play “Prissy laid an egg” with various toys. Christina was always prissy, who would sit on the edge of the bed (there was a gap between the mattress and the bed-frame, because it had once been intended to hold a waterbed), and pretend to read while Brad and I would find various toys to stick in the gap – Prissy’s egg – and then Prissy would check out her newest addition. The most hilarious one was when we put the fake-blood-covered Bravestarr doll in the gap and Prissy declared it was a rotten egg and threw it to the corner of the room.
Or how she would help me study for Physiology class when I was a junior in high school. I feel it was a true act of charity that she gave up her time when she could have been talking to friends, playing with whatever she was into playing with at the time… whatever. But she chose to help me study. Chose to help me learn various names for human anatomy. Like popliteal (which, after 15+, years I no longer am sure how to spell, but it is the back of the knee). And the thing is… What cherished memories came from that sacrifice she made on my behalf.
Christina and I are like night and day. She is brave and adventurous. I am neither of those things. She is opinionated and outspoken. I’m opinionated, but I’m less likely to shout it from the rooftops. I usually share my thoughts with those who I think will be in agreement. This fact led to another hilarious story from our childhood. It was back in the day when we were all too young to stay home alone. My mom had started taking computer classes at Panama Canal College, and one of her classes was in the afternoon. Which meant she had three kids tagging along. We were to sit in the student center and behave ourselves while she attended class. And, to my recollection, we did pretty well. We kept to ourselves in a spot over by the windows. Well, it was the student center, and so when classes would get out, a lot of students would pour into it to have snacks and visit. And every day, there was this one guy who would walk in after all the others and loudly declare his presence by hollering “Hola! (hello!)” as he walked through the door with his arms raised high. Like he was somebody. He did this, like, every single day. Mouthy that I am (but only to Brad and Christina), I quietly said, “Next time he does that, I’m going to yell back “Adios! (goodbye!)” I’d have NEVER in a million years had the guts to seriously do it… But I liked to pretend I would. Christina, though… Yeah… She’s gutsier than I am. The next time we were there, sure enough, that guy walked in with his usual loud greeting. And what did Christina do? Yelled, “Adios!” There was a massive pause as all eyes turned to our little corner. And then everyone laughed. And that started a conversation in which they asked us why we were always there, etc. At one point, they asked if we were siblings. Christina – in her infinite wisdom – said, “Well, they are; but I was found under a rock.” Hahahaha…. She knew she didn’t want to claim us, but sort of got it backwards! Hilarious! Anyway, that guy ended up being pretty cool. And I can still remember one day, as we were in the car leaving the campus, we passed that guy, and he totally waved at Christina.
And I remember being 18 or 19, and Christina would help me get pretty for my dates by doing my hair and make-up (she’s always been more skilled in these areas than yours truly).
And if I had to describe my sister in one word, it would be loyal. She is absolutely 100% loyal to those she loves and holds dear. And I really admire that about her.
And! I remember sharing a bed with her. I swear this is why I learned not to roll much. Because one time, I accidentally rolled on her side of the bed, and she woke me up with a swift punch to the butt and told me to move over! But, she was a blessing too, as far as bed-buddies go. Because during my teenage years, I would sometimes awake in the middle of the night with excruciating muscle pains in my calves. She would always go get our mom for me. And she would sometimes wake up with bouts of vertigo, and I’d go get our mom for her. So it worked out well – in spite of any bruised bottoms ;).
It’s been a fabulous 29 years. Yes, there have been plenty of doses of downs to accompany the ups. But that’s just life. I’m grateful for this sister who has helped me through a lot of life. I’m grateful for the memories we share and the memories we have yet to make.
Happy 29th, Christina. I love you.
What are you grateful for today?
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Exercising With Friends
I may have mentioned that I've been working on losing the last of my pregnancy pounds.
And I may have mentioned that, in order to accomplish that, I have started exercising more.
Mainly walking. Even if it's to a walking DVD.
I also probably mentioned I really prefer exercising with friends rather than alone.
And for the past two days, I've had lots of company! Yesterday my friend Amalea came by after work and we walked to that DVD together (nasty Washington weather outside makes for nicer walks inside).
Then today we went to her house and did some serious arm work-out stuff to a video she has. While our husband's watched a baby and prepared dinner for us.
Then I came home and walked with Sue. Outside in the rain.
And yeah, that's a lot of exercising in a couple days!
But then, yesterday was Monday Meals... And I ate nachos and a chocolate cherry cream cheese torte thing. I needed the extra caloric burn.
And it was totally fun with friends. Because we do so much talking, I kind of forget I'm exercising!
And that's just the way it should be :).
What are you grateful for today?
And I may have mentioned that, in order to accomplish that, I have started exercising more.
Mainly walking. Even if it's to a walking DVD.
I also probably mentioned I really prefer exercising with friends rather than alone.
And for the past two days, I've had lots of company! Yesterday my friend Amalea came by after work and we walked to that DVD together (nasty Washington weather outside makes for nicer walks inside).
Then today we went to her house and did some serious arm work-out stuff to a video she has. While our husband's watched a baby and prepared dinner for us.
Then I came home and walked with Sue. Outside in the rain.
And yeah, that's a lot of exercising in a couple days!
But then, yesterday was Monday Meals... And I ate nachos and a chocolate cherry cream cheese torte thing. I needed the extra caloric burn.
And it was totally fun with friends. Because we do so much talking, I kind of forget I'm exercising!
And that's just the way it should be :).
What are you grateful for today?
Monday, February 10, 2014
Penny S
Today I had the opportunity to do lunch with my friend Penny for a very belated birthday gift.
It had been a while since we'd hung out. And it was such a treat!
For one thing, we went to the place she introduced me to -- and they have some really great burgers! (I got the Mushroom Swiss burger, because I love mushrooms).
But mostly, it's because Penny is just super awesome. She's fun to talk with, and she is full of energy and laughter. Just a feel-good person to be around.
I met Penny through church. I'd known her family for several years and knew of her. And then, she moved back into our Ward boundaries -- and I started seeing her everywhere. I'd see her at Costco, or in the ladies room at church (which isn't that shocking, except at the time, I was working with the kids, so we rarely ran into many people while we were down there). It was weird to me how often I'd see her and she just stuck out to me, though we'd never spoken.
But then I found out why. Shortly after she moved into the Ward, our Ward boundaries changed and a lot of callings changed. (This is probably confusing sounding, but basically, we believe we are called of the Lord to serve in various capacities -- such as Sunday School teacher, nursery worker, etc -- for an unspecified time. When our Ward boundaries changed, that meant some people who had been attending church with our congregation would begin attending with a different congregation, thereby leaving various positions to be filled.) At that time, I was called to serve as Primary President (a leader over all the children ages 18 months to 12 years). And I was to prayerfully call two counselors to serve with me and help me. Immediately I knew that Heavenly Father had put Penny in my path many times specifically so I would know she was to be one of my counselors.
And what an awesome counselor she was! She is reliable, dependable, helpful, energetic, loving of the children, generous...
In a word... amazing. She was seriously my right hand.
I was released from that calling shortly before having our baby girl. And, not surprisingly, Penny was called to serve in that capacity -- and is still doing so. And I know the kids love her.
Penny is a great example to me of generosity. She gives so much of herself, her time, her talents. She seeks to help and lift others; to serve them. She goes to great lengths to do the things people ask of her. I don't know how she finds the time (or energy!) to do all she does. But she consistently amazes me. She is selfless.
And I am better for knowing her.
I am so grateful I can call her my friend. And I'm grateful that, even though she is so busy, we still manage to fit in a visit here and there. Because those opportunities just make my day!
What are you grateful for today?
It had been a while since we'd hung out. And it was such a treat!
For one thing, we went to the place she introduced me to -- and they have some really great burgers! (I got the Mushroom Swiss burger, because I love mushrooms).
But mostly, it's because Penny is just super awesome. She's fun to talk with, and she is full of energy and laughter. Just a feel-good person to be around.
I met Penny through church. I'd known her family for several years and knew of her. And then, she moved back into our Ward boundaries -- and I started seeing her everywhere. I'd see her at Costco, or in the ladies room at church (which isn't that shocking, except at the time, I was working with the kids, so we rarely ran into many people while we were down there). It was weird to me how often I'd see her and she just stuck out to me, though we'd never spoken.
But then I found out why. Shortly after she moved into the Ward, our Ward boundaries changed and a lot of callings changed. (This is probably confusing sounding, but basically, we believe we are called of the Lord to serve in various capacities -- such as Sunday School teacher, nursery worker, etc -- for an unspecified time. When our Ward boundaries changed, that meant some people who had been attending church with our congregation would begin attending with a different congregation, thereby leaving various positions to be filled.) At that time, I was called to serve as Primary President (a leader over all the children ages 18 months to 12 years). And I was to prayerfully call two counselors to serve with me and help me. Immediately I knew that Heavenly Father had put Penny in my path many times specifically so I would know she was to be one of my counselors.
And what an awesome counselor she was! She is reliable, dependable, helpful, energetic, loving of the children, generous...
In a word... amazing. She was seriously my right hand.
I was released from that calling shortly before having our baby girl. And, not surprisingly, Penny was called to serve in that capacity -- and is still doing so. And I know the kids love her.
Penny is a great example to me of generosity. She gives so much of herself, her time, her talents. She seeks to help and lift others; to serve them. She goes to great lengths to do the things people ask of her. I don't know how she finds the time (or energy!) to do all she does. But she consistently amazes me. She is selfless.
And I am better for knowing her.
I am so grateful I can call her my friend. And I'm grateful that, even though she is so busy, we still manage to fit in a visit here and there. Because those opportunities just make my day!
What are you grateful for today?
Sunday, February 9, 2014
Experiencing Firsts Through My Baby's Eyes
Today was the first time my baby girl saw snow!
And being that I'm a crazy first-time mom... Well, I had to get some pictures.
It's funny the things I do now as a mom. Because I am excited about my sweet girl being able to have experiences.
And it's so fun to see her experience these firsts. It brings happiness and joy (most of the time... there are some not-so-fun firsts that I have to experience with her too) as I watch her explore and learn about this wonderful world she lives in. As I watch her learn to use her body. And learn through her own experience the bitter from the sweet.
Today, she saw snow for the first time. She had the opportunity to learn that it was cold and feel what that means. And she had the opportunity to learn that she didn't really like putting something that cold in her mouth! (But she still did it 3 more times ;)).
This, to me, is one of the great perks about being a mom. It's like I get to experience the joy and fun of things again :). Like, one day, I'm pretty sure I'll be sliding down a slide with her. Do you know the last time I slid down a slide!?!
How grateful I am for this adventure of motherhood, and the opportunity it affords me to experience life anew through the eyes of my baby girl. To see the world as happy, fresh, and exciting; and not tainted by some of the dreary realities that come with adulthood.
What are you grateful for today?
Saturday, February 8, 2014
Brave Women with Big Trucks
So I went to a Girls' Night Out party tonight. (Which was very enjoyable and for which I am also grateful.)
While we were sitting around eating dinner, we got informed it was snowing outside. What!?! But we're thinking, "Eh, it won't be much..."
And by the time the movie had ended... Well, it was quite a significant snowfall. I had walked to said party. And a friend offered to take me home -- even in the snow! -- if I wanted to stay and watch the movie rather than leave right after dinner.
And so I did. (I'm a wimp... I don't drive in snow, ergo, I'm highly impressed that she is totally brave!)
So we have between 1.5 and 2 inches on the ground. And I live uphill any which way you cut it from where the party was.
But Angela got me home safely in her big truck with 4-wheel drive. And I'm seriously grateful for that. Thanks a million Angela! You rock!
What are you grateful for today?
While we were sitting around eating dinner, we got informed it was snowing outside. What!?! But we're thinking, "Eh, it won't be much..."
And by the time the movie had ended... Well, it was quite a significant snowfall. I had walked to said party. And a friend offered to take me home -- even in the snow! -- if I wanted to stay and watch the movie rather than leave right after dinner.
And so I did. (I'm a wimp... I don't drive in snow, ergo, I'm highly impressed that she is totally brave!)
So we have between 1.5 and 2 inches on the ground. And I live uphill any which way you cut it from where the party was.
But Angela got me home safely in her big truck with 4-wheel drive. And I'm seriously grateful for that. Thanks a million Angela! You rock!
What are you grateful for today?
Friday, February 7, 2014
Chocolate
Because sometimes... When a difficult day ends crappier than you anticipated it would...
Sometimes you just need chocolate. Maybe the whole box. (Or maybe not, since I still would like to lose the extra pregnancy pounds...)
And that's really all I have to say about that.
What are you grateful for today?
Thursday, February 6, 2014
My Baby Girl's (Fourth) Cold
No, I'm not a masochist.
When I said yesterday that I wasn't exactly grateful for her (fourth) cold in 3 months, I wasn't lying.
Because colds (in babies) are incredibly frustrating to me for a couple reasons:
1. I feel bad for my munchkin who can't breathe through her nose. And therefore has a hard time drinking a bottle. And also therefore cannot self-soothe and put herself to sleep with her thumb. And when she's tired and frustrated because of those things, it's just so sad!
2. It usually means I will not get good sleep, since she won't.
In a word, colds are just frustrating. I know I don't enjoy them when I have them. And it's even worse when the baby girl has them. (Probably worse for me than her, since she's mellower than I am and is better at going with the flow.)
And last night proved to be a night of less sleep.
And I'm no saint. I will admit that, at 3:30 this morning, when I heard our angel groaning from her room (because she couldn't put herself back to sleep by sucking her thumb), I was a little frustrated at loss of sleep. Especially when she started full-out crying when I started rocking her to help her sleep. I knew it would be a long "night."
But then, I had an attitude adjustment. Because here's the thing: now that my sweet girl is mobile and able to do so much, she wants to. And she's gotten to where, even going down for a nap, she doesn't want me to snuggle her... she just wants me to put her in her crib so she can roll on her side, suck her thumb, and go to sleep. So only at night, after her last bottle, do I ever get to snuggle her anymore. And it's usually only 5 or so minutes, because I know there are still Mommy chores awaiting me. But who does those at 3:30 in the morning?
But at 3:30 in the morning, my precious baby is tired. And she wants to sleep. And when she can't, she wants comfort. And so she wants her mommy to snuggle her. And so, for an hour this morning, I sat and rocked my baby girl. Who was willing to lie contentedly in my arms and let me snuggle her. So my attitude changed from one of frustration to one of gratitude.
And once again, I realized what really matters. Because one day, I will be done having babies. One day, my babies will be grown. And I'll get all the sleep I need -- and all the sleep I want. And I won't have a baby to snuggle and rock. The time for snuggling and rocking is now. And while I don't wish for her to have a cold every day of her babyhood... I am learning that I can find the joy in even the undesirable things of life.
Because it is a joy to rock my girl. To hold her. To look in amazement at this long body that was once so much shorter. It is a joy to look at her sweet face and to feel her breath against my neck as she sleeps. It is a joy to feel her wiggle and sit up and burrow until she finds a comfortable spot. It is a joy to have that extra hour where it's just me and her, gently gliding in the warmth of her room.
It is a joy no hour of sleep could give me.
And so I'm grateful for this cold that is a bit of unpleasant generally. Because it reminded me to cherish the moments that will one day be gone forever. Because it gave me a heart-full of joy in the form of middle-of-the-night snuggles with my sweetest baby girl.
And maybe that was a lesson I just needed to learn.
What are you grateful for today?
When I said yesterday that I wasn't exactly grateful for her (fourth) cold in 3 months, I wasn't lying.
Because colds (in babies) are incredibly frustrating to me for a couple reasons:
1. I feel bad for my munchkin who can't breathe through her nose. And therefore has a hard time drinking a bottle. And also therefore cannot self-soothe and put herself to sleep with her thumb. And when she's tired and frustrated because of those things, it's just so sad!
2. It usually means I will not get good sleep, since she won't.
In a word, colds are just frustrating. I know I don't enjoy them when I have them. And it's even worse when the baby girl has them. (Probably worse for me than her, since she's mellower than I am and is better at going with the flow.)
And last night proved to be a night of less sleep.
And I'm no saint. I will admit that, at 3:30 this morning, when I heard our angel groaning from her room (because she couldn't put herself back to sleep by sucking her thumb), I was a little frustrated at loss of sleep. Especially when she started full-out crying when I started rocking her to help her sleep. I knew it would be a long "night."
But then, I had an attitude adjustment. Because here's the thing: now that my sweet girl is mobile and able to do so much, she wants to. And she's gotten to where, even going down for a nap, she doesn't want me to snuggle her... she just wants me to put her in her crib so she can roll on her side, suck her thumb, and go to sleep. So only at night, after her last bottle, do I ever get to snuggle her anymore. And it's usually only 5 or so minutes, because I know there are still Mommy chores awaiting me. But who does those at 3:30 in the morning?
But at 3:30 in the morning, my precious baby is tired. And she wants to sleep. And when she can't, she wants comfort. And so she wants her mommy to snuggle her. And so, for an hour this morning, I sat and rocked my baby girl. Who was willing to lie contentedly in my arms and let me snuggle her. So my attitude changed from one of frustration to one of gratitude.
And once again, I realized what really matters. Because one day, I will be done having babies. One day, my babies will be grown. And I'll get all the sleep I need -- and all the sleep I want. And I won't have a baby to snuggle and rock. The time for snuggling and rocking is now. And while I don't wish for her to have a cold every day of her babyhood... I am learning that I can find the joy in even the undesirable things of life.
Because it is a joy to rock my girl. To hold her. To look in amazement at this long body that was once so much shorter. It is a joy to look at her sweet face and to feel her breath against my neck as she sleeps. It is a joy to feel her wiggle and sit up and burrow until she finds a comfortable spot. It is a joy to have that extra hour where it's just me and her, gently gliding in the warmth of her room.
It is a joy no hour of sleep could give me.
And so I'm grateful for this cold that is a bit of unpleasant generally. Because it reminded me to cherish the moments that will one day be gone forever. Because it gave me a heart-full of joy in the form of middle-of-the-night snuggles with my sweetest baby girl.
And maybe that was a lesson I just needed to learn.
What are you grateful for today?
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
(Fancy) Burp Rags
In the world of things that get underappreciated, I'm pretty sure burp rags reside.
But I am incredibly grateful for them! (And I love, love, love that we were given so many cute ones as baby gifts!!!). Much thanks to several very talented friends!
Yes, most babies spit up. This is why people get burp rags.
Our little girl, though, may have been a marathon spitter-upper. I'm pretty sure the poor thing suffered from reflux the first several months of life -- including her incredibly low tolerance for air bubbles in her tummy. So we went through burp rags really fast back in those days. I would say at least 3 a day.
Let's just say, even if we never had to use the burp rags again after she passed the reflux problem age (somewhere around 5 months), our burp rags still would qualify as "well used."
But of course, we still use burp rags for the occasional spit up (these days more on the rug than anywhere else, since she's mobile).
Today, however, it dawned on me that there has been one other time when we've gone through burp rags like in the early days of munchkin's life: when she has a cold. Because, gross as it may be to mention, she has a lot of snot! (How can so much fit into that tiny baby?!?) And so we use the burp rags again to clean her nose. Because they are handy and washable.
Why did this occur to me today? Well, because Baby Girl woke up from her second nap today with total congestion. And I've been using the burp rags ever since...
And though I am in no way grateful for our 4th cold in 3 months (ironically, I just emailed a friend that she'd had three and thankfully seems to be in the clear...), I am grateful for the lovely burp rags that help us keep a certain little nose booger-drip free :).
What are you grateful for today?
Tuesday, February 4, 2014
Sue C
Most Tuesdays (assuming Baby Girl is not sick), I walk with Sue in the evenings. Even when it's freezing out and it starts snowing (like it did tonight). Fortunately, my husband is back on day shift, so I left the munchkin with him... It was way too cold for her. Otherwise I take her, because she enjoys outings. In fact, often, when Sue calls to see about walking, she asks if the baby wants to walk today. As though it's all up to her! (And, okay, maybe it is!)
Anyway, Sue is awesome. I met her while I was working at a local funeral home. She has a great laugh and the best sense of humor! I love walking with her, because we just gab about all sorts of stuff and she hoots and laughs a lot. And I do too! Today what got her going was the story about the munchkin managing to eat (and destroy) one of my plants. I don't have many plants, as I don't do well with taking care of them, generally. But I was trying to keep this one alive. Alas... A crawling baby can do much damage in mere seconds. Thankfully this plant was not poisonous. It's also no longer alive, having been ripped out of its dirt by some grabby hands. So as I told Sue all about this, she laughed and laughed and laughed.
I walked with Sue once a week even when I was 36 weeks pregnant. I think it was starting to make her a little nervous... the possibility I might go into labor. She told my mom to keep her cell phone on her at all times on Tuesday evenings, because if I went into labor, Sue would be calling my mom to come pick us up!
Ironically, Baby Girl was born on Sue's birthday! Which is exactly what Sue (and another friend of ours, whose birthday is also that day) predicted! We didn't name her Pamela Sue after these two awesome ladies... But even so, the munchkin gets to share their birthday :).
She's patient and kind and, I think, a great example of living what she believes: she strives to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
She's also incredibly thoughtful. This past Christmas, she went to several stores trying to find little baby mittens for our sweetness so she would have mittens for our cold-weather walks. And they are the cutest!!
I think one of my most favorite memories about Sue is from my days working at the funeral home. So, there was this funeral home cat named Callie. She was a gorgeous long-haired Calico. And she was snarky. Snarky. She'd chill and sleep at the top of the stairs in the funeral home (until a stranger walked in and then she'd bolt). She knew staff going up and down the stairs couldn't not pet her there. And while she enjoyed the love immensely, she was sometimes moody. You could be there petting her and she'd be purring away when all of a sudden -- wham! -- she'd claw you like there was no tomorrow. Crazy cat.
But that's not the hilarious Sue story... This is:
Sue was Callie's stylist. I kid not. Every day at about 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Callie would mosey on down the stairs and go right to Sue's work space. Where Sue would spend about 5 minutes brushing that cat until she shone. It was awesome. Every single day. No joke.
Oh, and the other one... We had a co-worker who ate that Activia yogurt every day. All the commercials talk about how good it is for a woman's digestive system (or at least they did back then). Well, this co-worker was a man. So Sue started telling him that he was eating women's yogurt. (She liked to give him a hard time anyway, so this was nothing new. But hilarious nonetheless). He was adamant that it wasn't just for women, but Sue kept saying it was and pointed out how the commercials never showed men eating it. Well, this got his goat enough that he actually called Activia to ask them if their yogurt was intended only for women, or if men could eat it as well. Shortly thereafter, the commercials started saying it wasn't just for women. I'm not saying there was a connection between the two... But it is a pretty funny coincidence.
Anyway, I have a ton of great and hilarious memories with Sue. I'm glad we still live close enough to each other that we can still enjoy walking together every week. She makes walking quite a bit of fun.
What are you grateful for today?
Anyway, Sue is awesome. I met her while I was working at a local funeral home. She has a great laugh and the best sense of humor! I love walking with her, because we just gab about all sorts of stuff and she hoots and laughs a lot. And I do too! Today what got her going was the story about the munchkin managing to eat (and destroy) one of my plants. I don't have many plants, as I don't do well with taking care of them, generally. But I was trying to keep this one alive. Alas... A crawling baby can do much damage in mere seconds. Thankfully this plant was not poisonous. It's also no longer alive, having been ripped out of its dirt by some grabby hands. So as I told Sue all about this, she laughed and laughed and laughed.
I walked with Sue once a week even when I was 36 weeks pregnant. I think it was starting to make her a little nervous... the possibility I might go into labor. She told my mom to keep her cell phone on her at all times on Tuesday evenings, because if I went into labor, Sue would be calling my mom to come pick us up!
Ironically, Baby Girl was born on Sue's birthday! Which is exactly what Sue (and another friend of ours, whose birthday is also that day) predicted! We didn't name her Pamela Sue after these two awesome ladies... But even so, the munchkin gets to share their birthday :).
She's patient and kind and, I think, a great example of living what she believes: she strives to be a true disciple of Jesus Christ.
She's also incredibly thoughtful. This past Christmas, she went to several stores trying to find little baby mittens for our sweetness so she would have mittens for our cold-weather walks. And they are the cutest!!
I think one of my most favorite memories about Sue is from my days working at the funeral home. So, there was this funeral home cat named Callie. She was a gorgeous long-haired Calico. And she was snarky. Snarky. She'd chill and sleep at the top of the stairs in the funeral home (until a stranger walked in and then she'd bolt). She knew staff going up and down the stairs couldn't not pet her there. And while she enjoyed the love immensely, she was sometimes moody. You could be there petting her and she'd be purring away when all of a sudden -- wham! -- she'd claw you like there was no tomorrow. Crazy cat.
But that's not the hilarious Sue story... This is:
Sue was Callie's stylist. I kid not. Every day at about 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., Callie would mosey on down the stairs and go right to Sue's work space. Where Sue would spend about 5 minutes brushing that cat until she shone. It was awesome. Every single day. No joke.
Oh, and the other one... We had a co-worker who ate that Activia yogurt every day. All the commercials talk about how good it is for a woman's digestive system (or at least they did back then). Well, this co-worker was a man. So Sue started telling him that he was eating women's yogurt. (She liked to give him a hard time anyway, so this was nothing new. But hilarious nonetheless). He was adamant that it wasn't just for women, but Sue kept saying it was and pointed out how the commercials never showed men eating it. Well, this got his goat enough that he actually called Activia to ask them if their yogurt was intended only for women, or if men could eat it as well. Shortly thereafter, the commercials started saying it wasn't just for women. I'm not saying there was a connection between the two... But it is a pretty funny coincidence.
Anyway, I have a ton of great and hilarious memories with Sue. I'm glad we still live close enough to each other that we can still enjoy walking together every week. She makes walking quite a bit of fun.
What are you grateful for today?
Monday, February 3, 2014
The Sewing Machine
I mentioned that I am working on a couple of "I Spy" quilts. And today I started sewing pieces together! Yay!
Makes me totally grateful for sewing machines. And for having one in my home right now. And for having a husband who has sewn more than I have. And who has the patience to figure out how this one works (it has a bazillion stitch options). And who has the patience to teach me how to use this particular one.
12 hexagons down... Only 254 more to go! Woohoo! Constant dripping hollows out the stone, you know ;).
What are you grateful for today?
Sunday, February 2, 2014
The Plan of Salvation
Today at church, my Sunday School class discussed the Plan of Salvation.
Interestingly enough, it was also Fast and Testimony Sunday, which means that members of the congregation are invited to share their testimonies at the pulpit if they desire to. Several of the testimonies borne were about the Plan of Salvation. I don't believe in coincidence.
I do know that there are many different beliefs and religions in this world. My life has been blessed by many good people from many different faiths. These, though, are my beliefs and the things I believe to be true. They have helped me understand who I am, why I am here, and where I will go after I die. And to have that knowledge gives me peace.
I am grateful to know I existed before this life. Though I was a spirit, I was still me. I know I am a daughter of Heavenly Father literally, because He is the Father of my spirit. And as such, I have within me a divine nature. What a beautiful truth.
I am grateful to know I chose to follow the plan of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ; which was to come to this earth and receive a body so that I may come to know through my own experience the things I could only experience through having a body. Such as the joy I feel in holding my baby girl. The happiness I feel at lifting and helping another. I am grateful to know I have agency -- the right to choose for myself -- and that, as I make righteous choices and strive to follow my Savior's example, I am on the path to return back to the presence of my Father in Heaven.
I am grateful to know that, though mortal life does end at death, not all life does. I know my spirit will continue to exist. And that one day, just as Jesus Christ was resurrected, I will be too. And my spirit and body will be reunited again, never again to be separated.
I am grateful to know that, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I can be forgiven for mistakes I make and sins I commit. That I can be healed after pains inflicted, intentionally or unintentionally, upon me. And that, as I strive to be like my Savior, I can have the hope of living with Him and Heavenly Father and my family in the Celestial Kingdom forever. I am grateful to know families can be forever. And that Heavenly Father's greatest desire is to have all of His children return to Him. And I am grateful to know that we are all His children -- we are all brothers and sisters. And that each of us is of infinite worth because we are His.
What are you grateful for today?
Interestingly enough, it was also Fast and Testimony Sunday, which means that members of the congregation are invited to share their testimonies at the pulpit if they desire to. Several of the testimonies borne were about the Plan of Salvation. I don't believe in coincidence.
I do know that there are many different beliefs and religions in this world. My life has been blessed by many good people from many different faiths. These, though, are my beliefs and the things I believe to be true. They have helped me understand who I am, why I am here, and where I will go after I die. And to have that knowledge gives me peace.
I am grateful to know I existed before this life. Though I was a spirit, I was still me. I know I am a daughter of Heavenly Father literally, because He is the Father of my spirit. And as such, I have within me a divine nature. What a beautiful truth.
I am grateful to know I chose to follow the plan of Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ; which was to come to this earth and receive a body so that I may come to know through my own experience the things I could only experience through having a body. Such as the joy I feel in holding my baby girl. The happiness I feel at lifting and helping another. I am grateful to know I have agency -- the right to choose for myself -- and that, as I make righteous choices and strive to follow my Savior's example, I am on the path to return back to the presence of my Father in Heaven.
I am grateful to know that, though mortal life does end at death, not all life does. I know my spirit will continue to exist. And that one day, just as Jesus Christ was resurrected, I will be too. And my spirit and body will be reunited again, never again to be separated.
I am grateful to know that, through the Atonement of Jesus Christ, I can be forgiven for mistakes I make and sins I commit. That I can be healed after pains inflicted, intentionally or unintentionally, upon me. And that, as I strive to be like my Savior, I can have the hope of living with Him and Heavenly Father and my family in the Celestial Kingdom forever. I am grateful to know families can be forever. And that Heavenly Father's greatest desire is to have all of His children return to Him. And I am grateful to know that we are all His children -- we are all brothers and sisters. And that each of us is of infinite worth because we are His.
What are you grateful for today?
Saturday, February 1, 2014
Macaroni and Cheese
I don't know who decided to boil up pasta and slather it in cheese sauce, but that person was a genius. In no uncertain terms.
I love macaroni and cheese. Love it.
And I'm not really a mac and cheese snob as far as boxed versus home-made. I like both. Although I am a snob for brand name... I only buy Kraft brand. And in the last year, I've pretty much only gotten the blue box kind... Because of the sodium content in the Velveeta Shells and Cheese (which is otherwise my favorite box-macaroni and cheese). Not that I'm saying the blue box is low in sodium... It isn't. But it is lower. I pretty much buy a box of mac and cheese most pay periods. So I have it for lunch usually once every two weeks.
On the home-made front... I love my mom's mac and cheese. Always have. We had it for dinner tonight. And yeah, it's way better when my mom makes it (probably because someone else made it ;)). But I think I still do a fair job -- just have to do the work! The recipe is relatively easy. My mom has been known to use whatever cheese she has on hand. Sometimes it doesn't come out so awesome. So I never do that. I always use the 3 cheeses called for in the recipe. Which is as follows:
1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 to 2 cloves minced (or pressed) garlic
1/2 a medium onion, diced
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1 cup milk
3 cups shredded cheese (approximately): cheddar, Monterey Jack, and parmesan (amounts of each to your liking, but I usually go shy on the Parmesan and heavier on the other two); divided
In a saucepan, melt butter. Saute onions and garlic about 2 minutes (or until onion is tender). Whisk in flour and stir until well-mixed (mixture will be lumpy due to onion and garlic). Add salt and pepper. Add milk gradually and stir. Bring to a boil. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Reserve about 1/4 cup mixed cheese. Add the remaining cheese to the white sauce and stir until melted. Stir in macaroni until well mixed.
Put macaroni and cheese into a greased casserole dish. Bake covered at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Sprinkle reserved cheese on top and bake uncovered an additional 10 minutes.
And then it's done! Enjoy!
I've been trying a few others that I've found on pinterest. So far I haven't found one that knocks my socks off... And one I will be trying soon, which I collected in my recipe binder some time who-knows-when.
Yes, I love macaroni and cheese. It's good comfort food. Filling. And delicious. And I'm so grateful for it... and the genius who thought it up!!
What are you grateful for today?
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