Sticky Fabri-Solvy

So I've mentioned before that I decided to do an I Spy quilt this year for my munchkin.  I always knew I wanted to do one of these quilts for each of my kids.  So I decided to make it happen. 

My goal is to have it done by Baby Girl's first birthday.  I have less than a month!  Gasp!

When I made these for nieces and a nephew (a decade ago), I had the awesome help (and mentoring and instruction) of my friend Donna.  This time, I've been winging it (and trying to recall decade-old information)!  (And miraculously have managed to get somewhere ;).)

But Donna has a sewing machine which does embroidery.  And so, back then, she embroidered our words around one of the borders.  I don't have such a machine.  And couldn't find anyone who does. 

Ergo, I find myself hand-embroidering.  It's killer.  But I'm actually accomplishing it!  And I am pretty sure it wouldn't look even remotely legible if not for this sticky fabri-solvy. 

Who knows where the name came from.  Shoot, I didn't even know anything like this existed until I talked to Donna a couple months back and she told me about this stuff that she used for embroidering on a project which can just be thrown in the washer and it dissolves! 

And an even bigger bonus?  It's printable!  So I loaded it in my printer, printed my words, stick it to the border, and stitch away!  (Too bad the stitching is the hard part ;).) 

It is slow going, but I'm making progress.  And when it's all said and done, I can throw the quilt in to wash and all that should be left is the stitched words! 

Once again, Donna saves the day! 

It may not be as fancy as the other quilts with the machine-embroidery...  But there's a whole lot of extra time and love and effort.  And that counts for something, right?

And, I'm expanding my horizons:  I'm learning how to embroider on a quilt. 

Anyway, I'm thankful for this sticky fabri-solvy.  It's helping me get this done and have it look semi-decent.  And I'm pretty stoked (even though I'm only 3 words in ;)...)

What are you grateful for today?

The Safety of My Friends Down South

Apparently the last two days have been fraught with really nasty weather near my old stomping grounds of Tuscaloosa and Birmingham.

And I happen to have some very dear friends in those places.

So I'm grateful that, though there were tornadoes which touched down near many of them, my friends and their homes (as far as I know) are all safe.

And for those who were not so fortunate...  My prayers are with them.

What are you grateful for today?

Mesh Food Rings

Clearly I'm loving some baby items lately... 

These things...  BOMB.

I never even knew these existed until my friend Lea mentioned them one night at Monday Meals.  And then she included them in Munchkin's awesome Easter basket.

I only wish I'd have known about these sooner.  Seriously may have prevented my heart from skipping a bunch of beats -- one for each time my kiddo gagged on some new food we were introducing.  It's an awful sound and an even worse image.  Always terrifies me.

Baby Girl is pretty adept at eating a lot of things these days.  Today she even decided she likes broccoli (at least enough to eat it) after all (the first two times earned us some awesome facial expressions and broccoli falling off her tongue).  She doesn't have much problem eating things. 

But these are coming in handy with grapes!  I don't have to peel them (lazy me)... I just throw them into the mesh thing, snap it closed, and hand it to her.  Perfection!  I'm thinking they will also be good when I try giving her raspberries and wild blackberries this summer.  Because of the big seeds in those things.  And I'm sure there will be other things I discover where these will come in handy. 

Plus, there will (hopefully) be more babies...  And I can save myself some heart palpitations! 

What are you grateful for today?

The Boppy

I don't know what women did before the boppy was created.

Because it's just awesome.

I actually have two of them!  (Thanks to Virginia who gave us one while we were in Alabama :)).

Truthfully, of all the items in existence in the baby world, the Boppy was the one item I was determined to have, back when I was pregnant.  Though I'd never experienced one before, I just knew it was going to be a lifesaver.  

It's especially great for (and mainly intended to make easier) nursing.  But trust me, it has a bunch of awesome uses.

We used it a lot for when Baby Girl was learning to sit up, but still wasn't steady enough not to fall backward frequently.

I used it while I was nursing.  And now I still use it for most bottle feedings, because it's a great arm support.  And this munchkin is getting heavy!  So my arms appreciate the extra -- comfortable -- support :).

And it can even be used as a neck pillow ;).  (Maybe just not on an airplane ;)).

What are you grateful for today?

Home-Made Pizza

Tonight I made pizza for dinner.  I love this pizza...  It's one of my go-to recipes when I don't know what to make for dinner (as long as I have the fresh veggies I need for it).  It's not terribly time-consuming, and it's easy.  Plus, it tastes yummy!

It may not be as cheap as a Little Caesar's hot and ready pizza...  But it's way better for my health -- and my taste buds!  (Not that I don't enjoy a Little Caesar's every once in a while.)  And, actually, the price of this pizza can be changed to fit the tastes and desires of the cook!  My pizza is usually a bit pricier, because I enjoy artichoke hearts on it :).

So here is how I make our pizza (the crust is from a Betty Crocker cookbook):

Crust:
2 1/2 to 3 cups flour (I use 1 cup whole wheat and the rest white)
2 tablespoons oil
1 tablespoon yeast
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup water

Combine two cups flour (for me this is one cup each) plus next 5 ingredients.  Add remaining flour a little at a time until it is not sticky, but still a little tacky.  Knead until it becomes smooth and supple.  Grease a large bowl, place dough in bowl and turn to coat.  Cover with damp towel and place in a warm place to rise 30 minutes to 1 hour (depending on how much time you have).

While dough is rising, prep veggies.  I use the following:

1/2 to 3/4 small zucchini, sliced into coins no thicker than 1/8"
1/2 to whole roma tomato, sliced thin
2 to 3 white mushrooms, sliced thin
1/4 cup chopped green onion (or equivalent sliced regular onion if I have it)
1/2 can quartered artichoke hearts
1 to 2 cloves garlic, minced
1 to 2 cups baby spinach
(if I have green pepper, I use that too)

Once the dough is ready, spread it out on a pizza stone (I usually lightly oil the stone so the crust doesn't stick to it while baking).  Start preheating oven to 450.  Spread 1/2 of an 8 ounce can of tomato sauce (or more if you want) on the center of the dough (I usually build up a little dough wall around the edges for grabbing purposes :)).  Sprinkle with 1 to 2 teaspoons each oregano and basil (depending on tastes).  Pop the dough into the oven for about 10 to 15 minutes while the oven is still pre-heating. 

When the dough has baked a little and is very lightly browned on some edges, pull it out (it will have puffed some).  Place your vegetables on however you want (I usually put the garlic on the bottom, then tomatoes, zucchini, mushrooms, onions, artichokes, spinach.)

Top with 1 to 2 cups cheese (we sometimes use mozzarella and sometimes cheddar -- whatever we have).

Bake an additional 10 minutes when oven is completely up to temperature.

Cut pizza and enjoy!

I started doing the baking the way I do (putting it in while the oven is still preheating), because the original recipe for the crust called for 450 for 25 minutes and our pizza was always getting too burnt and hard.  So this is the way that works for us.

Anyway...  It was a long day.  A good day, but a long day.  And so I am grateful I could decided at the last minute to do pizza for dinner :). It's always yummy :).

What are you grateful for today?

Baby Hugs

Not to be mistaken for baby snuggles (for which I am also grateful) :).  Baby snuggles seem to be less voluntary -- and happen mostly when my sweet girl is working on sleep!  But hugs...  Those are different.

Recently, Baby Girl has learned how to hug.  It's not an official hug that way it will be one day.  But she understands the word -- and when I ask her for a hug, she looks at me, and then lays her head on my left shoulder.  And I wrap my arms around her and hug her and say, "Oh thank you!"  And she wiggles happily in my embrace.

Today, I took advantage of my husband's swing shift schedule and left him home with the munchkin in the morning while I went and did some shopping.  Our sweet girl is a great shopping buddy, don't get me wrong.  But it still saves me a ton of time when I go by myself.  So I took the opportunity today.

Our little miss does great with her daddy.  He's her best play-mate.  But she definitely loves when her mommy comes home.  To say she was a little clingy after I got back is a bit of an understatement.

And I was welcomed with hugs galore from our precious girl.

And they kinda sorta make me super melty inside :).  I love this baby and her hugs (even if she's more toddler than baby these days...).

What are you grateful for today?

Break & Bake Cookie Dough

For those days when your from-scratch cookies (that you need to take somewhere) didn't turn out... :-/.

Enough said.

What are you grateful for today?

The Sunscreen Song

Back around the time I was graduating high school (which was 15 year ago -- ack!), a song had come out that I loved.  It is called Everybody's Free (to Wear Sunscreen).  I tend to just call it The Sunscreen Song.  I loved the song.  It has been among my favorites ever since I first heard it.

I love it even more now.

Over the years, I have come to realize the truth behind so many of the pieces of advice in the song.  And something tells me I will yet understand more of them as time marches ever onward.

I am amazed at how often lyrics from this song pop into my mind pertaining to a situation in which I find myself.

For example, last night, while enjoying some frozen yogurt with some of the young women, we were discussing next steps for some of those graduating.  And some admitted to feeling so stressed out, because they aren't sure what they want to do with their life.  I assured them my own choices changed several times over the years.  But I also had these lyrics pop into my head:  don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life.  The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives.  I'm not saying it's not good to have a plan.  But I happen to know plans change.  So if you aren't sure what you want to do...  Just start somewhere and you'll figure it out.  It'll all be okay.

Just the other day, I was telling my husband about how, when I look back at pictures of myself, I realize how much I wish I had been able to see myself as being as pretty as I was.  I never felt pretty.  But as I look back now, I see that I was.  And I don't say that in a big-headed way.  I just know how much I was down on myself when I was younger.  How I was so discouraged that I didn't have a boyfriend in high school.  And I wish I could have seen myself in a different light.  But I think most girls feel that way.  And that made me quote another lyric to my husband:  Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth.  Nevermind.  You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they have faded.  But trust me... In 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked.   

 Other gems in the song:  don't waste your time on jealousy.  Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind; the race is long.  And in the end, it's only with yourself.

Do not read beauty magazines, they will only make you feel ugly.

Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle -- because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young. (I love Facebook for this!)


Get to know your parents.  You never know when they'll be gone for good.

Be nice to your siblings.  They are your best link to the past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Don't expect anyone else to support you.

And, of course, wear sunscreen.  It'll keep you from getting burned.

I just love the song.  There may be some advice I wouldn't heed.  But I think much of it is good.  And just hearing it always makes me smile :).

What are you grateful for today?

Human Kindness

A very tragic event happened to a family near here.  A family I don't know, other than I know they are members of my faith.  Their son was killed in a tragic accident over the weekend. 

When we heard the news at church on Sunday, my heart ached for this family. 

I have learned that, once you are a parent, you ache for those who experience your worst nightmare, even if you don't know them.

A friend of the family set up a site to collect funds for this family for funeral expenses and travel expenses to take their young son home (they are a military family).

In one day, they met (and surpassed) their goal -- which was not an insignificant amount.

It brought tears to my eyes.  It still does. 

It touches me to see the goodness that still exists in this world.  So often, we hear the horrors of what humans can do to each other.

But there is so much good. 

As I scrolled through the comments left by some who donated to this family in their time of despair and need, I could tell not all of them know this family personally.  Some were parents of children who attended school with their boy.  Others were associated with this family through the father's profession -- and possibly saw him only once or twice.  Still others seemed to have no connection to them at all.  And yet their generous hearts gave. 

At times like this, I think so many want to do good....  To help.  And when a way is offered that they can... they do.

What a blessing to see the goodness of people.  The kindness of humanity.  The love we have as brothers and sisters -- as children of God. 

My heart was touched today.  And I'm grateful I could witness what I witnessed.  Because... what a beautiful thing.

What are you grateful for today?

The Baby Mirror

It's pretty amazing all the things they make for parents.  There are things I never even knew existed before I had a baby shower!

And there were things I never thought I'd own, too.

Fortunately, we know some pretty awesome people who are smarter than we were in those days...  One of those wonderful people gave us this baby mirror -- the kind that you place somewhere so you can see the rear-facing baby's face (assuming you don't bump this mirror and forget to adjust it before you start driving...).

Because this little mirror has gotten tons of use.  I remember constantly glancing in it when our munchkin was an itty bitty.  I remember seeing her head plopped forward when she was about 3 or so weeks old, and I totally pulled over to fix her.  I think it bothered me more than it bothered her, but I for sure had a mini-freak-out session. 

Now I don't worry so much about her head plopping around so easily, since she has much better control over such things!  But I do like to look in the mirror and watch her sweet face.  Or check to see if she's sleeping.  Or sucking her thumb to go to sleep. 

And I'm definitely grateful the munchkin's awesome Aunt Monica got this as part of the baby shower gift, because I have really appreciated having it! 

What are you grateful for today?

That He Lives

Today, being Easter, we celebrated the Resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ. 

I took the resurrection cookies I made to both my Sunday School class as well as for all the young women -- and we discussed the cookies:  the ingredients which were symbolic of various aspects of the Savior's Crucifixion, and the cookies, which were symbolic of His empty tomb. 

And I felt the Spirit testify to me, again, as I bore my testimony about it, that He lives.

And because He lives, we will too.  Death will not be the end.

It means I will one day meet my great-great-grandmother, after whom I am named.

It means I will one day meet and know and be able to hold the precious baby who gave me hope, but whom we did not have the opportunity to know in this life.

I am grateful for the comfort and peace that comes from knowing death is not the end -- that it is a new beginning. 

And I am grateful to my Savior...  Because it is all because of Him.

What are you grateful for today?

Chewed On DVD Cases

A couple days ago, I texted Julie telling her my munchkin wasn't interested in going to sleep...  Instead she was eating DVD cases.  I added that I had to learn to just get over it.

See, once upon a time, back when DVDs weren't all the rage (but VHS tapes were), my movie collection was very well cared for.  Like I left the plastic on the thing and just cuts the bottom out to remove the video for watching.  Apparently the preservation of the cardboard box was of great concern to me. 

I've since had to let that OCD issue lapse.  For one thing, one cannot view a DVD without removing the plastic wrap.  For another...  I have a baby.  And she loves to chew on everything.  And somewhere along the way, I had to decide what really mattered enough for me to say no to. 

I'm not saying I condone damaging and treating carelessly the things we own.  I'm not, however, willing to freak out over the way our DVD cases look.  (The DVDs on the inside will be a no-no... However, we haven't had to deal with that issue yet ;).)  Of course...  The DVDs I borrow from the library are a no-no.  And I didn't realize I didn't have them up far enough out of reach...  So I'm pretty sure I'll be paying for a damaged case this Tuesday.  Boo for that.  But lesson learned for the mommy!

The picture above doesn't really do this justice.  I don't know why, but this girl loves to crawl over to the DVD stand and select a DVD and go to town.

So why be grateful for this?  True, it's an odd thing to be grateful for.  And I'd never actually considered it something for which to be grateful.  Because, frankly, it's rather annoying. 

But then I got a reply text from Juliebean.  And now, I will never view these chewed-on cases the same ever again.  She laughed and suggested that this be my grateful one day, because one day, they'll be a reminder of this little girl crawling around and getting into everything.  And chewing on DVD cases.  Because one day these days will be gone. 

They are already slipping by so quickly.

And so, I heeded the advice of my dear friend.  Because I'm pretty sure she knows what she's talking about. 

Thus, today, I'm grateful for chewed-on DVD cases.  Because they'll remind me of a treasured time that passed too quickly -- when my angel baby loved to chew on everything...  Because she was so small.  And what a beautiful reminder they'll be, too.

What are you grateful for today?

That He Died For Me

I know I have expressed gratitude on this blog in the past for my Savior and His Atonement on my behalf.  And I know that is tightly linked to His death -- and His resurrection.  In fact, I believe what He did in Gethsemane, as well as His death were different parts to the whole of the Atonement.  He suffered emotional pains, physical pains, and He laid down His life that He might overcome all things.  And we commemorate all of those events this weekend. 

I hadn't originally planned to write this post as my grateful for today. 

But as I stood in the kitchen this evening, making Resurrection Cookies for Sunday (they are part of what we are giving the Young Women for Easter), I contemplated the instructions I used for making the cookies.  (They end up being hollow -- representative of the empty tomb.)

The first step is to crush pecans -- and this is to represent the crushing and physical torment the Savior experienced at the hands of the Roman soldiers.  And a scripture reference is included:  Isaiah 53:5.

And as I thought of that verse in my mind -- a verse I've heard often -- it brought tears to my eyes.

"But he was wounded for [my] transgressions... and with his stripes [I] am healed."

I honestly feel at a loss for words.  I can't seem to formulate words to describe the thoughts in my mind.  I only know that I am grateful that He did what He did for me.   

I am grateful that "all that is unfair about life can be made right through the Atonement of Jesus Christ." 

I am grateful that, though He didn't have to do what He did...  Though He could have chosen not to...  That He did do it.  Out of love. 

I don't claim to understand it all.  But I know it is real.  And I am grateful.

What are you grateful for today?

 

Fresh Produce Year Round

I don't know why this popped into my head today...

Maybe it was the salad I ate with dinner.

Or the strawberries I enjoyed with breakfast -- along with the bananas which I mixed with my yogurt.  The munchkin enjoyed them too, by the way.

Don't get me wrong... I love growing my own garden and having ultra-fresh fruits and veggies (which don't need preservatives sprayed on them to keep them fresh long enough to be sold).  I'm actually quite bummed that this year, I probably won't have one (though I may still plop in a zucchini plant or two over at my grandmother's house).

But the cold weather last a long long time here in Washington State.  And some things just don't grow well in cold temperatures...  And we're not exactly equipped with grow lamps and a greenhouse and whatever all else we'd need to have a year-round indoor garden (do these exist somewhere?).

But that's why I'm so grateful that we do have access to grocery stores where things are shipped in.  Yes, I know there are some downfalls to this.  But it's still such a blessing to be able to eat bananas and avocados when they would never grow here.

I've definitely been guilty of not contemplating the blessing this is in my life.  So I hope to do better in the future about remembering -- and being grateful -- every time I bite into a lovely strawberry in December :).  Or April ;)...

What are you grateful for today?

Karen B

As I mentioned a couple days ago, I was recently called to serve with the young women of my ward at church.  Not only does this new calling make me think back to days of my youth, but it also makes me remember the first time I was called to serve in such a capacity.  It was in 2006 in Alabama.  It was only for a short few months, because I moved away to attend graduate school shortly thereafter.  But it was a wonderful experience for me, and I was able to really get to know my friend Karen.

I had the opportunity to know Karen before that time, though.  My first memory of her was shortly after I graduated high school.  She was one of mine and my mom's visiting teachers.  I remember her coming by our house to visit and she had one of her babies with her.  I'm pretty sure that baby is now around 16 years old!

Then, a few years later, while I was still playing the piano for Primary (and I use the term playing liberally, since I'm really not very good...), Karen was called to serve as the Primary chorister and teach the kids the songs.  And that's when we really started getting to know each other.  And I thought she was wonderful.  I remember one Sunday, I had taken my baby niece with me to church while watching her for my sister.  I remember asking Karen some questions about babies.  Both because she was a seasoned mom and because she was a labor and delivery nurse.  (And now that I've had a baby... I have a whole new appreciation for what Karen must do at work!  I mean, the nurse practically delivered our baby girl... and she was the greatest cheerleader as I was laboring.)

And then, eventually, I was called to serve as one of Karen's counselors in Young Women.  Along with the ever-marvelous Stacy.  And I have to say that was one of the most beautiful working/friendship situations ever.  I felt like we were unified and that we got along really well.  And it gave me an opportunity to really become friends with Karen.  She and I would hang out quite a bit back in those days.  And even after I moved away, I can remember talking on the phone for a few hours at a time.

I think my favorite memories I share with Karen are our trips to the Temple.  She (along with Stacy and Becky) was there the first time I went.  What a treasured memory that is for me.  And then Karen and I would meet up at the Birmingham Alabama Temple every so often, once I'd moved away to Tuscaloosa.  After our time at the Temple, we'd drive over to the Cheesecake Factory and enjoy delicious food (and cheesecake, of course!)! 

I'm so grateful for Karen.  And, as is true with all my Alabama friends... I sure do wish I lived closer to her.

Honestly, I often wish I could collect all my friends and have them in one location -- near me!  But I guess that's sort of selfish ;)...

What are you grateful for today?

Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

I love cheese.  Almost all cheese.  (Not blue cheese). 

I also love grilled cheese sandwiches.  It is one of my go-to quick fix dinners (with tomato soup during the Winter and Fall). 

I also have it for lunch pretty frequently too, since it's so quick and easy :)!

There's just something about that ooey gooey melty cheese.  It makes the Nilla Life happy!

What are you grateful for today?

Wise Words (Quotes)

I am a collector of words.  A collector of quotes, to be more specific.  I love quotes.  I love the way some people just have a way with words.  The way they can speak a sentence so profoundly that it stays with me for a very long time...  Maybe even forever.

I also love the way people can be witty while stating something that is quite true.

There are some things that just resonate with me.  Statements I totally understand, even if I couldn't come up with the amazing way they were worded on my own.  And so, when I find them, I collect them.  And share them.  They make life happy for me.  Because sometimes they make me laugh.  Sometimes they lift me.  Sometimes they make me smile.  And sometimes they just make me nod my head and think, Yes!  That's it exactly!

So I'm grateful for the wisdom of many people on this earth.  I'm grateful they've shared their wise words.  And I'm grateful I can store them away for future reference.  And future smiles.

So here are a few of my favorites -- from all categories I mentioned above.

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans -- John Lennon

True love is not so much a matter of romance as it is a matter of anxious concern for the well-being of one's companion. -- Gordon B. Hinckley

Sometimes in the winds of change we find our true direction. -- Unknown

We must accept that some days we are the pigeon...  But some days we are the statue. -- Unknown

Making the decision to have a child -- its momentous.  It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body. -- Elizabeth Stone

Families are like fudge:  mostly sweet with a few nuts! -- Unknown

Love is what makes two people sit in the middle of the bench when there is plenty of room at both ends. -- Unknown

The only duration of family life that satisfies the loftiest longings of the human soul is forever. -- Russell M. Nelson

Be kind and be grateful that God is kind.  It is a happy way to live. -- Jeffrey R. Holland

When someone yells stop, I don't know if it's in the name of love, it's hammer time, or if I should collaborate and listen.

Storms make trees take deeper roots. -- Dolly Parton

The trick is to enjoy life.  Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead. -- Marjorie Pay Hinckley

Those who move forward with a happy spirit will find that things always work out. -- Gordon B. Hinckley

Choose your love; love your choice. -- Thomas S. Monson

Well, frankly, I could go on and on and on with these.  They're pretty much all my favorite and this doesn't even scratch the surface.  But I do love that there are so many phrases and quotes that lift me and speak to my heart.  Because sometimes I just need it.

What are you grateful for today?

Awesome Young Women Leaders

I was recently called to serve as a counselor in the Young Women's presidency for our ward.

That's a lot of church lingo, I know.

Basically, I am one of the leaders over the teenage girls ages 12 to 18.  I assist the Young Women's president in teaching, helping, and interacting with the girls in our congregation's youth group.  It's a wonderful opportunity to get to know some amazing young ladies.  To help them navigate the crazy world at this time in their lives when things can be really tough.  It's an opportunity to serve them and love them and help them know they are daughters of a Heavenly Father who loves them eternally and perfectly. To help them prepare for their futures -- wherever those futures may take them.

The calling is a huge responsibility.  But it is also a beautiful opportunity.  And I'm grateful for the trust my Father in Heaven places in me to help Him in this capacity.

Following receiving this calling a couple weeks ago, I couldn't help but reflect on my own years in Young Women.  And as often happens when those thoughts enter my mind, I remember three Young Women leaders who changed my life for the better -- just because they took the time to know and love me.

The truth is, for the last (almost) twenty years, I've often felt that those women were called to serve then and there for me.

Perhaps that sounds selfish.  I know the world doesn't revolve around me -- and it never has.  But those women impacted my life for the better in ways I can't fully articulate.  I have wonderful parents.  But as a teenager, I was going through that "my parents don't know anything" stage.  I didn't want to tell my parents lots of things back then.

But I told these women.

They were my friends.  They treated me as a friend.  Some of my very best memories include these ladies.  And I can honestly say I will never forget them.  And here are just a couple examples of why:

For my 16th birthday, two of these three ladies (their names are Jackie and Ladonna) picked me up and took me out to eat.  And then took me to get my nails done.  Fact:  at various times in my life I've been a nail-biter.  It's a habit that comes and goes for me.  But for most of my growing-up life, my nails were always well bitten.  They took me and got fake nails put on for my 16th birthday.  I don't know if they even remember that day.  But I'll never forget it.

Ladonna introduced me to horseback riding.  I would go with her to help watch her baby while she rode and then I'd get to ride.  And I loved it.  I didn't keep up with after we left Panama.  But what a wonderful experience it was for that time when I did ride.

And I'll never forget one piece of dating advice she gave me as we were chatting on the phone one day:  Just because you're on a diet, doesn't mean you can't look at the menu.  Interpret that as you wish, but I have never forgotten it.  And I think it's hilarious.  And spot on. :)

And another of my favorite memories was toward the end of my sophomore year in high school.  I was working on a big project for all the youth that year, since many of them were moving away that summer.  As part of the project, I was collecting pictures of the youth from their parents.  Jackie picked me up one evening to go collect a few of them.  She was a military wife and, at that time, the MPs were checking I.D.s on the way out of Ft. Clayton as well as on the way in.  So she'd shown her ID on the way out to pick me up and told me that this soldier was way cute, so we were going to go back through so I could see him.  Well, he wasn't checking IDs on the way in, so she decided we'd come back through on the way to bring me home -- so he'd check our IDs on the way out.  She also dared me to ask his name and, when he asked why I wanted to know, to say, "Because you look like an angel."  Hahahahaha.  Yeah right, like I would have the guts to do that!  But it was still funny.  So, as promised, we drove back through on the way to take me home.  And got stopped to show ID.  Jackie was all sorts of slow about grabbing for her ID -- to give me the opportunity to get a good look and ask that question.  Which I totally didn't.  So she finally said, "What's your name?"  His response:  Gabriel.  No joke!  She looked at me with this incredulous look on her face and we both busted up laughing.  I mean, could a name BE any more angelic!?!  He said, "Do I know you?"  She said, "Nope."  And we drove off.  One of the best stories in the history of ever.  I'm smiling and laughing as I type it.

Two of these women (Ladonna and Diana) have made the effort to see me in more recent years.  Whether discovering that we only lived an hour or so apart while I lived in Tuscaloosa and we found each other on facebook...  Or being in the same state due to summer vacation excursions...  What a wonderful feeling to still be thought of and important enough that they made time for me.

The point is...  These women genuinely loved me.  They cared about me.  And I felt it.  And, from the perspective of a teenage girl who really didn't know much (even though she thought she did...), they seemed very unified as a presidency.  Which I think is important when trying to work together to serve and help and lift.

Recently, another girl (well, she's a grown woman now, like I am) from our youth group said that she couldn't have asked for better role models than these women were.  And I totally second that.  They have given me the example of the kind of leader I want to be.  Because I know how much it can impact one person's life for good.  (And, in their case, more than one).

I'll forever be grateful for their example.  For their love.  For the time they were called to serve and help a 15/16 year old girl in Panama.  And though I am 100% positive I wasn't the only reason...  I have no doubt that I was one of the reasons they were brought there for such a time as that.  I will never forget them.

What are you grateful for today?

Being Able to Watch My Husband be a Daddy

It's been a beautiful week here.  Today was no exception.  So in the afternoon, we all went on a little adventure.  We picked up some lunch and headed to one of the city parks by the water.

And there, I found my grateful.  As I watched my husband walk around with our sweet baby girl, I reflected on the blessings of my life. 

There really is something amazing and wonderful and attractive about watching the man I love be a daddy. 

It was a joy to watch him bent over walking -- with her little hands in his -- all over our little spot (and maybe even a little further).  It was fun to watch him be patient as she tried out the feel of grass on her feet before walking.

He is her favorite play-mate.

We have learned, in the last almost-eleven months, that becoming mommy and daddy is life changing in ways we didn't anticipate before -- and on more levels than one.  But what a treasure it is to watch my husband fill this role.  To see his sacrifice of love as he gently takes our daughter by her tiny hands... and helps her learn to walk.  I know these are glimpses of things to come.

And, in case you were wondering, the butterfly on her cute bottom was my second grateful today ;).

What are you grateful for today?

My Talented Sister-in-Law Michele

While I was out running errands today, I received a text from my sweetie letting me know my brother and sister-in-law had dropped off a dress for our little munchkin!  I was so excited to get home and see it :).  Isn't it lovely!?

My sister-in-law Michele is very talented when it comes to the sewing machine.  She has made adorable quilts, pajamas, dresses...  True treasures indeed.  And to be the recipients of these wonderful home-made things is truly a blessing! 

This dress is a pretty little silky-type dress with pretty Japanese-like flowers.  Absolutely darling!  And it is the perfect size for our munchkin to wear now -- and for many more months!  Which, when you have a baby who grows like a week, is very nice!  I'm so excited to have another Sunday dress -- and it's perfect for the Summer weather which is on its way! 

This was a real treat to come home to today, and I really am so grateful to my sister-in-law who loves our little girl and takes the time and effort to share her talent and make such beautiful creations for her!  And I'm grateful for this beautiful dress, too!

What are you grateful for today?

My Baby's Baby Book

In my family, I am baby #2.  Which means my baby book is very skimpily (read almost not-at-all) filled out. 

I totally get why this is -- especially now that I have a baby of my own! 

But it is why I decided to make every effort to have baby books -- completed -- for all my babies :).

I can remember going shopping with my friend Lea to find a baby book for our impending arrival.  At the time, we didn't know if we were having a boy or a girl, so we went with something neutral.  And we were quite surprised that it wasn't the easiest task to even find a baby book!  But we did :).  And I set to work filling it out. 

And every month or so, I do my best to flip back through and fill in things.  Sometimes even more frequently, if she has one of her firsts moments :).  Don't want to forget those!

And the truth is, I already love flipping through this little book.  And she's not even a year old yet (though that is rapidly approaching!).  So I can only imagine how I will treasure it in the years ahead.  And how much I hope she'll treasure it when she is grown and gone and takes it with her to show her babies one day.  But let's not think too much about that right now... It's liable to make me a little weepy!

I'm grateful for baby books such as this which prompt me to take note of important moments and help me strive to capture moments of time in pictures.  I'm grateful for a place to record this time, which is passing so quickly, in which my baby girl is growing so incredibly fast.  A place to collect all the memories and keep them together.  It's a wonderful thing.

What are you grateful for today?

Kira H

I admire strong women.  Bold women.  Women who are incredibly confident and don't seem to worry about what others think.

I admire that a lot because I don't think I am one.

But Kira is.  And she is someone I really admire.  She is someone I'm grateful to call a friend.  And I know I can rely on her -- even if I send her the most random email message with questions about seemingly-random things.

I'll never forget the night I met Kira.  She was sitting next to me at a bridal shower.  I remember how outgoing she was.  How easy to smile.  How happy. 

I remember that she was one of my visiting teachers for a time when I lived in Dothan.  And it was then that I learned about her love for artichokes -- and not the stuff in the can.  I myself have never eaten artichoke any way but as hearts that were canned...  But if I ever want to, I know who I can ask for some pointers!  It's strange the random things you remember about people.

I love that we share a few theme party memories.  Like energizing glow-in-the-dark plastic fangs (while they were already in the mouth...).  Or eating green food for St. Patrick's Day.  Or oreo truffles that looked more like they were covered in orange sherbert than in white chocolate tinted orange.  And sitting on a fireplace wearing leis and taking crazy pose pictures. 

I'm grateful we share other memories too.  Like going to see Elder Scott speak in Florida.  Like trading The Never Ending Story for a Rainbow Brite cake pan (I still think I got the better end of that trade!).  And, most recently, sitting at a dinner table with our other amazing friends laughing and talking and visiting while I was in Alabama.

I'll always appreciate Kira for the love and kindness she's shown my sister over the years.  It's amazing the way -- when you love someone -- you hope others will see all those loveable qualities too.  And Kira has done that for my sister.  And it has meant the world to me.

Kira is a great example to me of strength and confidence.  Of a loving heart.  And she is a wonderful friend.  I'm grateful she is among those I call mine.

What are you grateful for today?

City Parks

Though not as beautiful -- and warm -- as yesterday, today (for at least part of it) was a nice day.  And since I was taking the munchkin to baby story time anyway...  We left a little early and stopped by one of the city parks.

One with a baby swing :)!  I was so excited to have found out about this park from another friend.  I didn't even remember it existed, but I definitely will be going back! 

So today was full of some firsts for our little girl.  She did some swinging.  She wasn't too sure what to think of it.  She didn't cry.  She mostly just looked around at the other people who were visiting the park.

And she felt grass.  I even took her socks off.  She wasn't sure about that either!  She just sat there not touching it with her hands.  It was funny.

I didn't ever really think about it before; but I'm so grateful for these free parks that are kept beautiful, clean, and maintained so that I have a place I can take our girl on beautiful days.  I look forward to having a backyard one of these days, but until then, I'm glad there are options.  And I'm definitely looking forward to some sunny days ahead in which we can visit the park :).

What are you grateful for today?

Board Books

Well, I had a picture of some awesome board books we now own -- thanks to some equally awesome people -- but the Internet is having issues at my house.  And I am lacking in patience tonight :).

But I love board books for my baby girl. 

I love their thick pages (which withstand those momentary baby-gnawings until Mommy realizes what's going on...).  I love that many of them are so interactive.  We have a touchy-feely book that Munchkin loves.  She knows exactly where to touch to feel the different textures.  Her current favorite is one we checked out from the library which has a mirror on the last page.  She laughs every time she sees it!

I love that I can sit my sweet girl on my lap and we can flip through a couple of stories quickly.  And that she can help turn the pages -- even if she does need a few reminders to be sooooft. 

I'm grateful we can begin what I hope will blossom into a love of books and reading with these age-appropriate books.  And I look forward to many more stories shared with my little girl.

What are you grateful for today?

General Conference Talks

I know, I know... I was grateful for something having to do with General Conference yesterday. 

But it's pretty awesome and wonderful.  Especially the talks. 

Today was the second half of General Conference.  And I loved so many quotes and talks today. 

My two favorite were about gratitude and about the importance and necessity of loads. 

And since these two talks were given by two of the men who regularly give talks I consider my favorite...  I guess that means Elder Bednar and President Uchtdorf are among my most favorite speakers.  Their messages are always timely, uplifting, optimistic and real. 

Among my favorite statements from these talks:

A reminder that we have agency and may sometimes choose (unwisely) "to limit our gratitude based on the blessings we feel we lack."

The uplifting thought that endings in this life are only temporary interruptions.

And -- my favorite thought-provoking question:  "How much of life do we miss by waiting for the rainbow before we thank God for the blessing of rain?"

I cannot express how much I loved that question.  Because even though I have been making a concerted effort to be grateful every day for something, I can't say I'm fully living with an attitude of gratitude.  When things aren't going great...  Am I still seeing the blessings?  Or do I wait until the storm is over and see the beautiful rainbow before I acknowledge the blessings of the storm?

The talk is available here.

I didn't grab out any specific quotes from Elder Bednar's talk on bearing loads.  But I loved the story he told in the beginning about the heavy load in the bed of the truck being necessary.  I loved how he applied that to our mortal lives and the burdens we each carry.  And I loved the questions he asked about the burdens we carry:  is the load I'm carrying going to provide spiritual traction?  Is it going to help me get back home?  And how beautiful the reminder that we are never alone -- that the Savior has promised that He will help carry our load.  I've felt Him help me.

That talk is available here.

And President Monson's talk on love and compassion.  So needed.  So appreciated.  I got choked up with the story about the delayed flight on which not a single passenger complained.  What a beautiful thought.  I found myself wondering if that would be true today too...  And definitely something that stood out from his talk was this:  Blame keeps wounds open. Only forgiveness heals.

His talk is available here.

I'm looking forward to reviewing these talks in the months ahead.  I know there is much to be gleaned from them and from the others.

I am thankful for General Conference.  For the talks prepared and spoken.  And I am thankful for a prophet and apostles to guide [me] in these latter days.

What are you grateful for today?

Being Able to Watch Conference at Home

Every 6 months, members of my faith gather to listen to the Prophet and Apostles speak and share with us the things our Heavenly Father desires for us to know.  We call this General Conference. Now, we don't literally all gather to Salt Lake City, which is where the Conference takes place.  But it is broadcast in real-time across the United States and into many countries.

The last General Conference we had helped me decide to begin this gratitude blog.

It is always a blessing to attend General Conference.  I always feel the Spirit testify to me that the things I am being taught are true.  And I always just feel happy to have attended.

My husband and I used to choose to go to the church building and watch all the sessions of Conference there, even though they are available online and can be viewed easily by anyone.  We felt we were more focused there, so we did that.

But having a baby changes some things.  Now it's easier to be home -- where she can get a nap when she gets tired and fussy!  Where she can roam around and do her things while we are trying to do ours (amidst making sure she doesn't play with the electrical cords and smack the laptop onto the floor...).  And it's kind of nice to get to stay in our pajamas all day too ;).

So I'm grateful for the technology that allows us the opportunity to watch General Conference and listen to the Prophet's voice and hear the words I need to hear and feel the Spirit nudge me as I receive my own inspiration and answers to prayers through hearing the things being taught -- all from the comfort of my home.

It's a blessing indeed.

What are you grateful for today?

Glue Sticks and Double Sided Stickies!

These tools are making life easier these days... 

I'm working on the Marvelous Monday Meals cookbooks, and without glue sticks and double-sided stick-its, I would be having a difficult time with it.  They allow me to stick in the pictures!  And what's a good cookbook without pictures?  It's not a good cookbook, that's for sure ;).

I could do it digitally.  And I probably will for the digital copy.  But I'd already ordered something like 200 pictures before I had that thought occur to me.  Plus it works out about the same price-wise and is actually faster this way, since I have Wal-Mart doing all the work of printing out the pictures in good quality.  Our printer can do it (and has, for the day I forgot my camera and had to take cell phone pictures of the food), but to get the high quality, it prints really slowly.

So I'm happy doing it this way.  And I'm having a ton of fun with it :).

And I'm grateful for those geniuses who came up with glue sticks and double-sided stickies.  Because they are awesome.

What are you grateful for today?

That I Grew Up in Panama

Along with many others, I've joined the throngs who are posting old photos on facebook every Thursday for Throwback Thursday.

In case I haven't said it enough:  I love pictures.  Especially pictures which include people I know.  And so I have no shortage of options when it comes to Throwback Thursday.

Today, the picture I found on an old jump drive I keep stored in a jewelry box was one I scanned many years ago (possibly a decade ago now).  A picture of me with two of my siblings, and we're all wearing the same shirt:  a sloth shirt with the genus and species of the sloth on it and the words Barro Colorado.

And in the background -- glimpses of the home of my youth.

And the memories come flooding back.  Oh how I love my memories.  Especially of my childhood spent in Panama.

In the years since I moved away from my first home, I have had many people ask me what it was like to grow up in Panama.  My response has always been the same:  It was normal.  Because up until I was almost an adult, it was all I knew.  And I didn't know to cherish it.  I didn't realize how unique it really was.  Because it was normal for me.

But now that I do know...  I know why it was so awesome.  And I am so grateful I was blessed to grow up in a place so beautiful and unique.

And here's why...  In a sort of stream of consciousness sort of way.

A safe neighborhood...  In recent years, I realize that not everyone is blessed to have that.  And it saddens me greatly that my little girl won't have quite the same opportunity.  I remember feeling completely safe to be wandering around our neighborhood at a very young age.  Barefoot, of course.  We were free to run and roam wherever we wanted to in the neighborhood, as long as we were home at a decent hour.  I remember one family's rule was that the kids could go anywhere as long as they could hear their dad's whistle and respond to it when they heard it.  I remember walking through the jungle -- usually with one of my siblings or a friend.  Because the jungle was just part of the neighborhood.  It was where we built forts or hunted for paint-balls that didn't explode during paint-ball wars.

Speaking of being bare-foot...  That was just normal.  These days, I can't even fathom the thought of going out without shoes.  I wonder how I will feel about it in regards to my kids.  But we never wore shoes to play.  And sure, we paid the price of getting stuck by the stickers (this awesome plant that grew in the grass -- and blended in well -- which, when touched, would close its leaves...  And, oh yeah, there were plenty of little thorns on them), but that was kind of part of the fun.  You kind of started memorizing where the sticker patches were anyway.

Awesome thunderstorms for 9 months out of the year...  Living in this part of Washington, we don't get a lot of thunder and lightning.  And I kind of miss it.  It was a huge part of my life until I moved here, because Alabama has them too.  But those Panama rain storms...  They brought fun!  The flooding ditches in back and down the hill of my house.  I'm sure we weren't supposed to play in the swollen ditches...  Especially at the point where several ditches converged and dumped into the sewer.  Because there was power in that pouring water.  And there was probably a reason there were huge metal bars (easily a foot in circumference) blocking the entrance to those sewage entries.  Kids could easily be swept away.

Rose apples...  Oh my goodness.  Rose apples.  I cannot express how much I wish those were a product that would be shipped in.  I only know of one rose apple tree in my neighborhood.  And I remember many a day when we kids would tromp up there, and I'd help hoist my sister into the tree so she could climb high and get the juicy good ones (before the bugs did).  How does one explain a rose apple?  They are pink when they aren't really ripe and when they are amazingly ripe, they are closer to a purple.  The flesh is white.  They are oblong.  And they are delicious.

And let's not forget the other amazing foods and food places...  The platanitos (fried plantain chips)...  Pizza Italia...  Sorento's...  Don Lee (Chinese food)...

Sliding down the hill...  On a slip and slide.  Or cardboard.  And some could even slide down in palm frond casings -- or whatever those were.  I never could.  But I sure did enjoy the cardboard sliding!  It was only really possible during dry season, when the grass was brown and dry.

Or exploring Clay Hill.  That was an awesome place.  Nooks and crannies.  And probably saw grass.  And clothes that got stained if you were playing around there in the rainy season.

The truth is, as I sit here reminiscing, my mind can barely keep up.  The memories are pinging around, and I smile.  And this brief list doesn't even really do it justice.  It was a beautiful place to grow up.  Especially in the area where I grew up.  We were blessed.  Blessed with beauty and safety.  I just didn't realize how much of both until they were gone.

I've been back since I moved away.  Once... in 2008.  It had been 10 years since I'd moved.  I made an effort to see (and take pictures) of a lot of the things I took for granted in my growing up years.  Those things I didn't realize I'd miss when I was gone.  Like being able to watch a ship go through the canal...  Or see army ants tearing away at fallen mangoes.  Or buying una paleta de guineo from the paleta man.  It was an amazing time I spent with my dad.  And we were blessed by a wonderful family we knew there who invited us to stay with them while we were there.  Which gave me the opportunity to see a huge tarantula up-close-and-personal as I was trying to go to bed...  But that's a story for another time.  It was an amazing time, but it was bittersweet.  In 10 years, so much had changed.  And though, intellectually, I knew that would be true...  Emotionally I guess I expected somehow to go back and see all as it had once been.  And when it wasn't...  Well, I understood that concept of You can't go home again.  And I'll admit it... I cried.

But even so, my memories remain unchanged.  And though I can't ever share exactly those experiences with my daughter and any future children we may have... I look forward to showing her the pictures and telling the stories.  Stories of a happy life, a happy childhood.  Stories of a beautiful place I once called home.

What are you grateful for today?

My Niece Saria's Help

It's Spring Break in these parts.  And I decided to have my niece come help me with the munchkin for the day.  Mostly as someone to entertain the baby so I could get other things done.

It was fabulous.

Not that Baby Girl is a difficult child.  But I get fewer projects done with her, because she takes up a lot of my time.  Which is fine, because that's what motherhood is all about.  But since I had the option of help, which also gave my niece an opportunity to earn a little moolah, I took it!

And she was an amazing helper.  Both my husband and I were able to work on some projects while Baby Girl was happily playing with her cousin.  She loves all her cousins and just laughs and laughs and laughs at everything they do. 

We went shopping.  To Costco and Target and WinCo.  I don't know why, but it's so much easier having an (almost) 13 year old along to help with things. 

And taking a shower without a baby trying to dig in the bathroom trash can is a wonderful event...  (She usually ends up in time out for touching the garbage cans, but when I'm dripping wet in the shower, the consistency on that kind of goes out the window...). 

Yep, my niece is amazing.  She was a huge help for me today, and I'm glad I got to spend time with her to boot!  I am loving seeing her mature into a beautiful young woman.  She really is a great person, and I'm glad to call her my niece!

What are you grateful for today?

Our Air Mattress

I bought this air mattress in October of 2006.  I was about to move to Tuscaloosa... without my furniture. 

That was a whirlwind of a time back then.  I barely found a place to live (an event I count among the most amazing miracles/blessings/tender mercies in my life) and couldn't coordinate a furniture move by the time I needed to be there to begin work.  So I packed up my Buick with what I could fit (twice) and headed to my new home. 

And rather than sleep on the floor...  I got an air mattress.  A cool one that inflates itself!!!  Bonus!

And it's definitely been one of my best purchases. 

Because it served me well those 3 weeks in Tuscaloosa before I moved my bed up (along with my other furniture).

And then it served me well for 6 months after I moved into my first place here in Washington.  But it doesn't fit two quite so well, so we had to replace it with a real mattress on our wedding day.  Haha.

But now it serves us well for times when we have someone extra sleeping here.  Like tonight, when my niece is here :).  The one thing we (unfortunately) don't have is a 3rd bedroom...  So we'll see how Baby Girl does with sleepover company tonight in her room...  I'm hoping it all goes well.  I'm pretty sure the (almost) teenager will have no problem sleeping through the restless baby.  Too bad we lose that ability when we get older ;)...

What are you grateful for today?