When Life Gives You Lemons. . .No worries; this is not a post about something going wrong. I am the proud recipient of the fabulous Lemonade Award! Thanks to Jaymie, an amazing, wonderful friend, and an amazing example of gratitude, for this show of confidence in my apparent abilities to make lemonade out of lemons. I am really trying to be grateful no matter what my circumstances, and even though I fall short and end up whining sometimes, I am trying. I find that when I look for something to be grateful for, even when it's hard, my life is filled with joy and peace that carries me through rough waters (big or small). I wish I could say that I am always this way, but I hope someday I will be!

I nominate the following blogs for this great award:

Jaymie at Mislaid Musings: I know you nominated me, but I just couldn't not nominate you! Jaymie is a great example to me of gratitude and unconditional love for others.

Kristin at Mormon Fury: My amazing little sister who finds so much joy in life no matter what life throws at her.

Becca at The Johanson Family: Justin's sweet and talented cousin who sees the good in everyone and everything.

Tara at Aaron and Tara West Family: Justin's "cousin-in-law" who listens to the Spirit and looks for the positive even in great adversity.

Starla at The Packer Family: Another of Justin's awesome cousins who has an amazing attitude and sweet spirit, and loves life.

Stephanie at The Finlayson Family: Another West "cousin-in-law" who adores her husband and children and shows gratitude in everything she does.

Melissa at Mooneroid Universe: Another amazing, wonderful long-time friend who radiates gratitude and a zest for life even amid trials that would make other people hide under their beds.

Kayleen at Our Family Feil: Yet another fabulous long-time friend who sees the beauty in everything and everybody.

Holly at The Cherry Family: I have known this gal for umpteen years, and her ability to stay positive and smiling amid life's "circuses" have my deepest admiration.

Grandma West at Roy and Lorna West Family (a blog with multiple contributors): Justin's awesome grandma who takes a licking and keeps on ticking, with more energy and ability to accomplish than just about anybody I know.

Angenette at The Incredible Imblers: An amazing person we met while young marrieds at BYU who has been through the wringer the past few years and still manages to keep going and creating joy and peace for her family despite immense grief and trials. I seriously don't know how you do it!

If you would like to gift this award to anyone you know, here are the rules:

1. Put the logo on your blog or on a post.
2. Nominate at least 10 blogs that show an attitude of gratitude
3. Link to your nominees within your post (I was too lazy, but the links are on the right of my blog--if you would like a link removed, please let me know. . .I do want to respect your privacy. The links are so I can keep track of people, but I don't want to intrude on anyone.)
4. Comment on their blogs to let them know they've received this award
5. Share the love and link to this post and the person who nominated you for the award
6. Tell us how you've come to have an attitude of gratitude

Through my own experiences, and through the experiences of others, I have found so much to be grateful for. I thank the Lord for His many blessings to me and for amazing friends and family who teach me so much!

Christian Courage

I have made it to the war chapters in the Book of Mormon (Alma 43-63). I used to slog through them, looking for the "gems" hidden in all the blood and treachery. Things like "if all men had ever been and would be like unto Moroni. . ." and "we do not doubt our mothers knew it." Great scriptures, and great evidences of faithfulness in times of great adversity.

But it occurred to me several years ago that when the prophets said this book was for our day, and that everything in the book is there for a reason, they really meant everything. Even the war stuff. And so I started reading the chapters differently, trying so hard to understand the reason these things were included. I still love all the "gems" in the chapters, and I appreciate the meaning that those scriptures give me. But I have also discovered important truths that we need so desperately in these challenging times, and they include ways to strengthen our children for the adversity they will face, how to strengthen the members, things we need to watch out for so that we are not deceived by Satan, and so forth.

I just read about Amalickiah and his treachery, and it's a pretty depressing chapter, watching this guy get exactly what he wants through evil means, and reading about his supporters--how they were taught the gospel just like the other Nephites, but because they started to love power and prestige more than the truth, they became even more wicked than the Lamanites. I read about how Amalickiah got Lehonti, leader of the portion of the Lamanites that didn't want to fight the Nephites, to eventually come down from his safe place to meet with Amalickiah. Amalickiah was able to then trick Lehonti into doing something that would eventually bring great sorrow to both Nephites and Lamanites, and Lehonti was eventually "poisoned by degrees" until he died so that Amalickiah could have full power. It is sad to think of what could have been avoided had Lehonti not allowed himself to be lulled into thinking that everything would be fine, and that he would be strong enough to leave his safe place.

After reading that particular section, and pondering what I needed to learn from it, I thought I remembered two Church leaders talking about that very section in Alma 47. Upon visiting www.lds.org, I found my memory was correct. Elder Hales and Sister Dalton both referenced this very section in their wonderful talks given in October 2008 General Conference, both so very needed in this day and time. (Just click on the links to read them, if you would like.) Elder Hales spoke about Christian Courage and being a true disciple of Jesus Christ as we interact with others. Sister Dalton reminded us that the value of virtue is more important than ever, and that we cannot allow ourselves to be "poisoned" through gradually accepting the world's values and standards and by being distracted from the true purpose of our existence.

I am so grateful for personal revelation and revelation given by Heavenly Father through living prophets and inspired leaders so that we can avoid the many pitfalls that surround us and so that we can avoid being "poisoned by degrees" until we suffer a spiritual death. The world is so full of half-truths and distractions that we desperately need to cling to the tools our Heavenly Father has given us to help us stay on the path that leads to eternal life. I know that He lives and loves us, and wants us to return to Him someday, and I am grateful for all the tools he has given us to help us do this, including the gift of the Atonement, made possible by our Savior, Jesus Christ, who also lives and loves us. In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

Happy Mother's Day!

"By small means are great things brought to pass. . ."
"You are laying the foundation of a great work" that will bring you much joy and great blessings.

Thank you to all mothers everywhere who have had the courage to bring children into this world and raise them! I love you and salute you! (And thank you to William O. Nelson, who gave the most empowering and uplifting talk on motherhood I've ever heard in a Mother's Day sacrament meeting!)

Tolerance

I don't usually like to get into social issues too much on this blog, but I was so proud of Miss California in the recent Miss USA pageant. I didn't watch the pageant, but I read about it in the newspaper.

What a courageous answer she gave the judge, especially when she knew what the consequences might be! I don't think she was expecting to be attacked the way she was, though. It really got me wondering--why is it that people with certain views say that we should be "tolerant" of their views, and that we should allow them to say what they think, and do what they want, but when individuals with opposing views try to do the same, they are attacked and are told that they cannot speak that way, act that way, or express their beliefs? The judge who asked Miss California the question was basically baiting whomever drew the question, and had no reason to ask it other than to gain support for his views. And he later went on the internet calling her horrible names and saying mean things about her. What does tolerance really mean? Is it today's definition of "a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward opinions and practices that differ from one's own?" Is it merely "putting up with" others who are different and believe differently? And does it go both ways?

I believe that everyone has the right to believe what they feel is right, and that they have the right to express how they feel or believe in a respectful manner. And, as such, everyone has the obligation to agree or disagree in a respectful manner. I try so hard to listen carefully to the diverse viewpoints of others, knowing that I will gain perspective and understanding as I do so. I may not change my mind about my beliefs and feelings (I will not when it is a moral issue), but I will understand others better and will be able to show greater respect to others who live differently. I would hope that others would show me the same courtesy. Unfortunately, the trends today are not towards "courtesy." Sadly, "political correctness" dictates that the "cause du jour" must be "tolerated," even embraced, or anyone who opposes that cause is "wrong," "hateful," and even a bad person. Just look at the recent Proposition 8 decision. People supposedly against "hate" suddenly turned their preaching of tolerance, acceptance, and love into hateful, vindictive actions and words when things didn't go their way. The same thing keeps happening for those who believe in God and want to worship him when and where they choose, and especially for those who believe in Jesus Christ. People who do not believe in God feel that everyone must cater to their beliefs (prayer in schools, the Pledge of Allegiance, elimination of Christmas programs, etc.) or others are "forcing religion" on them. What they fail to realize (or maybe they don't fail to realize it. . .) is that they are forcing their beliefs on others in the name of "tolerance." We must have "moments of silence" or "inspiring thoughts" instead of prayers, lest we offend someone who does not pray. We must have "Winter Celebrations" instead of "Christmas Programs" or parties lest we seem intolerant of those who do not believe in Christmas or Christ. Yet every other religious holiday and set of beliefs is trumpeted, celebrated, and encouraged. It is so discouraging. "Tolerance," or the greater term "respect," should go both ways, not just the socially popular way.

We have been very blessed, so far, not to have this trend infect our local elementary school and city council, but it's happening close by. I talked to a father who lives in our school district a couple of years ago while we waited for our daughters to finish ballet class, and he said the above situations are alive and well at their schools.

As I wonder in amazement at the ways Satan finds to deceive people, I am really not surprised. The scriptures are full of warnings about these very things. It is no wonder the prophets have worked so hard to teach us about how important it is to read the scriptures every day, to pray always, to listen to and follow the prophets, to be faithful, to follow Christ. If we do not, especially in these perilous times, we will be in serious danger of believing half-truths and full-out lies. We will start making excuses for our beliefs, become ashamed, and get lost in the darkness that surrounds us. I am so very grateful for the gospel of Jesus Christ, and I desperately hope that Justin and I are teaching our children what they need to know to get through these confusing times.

My sweet elderly neighbor, Dorothy Call, stopped me at church the other day and told me how much she fears for the children growing up today. She grew up in such a relatively safe time, and she sees the things that surround the children of today, and just weeps. She told me that she prays so hard all the time for the little ones and those who are raising them and having any contact with them. I was so touched by her faith and her desire to give us young moms her faith and strength. I felt like I was being endowed with extra power and "armor" in this battle for souls. I love my children, and I want them to be safe. I appreciate all the extra help I can get! All of you who have children or grandchildren growing up today--know that you are important enough to our Father in Heaven that prophets and faithful Saints alike are praying daily for you and your little ones!! We will win this battle, with God as our protector and help.

Definitions

Oviparous: "it means baby animals that are born from eggs!" --Christopher, via kindergarten
Flabbergasted: "it means that you're really surprised!"--Christopher, courtesy Oscar the Grouch's ABC's
Onspensiverous: "it means you grow up, put on panties, and go to ballet."--Emily, invented after hearing Christopher define big words

Becoming As A Little Child: Grateful For Snow

I know I should be grateful it's been so rainy and now is snowing--in April. The snow in the mountains is our water supply, and we really need all we can get. Plus, the more it rains, the less I have to water the lawn, which saves water, too. But spring is such a tease. We get gorgeous, sunny, perfectly warm days, and we drag out our capris and tees and sandals. Then the temps drop and it rains and even snows (love spring in Utah. . .), and we have to drag the cold weather stuff out again (this is not good for the space-challenged, like us).

Yesterday I was in a rebellious mood and wore my favorite black maternity tee and my black flip flops. It wasn't too bad when I went to the doctor, but by the time I took Ashley to ballet and headed to Albertson's, I was regretting my decision. The clouds were thick and plunking lots of thick raindrops down on us, and my kids were SO slow in getting out of the van. I was soaked and freezing going into the store--which wasn't heated at all, it seemed--and totally soaked and freezing trying to load all the groceries into the car (they had some really good sales this past week--got my free milk and $10 off my total order!). "I am such a dork." I proclaimed to nobody but myself. Apparently my built-in pregnancy heater has its limits. I will not make the same mistake today.

So I am trying not to grumble at the snow, and I am smiling at the example of my 18-month-old, Jeremy. Jeremy loves to go "bye-bye" and loves to go outside, and he absolutely LOVES the snow! He finally learned to walk 3 months ago, and when he discovered he could look out the front window, he loved to look outside as much as he could to see what was going on. He liked it even better when I'd open the front door and let him look through the screen door--the window is lower and looks out over the steps, not through a vinyl railing like the other window. When he'd look out on snowy days, or we'd go outside, I'd point to the snow and tell him what it was. About a month ago, we were leaving to take one of the girls somewhere, and he kept saying, "No! No!" In a family our size, it isn't unusual for our little ones to learn that word early, so I thought he was just being contrary. But I soon realized that he was saying it in an excited manner and pointing at something. Slow mommy that I am, I finally realized that since the sky was dropping big, fat snowflakes Jeremy was saying the word "snow!" It was exciting!

Ever since then, Jeremy has pointed at the window and said, "Uhts zat?!" And then he'll wait for me to answer, or just answer himself, "Snow!" (Or "No!" in Jeremy-language). Then he'll repeat it over and over with a tone of adoration in his voice, and usually will accompany his exclamations with giggles and happy sounds. Or he'll run to the window and point outside, standing on his toes, and squealing, "No! No!!" Today, as I took him to his crib for his nap, the sky was dumping big, fat flakes again, and the snow was sticking to some degree. I pointed out the snow, and his face lit up with pleasure. I love seeing the light in his eyes, and the pure love and gratitude he has for Heavenly Father's creations and blessings. It's at times like these that I can see why Jesus asked us to "become as a little child."

An Easter Message

Please enjoy this beautiful Easter message from an Apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ. We wish you the most wonderful Easter, and express our tremendous gratitude for the incomprehensible sacrifice of our Savior. His incomparable gift gives all mankind deliverance from death and also the possibility of deliverance from sin. It is so amazing that we will all live again after we die, and so wonderful that we will have the opportunity to be with those we love again someday. And in this life, we can have the help and comfort we need because of what our Savior went through. He knows our pain, sorrow, and loneliness perfectly, and He is just waiting for us to reach out to Him with open arms. We know that He lives and loves us more than we can understand. We love each and every one of you!

Everyday Food Storage

I am a big fan of having things in storage that my family will actually eat, and making it part of our daily lives, as I'm sure all of you are, too! If there were a financial emergency, a several-day power outage, or a natural disaster, I hope that I could still feed my family things they are familiar with, and do it well. Thinking about the different situations we could find ourselves in cause me to re-evaluate what we have in our storage and think about what we should be storing. We're doing pretty well in some areas, but not so great in others.

I was Googling for Texas Tumblers--you know, those indestructible plastic glasses that came in all kinds of funky colors, and that you always see at the old diners or Mexican restaurants--and realized that they are pretty hard to find. I happened to find a blog that mentioned them (they went to Smith and Edwards and couldn't find them). But the blog also talked about a website they had found that helped you learn how to use your food storage more effectively and use it everyday! I really would like to learn more--I always like to hear new ideas or new applications of principles. I also found some ideas for kids and General Conference (always looking for those, too) and some cool recipes (with videos). I didn't spend a ton of time at the site, but I'm planning on going back to see what I can learn. Here's the link if you're interested:

I also have a cool book that a lady named Karen Gilmore ("The Wheat Lady") has put together to sell after she does Enrichment presentations on using food storage. She has recipes that use more of your long-term items like wheat, honey, beans, dry milk, and things like that. (Justin is really wary of the "bean fudge!") I think it's going to take me awhile to get to the point she's at, though--she sprouts her wheat to use in snack mixes, makes her own hot cereal, and uses her hard beans in all kinds of things (like the above-mentioned fudge). I'm still stuck on using canned beans. I guess I need a little more motivation and time! Anyway, if you have any food storage ideas you love, books you like, or websites you enjoy, post it in the comments--I would love to hear about it, and we could all use some more ideas in that area!

It's A Girl!!

I am so lame--we found out on March 11, but for some reason, anytime I want to post pictures, I put it off and put it off. We are so very excited! (We would have been happy with either gender, seeing as how we have a goodly number of each kind. . .)

The Sunday before my ultrasound, Justin asked each of the children what they thought the baby was. Ashley and Christina were hesitant to say for sure, but Christina wanted another brother "like Jeremy", and Ashley, annoyed by Christopher, finally voted for a girl. Then Justin asked Christopher and Emily. Christopher immediately said it was a boy, and Emily said the baby was a girl. They were both pretty adamant about it.

So on ultrasound day, I was trying to find a good time to tell Christopher about his new sister. He sat down next to me, and asked excitedly, "Did you find out about the baby?!" I cringed, then smiled and said, "Yes! The baby is a girl!" Christopher's face immediately melted into the biggest frowny scowl (with angry eyebrows) I've ever seen (well, at least on anyone but him. . .). I chuckled and said, "What's the matter? Don't you want a new little sister?" He turned away from me, folded his arms, and with the same frowny face, shook his head deliberately back and forth. I had to laugh! (He is getting more used to the idea now!)

Then I went to tell Emily. She listened to me tell her that she would be having a little sister, and she said, "I already told you." Yes, you did! (These little ones always do seem to know. . .)

So now we look forward to meeting our new little girl at the end of July!!

This ultrasound picture was taken in February.

And here's one from our most recent ultrasound:

Whine? Never Mind. . .
(Note: This entry is in no way intended to minimize the suffering of someone with lasting depression, whether it be clinical or caused by other situations--another reason I have no right to whine!)

I am a person who tends to get depressed as winter drags on and on, especially when winter happens to fall in the first part of pregnancy (always a time I struggle with depression). Naturally, I've been looking forward to spring, so I've been a little whiny lately because of the "teaser" 70's weather we had before plunging back into winter-like weather. However, sometimes I just need a little perspective. . .

Ah, spring! The sun is shining, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and I hear birds singing in the early light of the morning! I can go outside without a coat! I love to feel that fresh spring air on my arms, and I love sending the kids outside to jump on the tramp and swing on what's left of our swingset!

On a beautiful-and-in-the-low-70's Saturday, I am heading to Great Clips to get my hair (which has reached the middle of my back) chopped off like a sheep being shorn. Ah, the sun, the breeze, the wonderful day! We are going to Draper to meet some friends for delicious pizza at Nevole's (if you ever have a chance to stop there, DO!!). Justin asks if I'm bringing a jacket. "What for?" I laugh. But as we head toward Draper, the dark clouds loom over the mountains ominously. I nervously hope that they'll stay over the mountains--I really don't want a storm again. As we head further south, the day turns darker and the breeze turns into a brisker wind. I begin to grumble.

In Draper, the wind has really picked up, and the temperature has dropped dramatically. We grab the kids and run into the restaurant. We sit toward the front, where every time someone opens the door, the wind whips through the place and blows all over our table (and that's pretty frequent, considering it's the one of the best pizza places in the valley and it's a Friday night). I scowl at the weather and growl when Justin's friends tell me that Phoenix (where they live right now) is in the 80's and even the 90's. Grrrr. By the time we leave, the wind is blowing an arctic blast right out of the ski resorts and the clouds are almost black in the east. "Welcome to March in Utah! I don't know why I'm surprised--it's always like this!" Justin's friends laugh, and tell us about the homes they've been looking at in Draper. They miss the snow. I snicker.

The next week is filled with storms. Woe is me! The kids have to stay inside, the sky is gray, and I wish for this to just END. The week ends with a beautiful, slightly chilly day in which the kids can finally play outside for a little while and get their wiggles out just in time for. . .

. . .the next day's "light snow," which turns out to be snow dumping so hard I can hardly see the neighbor's house diagonally from us! We get at least 3 inches of snow. Spring? I hardly think so! We wear boots and coats to go to Grandma West's to visit the grandparents and also Uncle Reed and Aunt Sherrie who are visiting from Sutherlin, Oregon.

It's dark, it's cold, it's wet, it's muddy; it's not fair! I want sunshine, I want warm days, I want the birds not to freeze, I want glorious weather with moderate temperatures!!

But then I think of my Aunt Martha and Uncle Mike. . .in Fargo, North Dakota. They are hoping their home doesn't flood from the record rise of the Red River. Aunt Martha's filling sandbags at the Fargodome. Their neighbors and fellow-citizens are riding around in boats and traipsing around the city in below-freezing temps to put up sandbags, pump out water, and to man the dikes to make sure all is safe. They could be flooded out at any time in winter weather that is still pretty bitter. I see a picture of a man with sandbags. He is bundled up in layers of clothing, and his legs and arms are covered in ice from water spraying all over him. I am sitting at my kitchen table in my warm and safe house, not having to worry about a flood or to fill sandbags in the snow or to wade through almost-frozen water. I feel pretty blessed.

Just heard on the radio this morning: after a brief hoped-for respite, Fargo is now being inundated with a two-day blizzard. I will whine no more!!

Dinner Update

I'm sure you've all been waiting with baited breath (ha, ha) to hear how our desperate dinner attempt (post below) turned out. . .

It was pretty good! I doubled the recipe (in a 9X13 pan) and substituted the head of cauliflower I had sitting in the fridge for the broccoli; I just made sure it was in smallish pieces before using it. I also used cheddar cheese and added a little onion and black pepper. In addition, I lightly salted the hashbrowns and baked them for about 10-12 minutes, as suggested. My casserole took about 10 minutes less to fully bake (my new oven--a story for another time--seems to be a little hot) than the lowest suggested time. I liked the casserole, and I thought the cauliflower complemented the different flavors nicely. My kids liked it OK, and Justin, after dousing it in hot chili sauce, pronounced it "edible," as in, "I'd eat in again, but I wouldn't ask for it." I think it would be even better with some nice chopped ham or a little bacon in the future. The recipe seems to be something that you can enjoy as is or use as a springboard for additional ideas.

Ah, the joys of dinner done! Unfortunately, there's always tomorrow. . .

What The Heck Should We Have For Dinner?!

That's exactly what I typed into the Google search box (minus the punctuation). Don't you ever feel like this? Sometimes I just get in a rut, or I simply just hate food. And for some reason, when I'm racking my brain to come up with dinner, the only things that come to mind are: tacos, chili, taco salad, enchiladas, fajitas, chicken enchiladas, or eggs and what Justin calls Super Pancakes (I'll post the recipe sometime). Boy, what a repertoire! Mexican and breakfast. Those must be my comfort foods or something.

We just had chicken fajitas last night, and I don't want anything with ground beef in it, seeing as how the majority of what I made last week contained that ingredient, so I had to go back to the drawing board, so to speak. I have a picky husband, didn't think far enough in advance to take some of the larger cuts of meat out of the freezer, and I'm pregnant, so that complicates matters. I forced my brain to think harder about things we like, and either everything sounded yucky, was too much work, required a trip to the store, or it was too much like something we'd eaten recently. Urgh! What to do?!

That's when I visited all-knowing Google. But did I find anything? Heck, no! I did find a good blog on the Woman's Day website, but if I was going to attempt to make any of the dishes posted there, I would need to go to the store, something I really don't want to do (I just love packing all my kids in and out of the car and the store just to get one or two things, don't you?). And none of the other choices really yielded any results. I'm sure other people have asked themselves the above question a time or two--why can't they be responsible citizens and post blogs containing the above words so desperate people like me can get dinner ideas? I mean, come on! :)

I finally went to Allrecipes and visited my recipe box, which is usually full of dessert recipes, so I wasn't expecting much (I mean, I would love to eat dessert for dinner, but that's not too nutritious. . .). To my surprise, at some point, I had actually picked some recipes besides dessert ones at some point! Good thinking, me! I scrolled down and found a few quiche recipes! Yes! I have a pie crust in the freezer! We haven't had an egg-based dish too recently! I have cauliflower I can sub for broccoli! We have cheese! We don't have cream on hand, but we have sour cream, which one of the recipes calls for! We have hash browns, which one recipe uses instead of pie crust. That sounds yummy! I love you, Allrecipes!

So here's what I'm going to make tonight, with a couple of substitutions! I'll let you know how it turns out. . .

Broccoli Hash Brown Quiche
Submitted to Allrecipes by Joy Vincent

Joy says that she likes to vary this quiche by adding ham or bacon sometimes.
Ingredients:
3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed
1 1/2 cups frozen broccoli cuts, thawed
4 eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp. salt
1 cup shredded Colby-Monterrey Jack cheese

Directions:
Press the hash browns onto the bottom and up the sides of a greased 9-inch pie plate, forming a shell. Sprinkle with broccoli. In a bowl, beat the eggs, sour cream and salt; stir in cheese. Pour over broccoli. Bake at 350 degrees F for 55-65 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting.

Note: A couple of reviewers suggested baking the hash browns for about 10-12 minutes before adding the rest of the ingredients.

Back From Arizona

Justin arrived home from Arizona on Thursday (yes, I'm slow), and the kids absolutely loved going to pick him up at the airport. I was fascinated by the technology at the airport that enables you to stick a credit card in at arrival and departure, and you are charged for how long you've been there (which is usually zero, since we try to be as quick as possible), and also whatever device makes it possible for them to be able to tell you how many parking spots are available on each level of the parking garage. Pretty cool and very useful! (Yes, I'm thrilled by weird things-- and we obviously don't go to the airport much.)

Justin brought home little gifts for each member of the family, one of which was a scorpion encased in resin for Christopher, which he got a huge kick out of! He took it for show-and-tell on Friday! Justin was going to get himself a t-shirt with a picture of a skeleton on it that said, "It's only a dry heat," because he's a humidity fan, but he didn't.

Justin's favorite activity of yesterday, before coming home, was at the F1 Race Factory in Phoenix. They divided everyone into teams of five (with people they didn't know well) and had them compete in fun things like changing all the tires on a real race car and racing in these cool race cars that were low and wide so you could go fast and not tip over. Justin ended up on a team with three women, so after he and the other guy raced, their team's possibility of winning slowly went downhill (I'm sure some women wouldn't have been so timid, but I guess these gals were). Nevertheless, it was a lot of fun! Justin says someone took pictures, so hopefully I'll be able to post them later. (These are just from the F1 website.)

Justin is hoping that Caremark takes them back there next year! (His dad used to race cars, so I guess he got a little of that gene in him.)

So, in case you're wondering, we are NOT moving to Arizona (at least for now), and, so far, it seems like Caremark will keep RX America as just another one of their locations. Every time they've bought a company, they keep the buildings and many of the employees in whatever location the acquired company is in. They have offices in many different places, and the company seems to function well that way. They have a lot of teleconferences, fly where they need to, and it saves them the exorbitant cost of moving all employees to either Rhode Island (where CVS headquarters are) or Arizona (where Caremark headquarters are) and trying to accomodate all the new employees at one of those locations (buying or leasing more land, building more offices). We have uttered a small sigh of relief, but are keeping in mind that nothing in life is certain but death and taxes, so we will keep one figurative leg on moving on with life and one in the possibility that Justin will need to transfer to a different department, look for a new job, or continue with the new company in (gasp) a new location. RX America has actually acquired new plans this year, and is growing even more, while Caremark, like most other companies in this lovely economy, has lost revenue, so that could be very positive for them. Also, Justin's rebate team (with only five employees) has managed to process as many rebate submissions as the rest of Caremark's rebate arm (pretty impressive, though very stressful!). In addition, when Justin gave a presentation to the Caremark execs after the merger, they told Justin that the rebate database he built himself was very similar to their big, expensive database, and one of the VPs likes Justin's submission process better than Caremark's! (Yes, yes, I am very proud of my husband--I am sorry to brag!) But hopefully these things will help him in the future.

I am just so grateful that Justin's hard work and perserverance are paying off in little ways here and there. So many times, he has reminded me of George Bailey from It's A Wonderful Life (one of the best movies ever!) in the way that he has plugged along where he's supposed to be, doing the best he can, even though other opportunities would have been so much more satisfactory in so many ways. I am so grateful beyond measure that he has kept doing what he should and that little by little opportunities have opened up for him along the way. Now, with the economy so uncertain, things could still go a different way. But I am so grateful for the tender mercies!

My Heart Is With You

Last night, after all my kids were finally asleep, I "visited" some friends at their blogs and discovered, to my great dismay, that two of my dear friends, women I admire more than I can express, suffered great losses.

The way they have handled their situations, the strength they and their husbands have shown, have touched my heart immensely. I am inspired by their faith and by the eternal commitment and deep love these couples have for one another.

I know that mere words can never express feelings of the heart adequately, nor can they heal or comfort alone, but the Holy Spirit can convey the deepest and most needed things, the tenderest mercies our Savior has in store for us. To my friends, I love you. My heart is with you; my prayers are with you. May God continue to bless you as you recover and heal from your experiences.

“When through the deep waters I call thee to go,

The rivers of sorrow shall not overflow;

For I will be with thee thy trouble to bless,

And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress."

--How Firm A Foundation, Hymns 85, attr. John Keith

Arizona Update

Just thought I'd let you know how the "team building experience" is going. First of all, I'm not really as bitter as my last post may have sounded, although yesterday was a terrible day (compounded by some news I'll allude to later); it was mostly in fun.

Justin had a good day, and spoke with every single member of their team (all 60 or so). They all know who he is, because somehow his department is linked with every aspect of their operation. That's a great sign, and a pleasant surprise for Justin. (Hey, these days, you need all the contacts you can get!) They had some great presentations to familiarize them with Caremark and the way they do things, and, to Justin's great pleasure, the food was all awesome! (He is really picky, as many of you know, so it's nice that he is enjoying the cuisine.) After a full day of meetings at the resort, Caremark took everyone out to dinner, and the food was great--at a bar!! Who'da thunk it? Justin was glad that Arizona has a clean air act like Utah so he didn't have to choke the night away. He got back at a reasonable hour and is looking forward to tomorrow's wrap up. Can't wait to hear about his go-cart race!

Where's The Justin. . .I Mean Justice. . .

I am stuck inside my house, freezing (no, my furnace works fine, just not my body temperature regulator) while outside nature is dumping thick, wet snow on the ground, and while Christopher is about to drive me up the wall.

Justin is. . .

. . .flying into beautiful Phoenix, Arizona.

I am shoveling wet, heavy snow with a kid's shovel because I can hardly push or lift the snow with the manly shovel. Slush slops onto my head from the overhanging trees. My hands are turning into icicles.

Justin is in lovely Tempe, Arizona, hanging out at a mall with some friends and will soon be heading to a fun local restaurant to eat out with the friends and the rest of his team from work.

I am dragging five kids to the store and ballet and putting up with complete uncooperativeness that spirals downward into two kids refusing to come to scriptures, and another child blasting the Beach Boys multiple times as I alternate between trying to change diapers, brush teeth, get people in bed, and finding a secure place to hide my iPod. (Wheeeee, Dad's not here! We can drive Mom absolutely bonkers!) As I am finally changing the last diaper and everyone else is at last in bed, Justin calls from Scottsdale sunny-and-in-the-70's Arizona, where his hotel is. And guess where he's staying?!

The Scottsdale Plaza Resort! In a patio suite!!

This is only part of the suite!

Two people wearing the lovely robes you can take

home for only $45--don't worry, that's not Justin!

Two rooms and a bathroom! Two TVs! A sectional! What in the heck is Justin going to do with all of it? I snorted and said, "And we didn't get a babysitter why?"

So why is Justin in the lap of luxury while I slop around my messy house trying to get kids to mind me? CVS/Caremark bought RX America's parent company, Long's Drug Stores, and now they're having a "team-building" session in Scottsdale, Caremark's main headquarters, to get all the various satellite locations together and "bonding." Justin's team, from Salt Lake, and various groups from Irving, Texas; Northbrook, Illinois; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; as well as Scottsdale, are all meeting together through Thursday afternoon to help them all feel more like one "team." (At CVS/Caremark, everyone is a "colleague," and they are grouped into various "teams" according to their departments and management. Isn't that lovely?) They will be fed three meals a day and their session will end with a fun-filled trip to a go-cart race track. Hoo boy!

Actually, Justin has been looking forward to this session for several months, and he is feeling like it will be really productive and positive for all of them. He will be able to meet people he'll be working with even though they're far away, establish relationships, network, and feel more a part of the whole Rebate team. And, honestly, nobody deserves a little change-of-pace like Justin, who goes to work faithfully every morning at 6:30 A.M., deals with so much responsibility, works through frustration as all the little details of this merger get worked out, works from home if he thinks I might need to go to the doctor, helps me get caught up on the dishes if we get behind (which he did last night so I wouldn't be left with even more to deal with), often goes shopping for me, takes such good care of our finances, puts up with our chaos, tries so hard to be understanding and patient, and loves me no matter what I look or act like (and some days are pretty bad, especially when I'm pregnant).

--And besides, he won't get to go swimming, visit the whirlpool or the spa, or really get to enjoy his room because he'll be so busy, so heh-heh!! Just kidding! I love you honey, and we're all looking forward to picking you up from the Salt Lake Airport on Thursday evening!

Long Time, No Blog

Yes, I cannot handle my life. The holidays, my house, my kids, my hubby, and other things, have all taken precedence over posting. So sorry! But I think you probably understand. After all, this blog is here because we have lives, not the other way around!

I hoped you would not all think that I am not grateful for all my blessings (which include all of you) because I didn't post at Thanksgiving (I am VERY grateful for all I have), and I hoped you would not think I am a Scrooge because I didn't post anything during December, either. I want you to know I thought of every one of you and even peeked in on you from time to time, and I enjoyed seeing how your holidays were treating you. I am not a Scrooge, rather, I absolutely LOVE Christmas, and I love the reason we celebrate it--our Savior, Jesus Christ. I am grateful beyond expression for His choice to come to earth to serve us and save us all from the woes of sin. I am grateful for His Atonement, which enables us to repent and be with our loved ones forever, and for His Resurrection, which frees us from the bonds of death, making eternal life possible as well. I love thinking about his earthly mother, Mary, and the things she must have gone through and thought about, and about the miracle that birth is, made even more miraculous by that special Baby, who came to be our Savior.

The Sunday after Christmas, one of the sisters I work with complained about the talks that were given the Sunday before (which were about Christ's mission and Atonement)--she said something like, "Why can't we just celebrate Christmas and leave Christ a baby at Christmastime?" I didn't know how to reply without sounding critical, but I was surprised at the way she felt. There would be no Christmas without the Savior's life, His Atonement, or the Resurrection--there would be nothing to celebrate! That's why He came! I feel that we can celebrate His birth and His life and mission all at once, and it will make our Christmas celebration that much more meaningful and whole.

I was kind of disappointed that we didn't get to do a lot of the unimportant, temporal things that make this season memorable. I longed to sit in front of my Christmas tree every evening, holding a steaming mug of hot cocoa, and listening to Christmas music. I longed to go caroling to the neighbors (my husband would never do such a thing), bake Christmas goodies, build gingerbread houses, read a new meaningful story every night, make homemade Christmas stockings, and on and on. . . But unless I can hire a nanny, with all the things we had to do to continue normal life and get ready for the holidays, most of this stuff wasn't going to happen, and didn't. However, we did do one thing which I consider imperative (unless illness or new babies come to our house)--we went to Temple Square to see the lights and the nativity scene. It was wonderful, memorable, and I forgot the camera. I loved standing in front of the life-sized figures and listening to the Christmas story and the music and remembering how I felt as a child, and then watching my children experience the same wonder and joy. I choked up when I heard President Hinckley reminding us that the Savior's Atonement and Resurrection are the reason for all our rejoicing and celebration. And I was quickly reminded that all that other stuff is fun, but it isn't important, and my children are not going to be scarred for life if we don't do them all. We played plenty of Christmas music, as much as possible, and we spent time together trying to focus on Jesus and the things He would have done if He were here. Yes, my kids fought more than I would have liked, and yes, our tree didn't get put up until the week before the week of Christmas, but as long as my children know why we celebrate Christmas and why it's so important, none of the other stuff matters.

They have loved playing games with their dad, snuggling under fluffy blankets in our freezing basement family room to watch Christmas movies, they loved seeing their aunts and uncles and cousins and grandparents, they LOVED Temple Square, their eyes sparkled as they helped us with our family service project, they enjoyed reading all the great Christmas stories in our book basket, and they were so excited when we finally put up their favorite Nativity set, which is starting to fall apart a bit, but that we will always patch together and keep. Yes, in retrospect, it was a good Christmas, and I hope they have felt a little more of the Reason for the Season (even if Mom was a little grumpy).

Part of the reason our holidays were a little more simplified (ha!) was because of this:

7.31.09

Confused? Don't blame you. Yes, it is Harry Potter's next "birthday," and though we're Harry Potter fans at our house (thanks, Santa, for completing our Harry Potter book collection--we only had book seven--by ordering from a clearinghouse the old six-book boxed set. . .what a thrifty guy you are!), that's not why this date is meaningful to us.

Just before Christmas, I paid a visit to my OB/GYN and he confirmed that we are expecting our sixth child, with a heartbeat, (because I've had four miscarriages, I have to see that heart beating before I will tell anyone or stop freaking out) on July 31, 2009! I had taken a test a couple of weeks before, and I just couldn't make it through Christmas without knowing what was going to happen.

Now, technically, because I have planned C-sections (ever since #2 decided to try to come out face first, and I'm not a big risk-taker, so no VBAC), this child will not be born on that day. Rather, this child will most likely, unless I go into labor sooner (which has happened before), be born on the 27th of July, because it's the week of my due date, and that's usually how things get planned. Well, we are excited, and we are looking forward to July! We'll keep you posted on how things are going--and hopefully I'll be better at posting than I have been the last month or so!

I hope each of you knows how much you mean to all of us, and how much we appreciate your love and support. Happy New Year to all of you!

Another Tifferism

Overheard while the kids were playing "Primary" and Christopher was pretending to give a talk:

"The sacrament is important because we get food and drink, and then we have to wait a long time to go home."

I guess that's what it seems like to a five-year-old boy. . .

Things I've Done
To participate just copy and paste in your own blog, and bold all of the things you have done. Happy discoveries!

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (as long as you can count jr. high band!)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis (Justin actually had one on his back--I'll have to post pictures)
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (I don't think this counts because my dad planted them, but I did take care of them)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb (I think. . .one of the counselors in our bishopric at Snow College had a sheep farm, and we got to go out after the lambing. But I can't remember if I actually picked one up or just petted it. This darn dementia!)
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon (no, but I may as well have--I've been pregnant and in labor :)!)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied (if you forget all the dumb things we really don't need, then yes, I am truly satisfied)
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt (I was 7)
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant (and his dog, too)
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud (oh, yeah; especially that time at Eliza Moody's when we were four and both family's kids ended up completely covered in tons of mud--awesome!
54. Gone to a drive-in theater (only once, with our ward's young adult group--the movie was Mission Impossible)
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen (with Justin's young adult ward--and we went to the wrong one! But it was still awesome!)
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching
63. Gotten flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp (I haven't been to a real one, but I did go to the Simon Wiesenthal Center in Los Angeles that has an amazing interactive museum that has a replica of one--don't miss it if you're there!)
67. Bounced a check (what can I say, I'm not the world's best financial mind. Luckily, I married someone who is good at that stuff!)
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy (to my husband's great chagrin--you should see the boxes in our house, and my parents still have our old toys, too!)
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten caviar
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone (my toe--not very exciting)
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car (NEVER!)
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper (when I was a nerdy kid who won all the Reflections contests and one of the spelling contests; and, very embarrassingly, as a mom when the Clipper asked me a question about Utah's marriage amendment--I do not give good "sound bite" answers!)
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (I watched the killing, then helped prepare it--Pioneer Trek)
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club (if you can count online)
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone (yes, even though I hate all bad cell-phone ettiquette and I think they're a frivolous expense. . .I have a pre-paid for my safety, and now I'm probably like all the people I used to grouse at.)
99. Been stung by a bee (I think so--it was under my skirt at Target and my leg hurt for a good day-and-a-half, but I could never find the little bugger--pun totally intended!)

Wow, I've done more than I thought. But my parents and sisters would probably have almost the whole thing bolded! Anyway, hope you enjoy thinking back on your life like I did!

Featured Recipes

From now on, I will post the newest Featured Recipes in the main body of the blog, and then I will move them to the sidebar--that way, I can keep track of what I've already posted!

November is here, and, even though it's unseasonably warm here in Utah (not for long, though!), we are thinking about yummy pumpkin treats (okay, we were already thinking about those) and more yummy soups. Here are a couple of recipes you're sure to enjoy!

Pumpkin Pie In A Glass
Justin took a basic pumpkin smoothie recipe from Trinka at www.allrecipes.com and made it into a delicious drink that tastes like creamy pumpkin pie!

4 cups milk (Justin used whole milk, but you can use lower fat milk, too)
1/2-2/3 of a large can of pumpkin
10 Tb. brown sugar (1/2 cup + 2 Tb.)
1 1/2 tsp. pumpkin pie spice (or use 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. ground ginger, 1/4 tsp. ground allspice, and 1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg)
1 1/2 capfuls vanilla

Blend until smooth. Enjoy right away, warm it up, or serve chilled. MMMM!

Tortellini Soup--from Mom Keeler
This soup is quick and delicious.

1 large onion, coarsely chopped
2-3 cloves garlic, minced (or put through a good garlic press)
1 Tb. olive oil (canola or similar works fine, too)
3 14 oz. cans beef broth, or boullion equivalent
1 14-16 oz. can stewed tomatoes, cut if necessary
1/2-3/4 c. picante sauce or salsa
1 tsp. crushed dried basil leaves
1 12 (or so) oz. package fresh, frozen, or dried tortellini (the dried isn't quite as good, but will work; Maria's Italian Feast frozen tortellini is very inexpensive and quite good)
1 bell pepper, diced
fresh grated (or ready-grated) parmesan cheese (not the kind in the green can, please!)

Cook onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add ingredients up to tortellini; bring to a boil. Add tortellini and simmer until almost done (check package for cooking time). Stir in bell pepper; cook 2-3 minutes more. Serve with parmesan cheese. Goes well with baguettes, regular French bread, or warm muffins, and crisp cut-up veggies and fruits.