"We're all mad here,"said the Cheshire Cat to Alice.

Week in Review

2012-01-29T20:12:00.000-07:00

Days My Alarm Went Off Before 5 o'Clock: 2.

Commutes to Downtown: 2.

One-and-a-Half Mile Commutes: 1.

Opportunities Taken to Learn Something New: 1.
(I attended a panel discussion on partisanship in politics at BYU.)

Gallons of Gas Purchased: 11.56.

Visits to the Temple: 1.

Other Opportunities for Service Taken: 1.
(I substituted on the piano in the women's and men's combined meeting at church.)

Opportunities Taken to "Break Bread" with Others: 5.
(Sugar Plum's friend David joined us for spaghetti on Tuesday night. On Thursday I had lunch with a friend at Gourmandise to celebrate her upcoming birthday. On Thursday night I had dinner at Paradise Bakery & Cafe with my long-time book club. On Friday night WhiteRabbit and I ate at the counter at the Market Street Broiler before seeing a play at Pioneer Theatre Company. On Saturday I had lunch at Olive Garden with some of my sisters and our mom.)

Prayers Offered on Behalf of My Step-Dad Who Suffered a Heart Attack This Week: Countless.
(He is doing well. They repaired one stent, and they are going to be putting in another tomorrow.)

Books Finished: 2. (Year-to-date total is 5.)

Movies Watched: 1.

What's for Dinner, Mom?

2012-01-23T05:00:00.003-07:00

For more great menu ideas,
be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Last week was another good week for meal planning. I tried one new recipe - Twice-Baked Potato Casserole - and it was yummy! I also have to say that I'm grateful for my Crock Pot, which I used twice this past week.

This weekend's produce basket from the Bountiful Basket Food Co-op is very similar to last week's. We received the following items: red leaf lettuce, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, corn on the cob, tomatoes, bananas, oranges, Fuji apples, Bosc pears, kiwi, and pomegranates. Many of these will be incorporated into this week's dinner menus, as will several things left over from last week - and much of the fruit will be eaten for breakfast or snacks.

For several weeks I've been thinking about making some Baked Apple Chips. I'm hoping that this will be the week that I actually do it!

Here is this week's meal plan:

Monday - Pork Chops with Sweet and Sour Sauce, Grilled Pineapple, Rice, Corn on the Cob

Tuesday - Green Salad, Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce, Garlic Bread

Wednesday - Steak and Vegetable Fajitas, Fresh Guacamole

Thursday - Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips with Leftover Buffet

Friday - Fend-for-Yourself Friday

Saturday - Green Salad, Cheesy Cauliflower Soup, Breadsticks

Sunday - Scrambled Eggs, Sausage, Muffins, Berry Smoothies

Happy eating!

Week in Review

2012-01-22T21:54:00.006-07:00

Commutes to Downtown: 3.

Classes Attended: 1.

Trips to the Grocery Store: 2. (One in the pouring rain.)

Gallons of Gas Purchased: 13.68.

Registration Forms for Women's Retreat Mailed: 174.

Visits to the Temple: 3. (But only one temple visited.)

Sunday School Classes Taught: 1.

Other Opportunities for Service Taken: 2.
(Took dinner to neighbors on Tuesday, and helped with the women's meeting at the senior center on Wednesday.)

Books Finished: 1. (Year-to-date total is 3.)

Teenagers in the House on Saturday Night to Celebrate Sugar Plum's Birthday: 10.

Movies Watched: 1.

Time for Dinner!

2012-01-16T08:00:00.013-07:00

For more great menu ideas,
be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Last week's meal plan went quite well. I did end up making a few changes (but having a plan and adjusting it is so much better than having no plan at all). Sugar Bear's science fair project was due on Wednesday morning, so I spent Tuesday evening helping him finish that up, leaving little time or energy for dinner preparations. I had Sugar Plum make a pot of rice, which we ate with some leftover chili, enchiladas, and sweet potatoes. We then ate Tuesday's menu on Wednesday, and the Caesar salad and baked Parmesan tomatoes from Wednesday's plan on Saturday night with some spaghetti. Because my sister had been raving about the cinnamon bread at Great Harvest Bread Company, I was planning to get some for Sunday. In the spirit of the Pantry Challenge, though, I decided to thaw a loaf of a plum bread I made last summer and put in the freezer. I also shredded some baked potatoes I had in the fridge and added them to the eggs - which made them even yummier. All in all, it was a good week - with reasonable and effective adaptations.

I am really pleased with Saturday's produce basket from the Bountiful Basket Food Co-op. We received the following items, many of which will be incorporated into this week's dinner menus: red leaf lettuce, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, mushrooms, tomatoes, avocados, bananas, oranges, kiwi, a mini-watermelon, and a pineapple. (I'm hoping some of this will last until next week, specifically the pineapple, which I'd like to grill with some chicken or pork, and the avocados, which I'd like to make into guacamole for fajitas.) This week's dinner plans are also affected by Sugar Plum's upcoming 16th birthday (as we'll be having a party with her friends on Saturday and she is choosing the main dish for dinner on Sunday), by our taking dinner on Tuesday night to some friends who just had a baby, and by my extra-busy schedule on Thursday.

Here is this week's meal plan:

Monday - Rice Pizza

Tuesday - Green Salad, BBQ Boneless Spareribs (in Crock-Pot), Twice-Baked Potato Casserole

Wednesday - Green Salad, Broccoli Quiche and/or Cheesy Cauliflower Soup, Mini-Watermelon

Thursday - Leftover Buffet with Apples, Oranges and/or Pears

Friday - Fend-for-Yourself Friday

Saturday - Sugar Plum's 16th Birthday Party

Sunday - Creamy Crock-Pot Chicken, Rice, Brussels Sprouts, French Loaf, Cheesecake

Happy eating!

1/13/12 Happy Things

2012-01-13T17:28:00.003-07:00

Sleeping until the sun started coming up.

A beautiful pink sunrise.

Sipping hot chocolate while checking email.

Glorious sunshine warming my face.

Spending time with my smart, fun, insightful friend Karen.

Filling my gas tank for $2.85/gallon.

Reading on my Kindle while waiting for Sugar Plum's bus.

Come and Get It!

2012-01-09T08:00:00.005-07:00

For more great menu ideas,
be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

I had two disappointments with last week's meals. First, the Sweet Potato Fries on Wednesday weren't crispy. I think that I either used too much oil or else I cooked them too close together. I loved the flavor of the fries and their dipping sauce, so I'll definitely be trying this recipe again, in search of the perfect crisp sweet potato fry. The second disappointment occurred on Saturday night, when I made clam chowder. I adore clam chowder, and I was really looking forward to eating a hot bowl of it with some warm bread. Unfortunately, my first spoonful told me that something was wrong - and we determined that the half-and-half I had used was spoiled. The carton was dated January 15, so I had no reason to believe that it might be bad - and I had just poured it into the pot. I sadly poured the whole pot of chowder down the drain. So disappointing!

Saturday's produce basket from the Bountiful Basket Food Co-op contained the following items, many of which will be incorporated into this week's dinner menus: romaine lettuce, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, avocados, English cucumbers, radishes, bananas, Fuji apples, tangerines, Asian pears, blackberries, and black grapes. Much of the fruit will be eaten for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. I love blackberries with vanilla yogurt and pecans! I'm also planning to make some Baked Apple Chips this week. Maybe some Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Chips too.

Here is this week's meal plan:

Monday - Ramen Noodles with Toppings (bacon, tomatoes, radishes, carrots, green pepper, black olives, and cheese), Black Grapes

Tuesday - Chinese Chicken Morsels, Rice, Broccoli with Cashews, Cucumber-Radish Slaw

Wednesday - Caesar Salad, Baked Parmesan Tomatoes, Twice Baked Potato Casserole

Thursday - Tostadas

Friday - Fend-for-Yourself Friday

Saturday - Minestrone Soup, Breadsticks

Sunday - Grapefruit or Oroblancos, Scrambled Eggs with Ham and Cheese, Cinnamon Bread, Hot Chocolate

Happy eating!

One Little Word for 2012

2012-01-06T11:00:00.010-07:00

For 2011 I chose Order as my one-word theme for the year. I didn't utilize my word as much as I would have liked, and I know that there were periods of time when I didn't think about my word at all. Still, I think that going through the process of choosing a word was a useful exercise. Working toward "owning" my word - even sporadically - was a helpful practice too, and I have made some progress in decluttering, prioritizing, and remembering what matters most.

For 2012 I want to make a bigger deal of my One Little Word - although I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to do that. The word I've chosen is Fullness.

full·ness \ˈfo͝olnis\

noun : the state of being filled to capacity
the state of having enough or more than enough

the state of being complete or whole

(in or alluding to biblical use) all that is contained in the world

Phrases — the fullness of one's heart : POETIC/LITERARY overwhelming emotion; in the fullness of time : eventually

Synonyms — plenty, abundance; completeness, wholeness

Antonym — emptiness

As I was trying to decide what word to chose for 2012, my thoughts were on the ideas of stretching, growing, and being (or having - or doing) more. The connotation of those specific words wasn't exactly what I wanted, though. Then I happened to be looking at this month's pick for one of book clubs - Ann Voskamp's One Thousand Gifts - and my eyes caught on the subtitle - A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are. I was especially taken by the word Fully. Fullness? I wondered. Was that to be my word? When, later that day, I happened upon an article entitled "Living the Abundant Life", the word Fullness seemed to be confirmed as mine.

Ali Edwards has written about the One Little Word concept (and her 2012 word Up) here. Young adult author Justina Chen posted her word for 2012 on Facebook: Rejoice! Some of my IRL friends have also posted their 2012 words: Amy chose Cultivate. Holly chose Aha! Leslie chose Calm. Sheri chose Purpose. Sue chose Variety.

Have you chosen a word for 2012?

What's for Dinner, Mom?

2012-01-02T08:30:00.001-07:00

For more great menu ideas,
be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

The holidays were terrific, but it's back to "real life" this week - back to school for the kids today, and back to work for my husband and me on Tuesday. Having dinner planned ahead of time will help with the transition from holidays to rat race and make the evenings go more smoothly! (Depending on what comes in Saturday's produce basket from the Bountiful Basket Food Co-op, I reserve the right to change Sunday's menu.)

Here is this week's meal plan:

Monday - BLT Salad, Cheese Bread

Tuesday - Baked Potatoes with Ham, Broccoli, and Cheese

Wednesday - Chicken Nuggets, Sweet Potato Fries, Apple Nachos

Thursday - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Apple Slices

Friday - Fend-for-Yourself Friday

Saturday - Clam Chowder, Breadsticks

Sunday - Pot Roast with Gravy, Potatoes, Carrots, Rolls

Happy eating!

My 2011 Movie Viewing

2012-01-01T18:00:00.000-07:00

HaPpY New YeAr EveRYoNe!

2012-01-01T17:45:00.005-07:00

I love beginnings. I love the feeling of starting new.
Starting new means anything is possible!

Happy 2012!

Time for Dinner!

2011-12-26T12:31:00.011-07:00

For more great menu ideas,
be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

We were traveling for the holidays most of last week, but we arrived home on Christmas Eve and enjoyed our traditional Christmas brunch yesterday (updated with the addition of oroblancos from the Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op and a recipe from Pinterest for peppermint whip cream). This was the menu:

Grapefruit and Oroblancos with Maraschino Cherries in the Center
Denver Omelet Scrambler
Cinnamon Rolls
Berry Smoothies
Hot Chocolate with Peppermint Whip Cream

Although I'm hoping that we'll have some additional moments of relaxation this week, both my husband and I are back to work for several days. All three of my kids are here until Wednesday, but my college-age daughter will be traveling again during the second part of the week with the Cougar Marching Band for BYU's appearance in Armed Forces Bowl. On Friday night, my husband and I will be with some of my sisters and their husbands for take-out food, laughter, and games. On Saturday night, we will enjoy our traditional New Year's Eve activities - eating Chinese take-out and watching movies.

Here is this week's meal plan:

Monday - Extended Family Christmas Party

Tuesday - Ham, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Spaghetti Squash, Pumpkin Dessert

Wednesday - Caesar Salad, Cheese Bread

Thursday - Potato Enchiladas, Fresh Guacamole

Friday - Adult Holiday Party

Saturday - New Year's Eve

Sunday - Chili Beans with Rice, Red Velvet Cupcakes

By the way, we'll be utilizing several items leftover from Bountiful Baskets from the past several weeks, including butter gold potatoes, sweet potatoes, celery, onions, spaghetti squash, romaine lettuce, tortillas, red potatoes, and avocados. The co-op is taking a couple of weeks off for the holidays - but I'll be eager to make my contribution on January 2 for a basket on January 7. (We got some delicious corn on the cob and a mini-watermelon on December 17 that we devoured before leaving town!)

Happy eating!

"Oh, Come Let Us Adore Him"

2011-12-25T22:00:00.000-07:00

Merry Christmas!

Christmas Vacation Trip - Day Five

2011-12-25T21:55:00.000-07:00

San Francisco Airport
Returning Home

On Saturday morning - Christmas Eve - after eating breakfast at the hotel, we headed back to San Francisco. After returning the rental car and checking in for our flight, we spent some time in the airport relaxing and reading, and then we ate lunch at a restaurant in the airport. Shortly thereafter, we boarded our plane.

Our flight was full, but fortunately we had an uneventful trip back to Salt Lake City. We didn't want to leave the warmer temperatures of Monterey - but it was nice to be home

Christmas Vacation Trip - Day Four

2011-12-25T21:54:00.037-07:00

Monterey Bay
Exploring More of Cannery Row and Watching the Sun Set

Our destination "to do" list contained three items:

Visiting Monterey Bay Aquarium,

Driving the 17-Mile Drive, and

Renting Surrey Bikes.

On the morning of the fourth day of our trip, we completed the third item, renting two surrey bikes from Bay Bikes and riding them up and down the Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail. Four-wheeled bikes are allowed only on a portion of the trail, but we had a great time seeing the sights as we rode up to Lover's Point and down almost to Fisherman's Wharf and back again.

Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

After we returned the bikes, we walked around Cannery Row some more, exploring San Carlos Beach and then enjoying lunch at the Trailside Café - where I ate a delicious vegetable sandwich with shoestring potatoes - followed by dessert at the Ghirardelli Chocolate & Ice Cream Shop - where we also bought a bag of Peppermint Bark.

San Carlos Beach and More

Sugar Plum was convinced that this seal (on the right side of the photo) wanted to came to shore to play with her.
WhiteRabbit said that he was telling her to get off his beach.

After an afternoon nap, we went to Asilomar State Beach for the sunset. How I would love to watch a sunset on the beach every day!

Asilomar State Beach

Christmas Vacation Trip - Day Three

2011-12-23T22:14:00.020-07:00

Monterey Bay
Exploring Cannery Row and Driving the 17-Mile Drive

Thursday morning, after eating breakfast at the hotel, we wandered around Cannery Row, stopping at a few of the shops and enjoying the ocean breeze. At tiny McAbee Beach, Sugar Plum and I both took off our shoes to feel the sand between our toes. Sugar Bear explored some tide pools, while Jelly Bean sat on a bench on the sidewalk, refusing to get her feet sandy.

McAbee Beach

For lunch, we stopped at Subway for some sandwiches, which we ate in the hotel courtyard. Then we piled into the mini-van and headed for the famous 17-Mile Drive in Pebble Beach. We stopped to enjoy many of the sights, and I got the kids to pose for a few photos too. At Spanish Bay, we took a stroll along the boardwalk, with Sugar Plum and Sugar Bear doing a little "off road"-ing. At Bird Rock, we viewed the seals and sea lions through a telescope, and Sugar Plum was thrilled when we got a closer view at Cypress Point Overlook. The Lone Cypress is probably the most famous sight on the drive.

17-Mile Drive

For dinner, we drove to Carmel Valley to Will's Fargo Dining House. WhiteRabbit and I ate there on our honeymoon twenty-three years ago, and we thought it would be fun to return with the kids for our anniversary. The building was almost just as we remembered it, and the food was absolutely excellent! I ate green salad with blue cheese dressing, filet mignon, a baked potato with all the toppings, cauliflower with cheese, crispy onions, and garlic bread. For dessert we shared some brownies with vanilla ice cream. Picky eater Sugar Bear said that Will's Fargo was one of the highlights of our vacation for him!

Will's Fargo Dining House

Christmas Vacation Trip - Day Two

2011-12-22T21:54:00.037-07:00

Monterey Bay
Visiting the Monterey Bay Aquarium

I loved my previous visits to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, and I was eager to share the experience with my kids! (Jelly Bean actually visited the aquarium with WhiteRabbit, his mother, and me when she was three or four years old - but she doesn't have any memory of that visit.) We ended up spending about six hours there. It was an amazing day!

I realize that this looks like a plant, but it's actually a Leafy Sea Dragon.
I was totally amazed to learn that such a creature exists!

Viewing the penquin feeding was a highlight of the day!

For dinner that night, we walked to El Torito and ate some yummy, spicy Mexican food - with fried ice cream for dessert. Then, well fed and tired from the day's activity, we were ready for a good night's sleep!

Christmas Vacation Trip - Day One

2011-12-22T10:35:00.015-07:00

San Francisco
Visiting Golden Gate Park and Cliff House

Earlier this year WhiteRabbit and I took the younger kids to San Francisco - which is one of my favorite cities - but Jelly Bean had never been there. So although the destination point for our Christmas Vacation Trip was Monterey, I decided that it'd be fun to spend a good part of the first day in San Francisco. After arriving at the San Francisco airport and picking up our rental car - a white Chrysler mini-van - we headed through the city to Golden Gate Park.

Golden Gate Park

Cliff House

While we waited about 40 minutes for a table at The Bistro, we enjoyed the view from the Observation Deck. After our delicious late lunch - I had clam chowder and crab cakes, as well as several popovers - at a table next to the window, we headed down Highway 1 to Monterey.

Congratulations Are In Order!

2011-12-12T22:05:00.004-07:00

(l-r) Sugar Plum, Jelly Bean, My Sister Elicia, My New Brother-in-Law Kurt, and Sugar Bear

Come and Get It!

2011-12-12T09:00:00.009-07:00

For more great menu ideas,
be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Last week was a busy one, with lots of holiday parties and events, and the menu plan went quite well. It is so helpful to know what we'll be having for dinner before 5:00 each night!

This weekend's produce basket from the Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op contained bananas, pineapple, apples, pears, red grapes, avocados, romaine lettuce, asparagus, cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, and butternut squash. I also received an "add-on" of pomegranates and one of tortillas. We've got some great items around which to plan meals this week (and beyond) - and I'm especially excited about the asparagus. (By the way, I shared some of the bananas, grapes, green peppers, and tortillas with my college daughter - who came with me to pick up the basket for the first time - and I hope she enjoys them.)

We do have two special events this week. Tonight my sister Elicia is getting married. I'm so excited for her and my soon-to-be new brother-in-law! We'll be enjoying a dinner together following the ceremony. On Saturday night, we have highly coveted tickets to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas Concert. We're planning to have dinner at a nearby restaurant prior to the concert, maybe Blue Lemon, or else The Garden.

Here is this week's meal plan:

Monday - Wedding Dinner

Tuesday - Garden Vegetable Pasta (with asparagus, broccoli, mushrooms, and carrots), Herb and Garlic Rolls

Wednesday - Ramen Noodles (with carrots, green peppers, radishes, avocados, tomatoes, olives, bacon, and cheese), Red Grapes

Thursday - Potato Enchiladas

Friday - Fend-for-Yourself Friday

Saturday - Dinner Out

Sunday - Potato Cheese Soup, Fruit Salsa with Cinnamon Crisps

Happy eating!

Today in Review

2011-12-06T22:18:00.003-07:00

A few hours of paid work. A feeling of accomplishment.

Vanilla yogurt with blackberries and pecans for lunch.

An SEOP meeting at Sugar Plum's school. Not really anything I didn't know about graduation requirements and planning for college, but good to show my face at the school and support Sugar Plum.

Ten books picked up at the library.

Yummy soups for dinner - butternut squash soup with cinnamon cream, and potato soup with bacon and cheese - coupled with pleasant conversation with friends and an inspirational presentation. Happy that I overcame my tendency to introversion and didn't decide to stay at home.

Lights on Temple Square

2011-12-05T21:34:00.009-07:00

Tonight we braved the below-freezing temperatures and went downtown to see the Lights on Temple Square. We've done this (almost) every year since 1992, when we moved to Utah from California. I don't think I'll ever get used to the cold - but I do love the symbolism of light as a reminder of the "reason for the season."

Merry Christmas!

What's for Dinner, Mom?

2011-12-05T08:00:00.002-07:00

For more great menu ideas,
be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Except for Thursday - when I decided that we needed to have a Leftover Buffet - last week's menus went as planned. The Pumpkin Pie Croissants were yummy, and I will definitely make them again. Sugar Plum and I made German Chocolate Brownies yesterday for dessert. So delicious!

This weekend's produce basket from the Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op contained pineapple, apples, pears, oranges, kiwi, blackberries, onions, lettuce, radishes, cucumbers, tomatoes, green peppers, and broccoli. We've still got plenty of squash and potatoes from prior baskets too, giving us a large supply of fruits and veggies to draw from this week. We ate two of the three heads of broccoli today, as a topping for the baked potatoes we had, and I'm planning to eat the blackberries for breakfast with some vanilla yogurt and pecans. The rest will play a role in the meal plan for this week and beyond!

We do have several holiday outings and events this week, so I'm planning around those. On Monday night, we'll be going to see the Lights on Temple Square, so we'll have a simple dinner before we drive downtown and then eat dessert at Gourmandise after we see the lights. On Tuesday night, Sugar Plum will be in charge of dinner, because I'll be eating with the women's group at church. On Friday night - which is almost always Fend-for-Yourself Friday anyway - WhiteRabbit and I will be attending his holiday work party, and on Saturday, there is a Christmas party for families at the church. For that event, I'll be making a Green Bean Casserole as my contribution of a traditional holiday side dish. By the way, Sugar Plum will be talking about one of our family's holiday traditions - our collection of Christmas books - as part of the program that will follow dinner.

Here is this week's meal plan:

Monday - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches, Apples and Oranges

Tuesday - Spaghetti, French Bread

Wednesday - Salad Bar (including cucumbers, radishes, carrots, tomatoes, and broccoli), Vegetarian Chili

Thursday - Tostadas

Friday - Holiday Work Party

Saturday - Christmas Party at the Church

Sunday - Beef, Pineapple, and Vegetable Kabobs, Rice, Red Velvet Cupcakes

Happy eating!

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-30T22:32:00.004-07:00

"For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content" (1 Timothy 6:7-8).

I am grateful and content.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-29T21:50:00.002-07:00

Some days are just harder than others. I am grateful that they are not all that way!

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-28T21:07:00.002-07:00

Back on Monday, November 7, I enjoyed an early morning walk on a chilly autumn day. Although my knee was bothering me a bit the next day, especially on stairs, I enjoyed another walk on Wednesday morning. Unfortunately, in the days following those walks, my knee was painful and stiff, and I hobbled a bit. Stairs were very difficult - particularly going down.

Last Wednesday, right before Thanksgiving Day, I realized that I had taken a long flight of stairs - both directions - with relative ease that morning. I hoped that the worse was over. After resting my knee for a few more days, I decided that I'd test it out this morning. After I dropped off Sugar Bear's carpool at their bus stop, I took a two-mile walk at a nearby park. Tonight my knee still feels fine - and I'm hopeful that it will stay that way.

I am grateful for my ability to walk.

Time for Dinner!

2011-11-28T09:00:00.004-07:00

For more great menu ideas,
be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Our Thanksgiving holiday was enjoyable and relaxing. I ended up preparing fewer foods than I had planned - but no one went hungry! In fact, there are still several containers of leftovers in the fridge. The rest of the week went well, too. The Creamy Tortellini and Spinach Soup was a hit even with my twelve-year-old picky eater. We also all enjoyed the Do-It Yourself Kabobs. (That fresh pineapple was amazing!)

Because of the holiday, the Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op didn't have produce baskets this past weekend. But we've still got plenty of squash, potatoes, onions, carrots, apples, oranges, and pears to enjoy this coming week and beyond.

Here is this week's meal plan:

Monday - Pumpkin Pie Croissants, Egg Casserole, Oroblancos, Hot Chocolate

Tuesday - Parmesan Bow-Tie Casserole, Roasted Vegetables, Garlic Bread

Wednesday - Beef Stew (in Crock-Pot), Biscuits

Thursday - Jambalaya, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Spaghetti Squash

Friday - Fend-for-Yourself Friday

Saturday - Drive-Thru Dinner

Sunday - Baked Potatoes with Choose-Your-Own Toppings, German Chocolate Brownies or Red Velvet Cupcakes

Happy eating!

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-27T22:53:00.002-07:00

I am grateful for the opportunity to attend church services each week and to partake of the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper. I am grateful for the hymns sung, for the sermons preached, and for the lessons presented - especially for the insights they give me as I strive to become more like Jesus Christ.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-26T21:45:00.000-07:00

I am grateful to go to bed early, especially when I'm not feeling very well.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-25T23:55:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for pumpkin muffins and hot chocolate, and for leftovers, and for chocolate-covered almonds and mixed nuts.

Reflections on Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T21:00:00.009-07:00

My Status on Facebook Today:

HaPpY ThaNKsGiVinG!
Enjoy the abundance of the holiday,
and don't forget to count your blessings!

Some Other Thoughts on Facebook Today:

Happiness is always rooted in gratitude.
(That's why one of the personal commandments
of my Happiness Project is "Be grateful.")

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life.
It turns what we have into enough, and more.
It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity.
It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today,
and creates a vision for tomorrow."
~ Melody Beattie
(My favorite line of that quote is
[Gratitude] turns what we have into enough, and more.
I truly believe that!)

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that
the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
~ John F. Kennedy
(Because of a post I read last week, I've been thinking quite a bit
about putting gratitude into action, about paying forward my blessings.
"For of [her] unto whom much is given, much is required" [D&C 82:3].)

Don't you think it's ironic that Americans spend the most money on new things the day after they say they're grateful for what they already have?!
(That is ironic. I've always been opposed to Black Friday for personal reasons;
I am not a shopper, and I can't think of something I'd enjoy doing less with my holiday.
Lately, though, I've become opposed to Black Friday on a philosophical level; I don't
necessarily blame the businesses, but I think society is becoming more and more
materialistic - and I don't like that. Tomorrow I will be home with my family,
enjoying the abundance for which we are already grateful.)

I'm Thankful For ...

2011-11-24T15:45:00.002-07:00

My Kids.
November 24, 2011, in Utah.

I'm Thankful For ...

2011-11-24T11:00:00.000-07:00

Dinner Reservations at Mimi's Cafe.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-23T23:40:00.001-07:00

7:00 a.m. I am grateful that I was able to sleep in until the sky started to get light.

8:30 a.m. I am grateful for the sunshine, especially since the wind is so cold.

8:45 a.m. I am grateful that Sugar Plum and I could visit the temple this morning.

11:00 a.m. I am grateful that my kids are learning how to save - and for a bank that Pays for A's so the kids can save a little more.

11:30 a.m. I am grateful that I can buy everything I need (and more!) at a grocery store near home.

12:25 p.m. I am grateful for leftover white bean chili for lunch.

2:20 p.m. I am grateful for naps.

4:00 p.m. I am grateful for a dishwasher, which makes my household chores easier than they might otherwise be.

5:00 p.m. I am grateful for lettuce, apples, cashews, craisins, and Swiss cheese - because they make a tasty salad.

6:30 p.m. I am grateful for underground parking.

7:30 p.m. I am grateful for all those who are willing to share their talents so I could see Savior of the World tonight with my family and friends.

8:40 p.m. I am grateful for my Kindle, to keep me occupied during intermission.

10:10 p.m. I am grateful for French toast.

11:40 p.m. I am grateful to be home and ready for a good night's sleep.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-22T21:22:00.003-07:00

I am grateful for warm leggings and an even warmer sweater.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-21T20:30:00.002-07:00

A little over seven months ago, while in agony at the ER, I was diagnosed with a kidney stone. After many, many glasses of water and a return visit to the ER, I had lithotripsy to break up the stone. The procedure was successful, and I have been symptom free since the end of April. I have reduced my intake of Diet Coke to approximately one can a day, and I am diligent about staying hydrated. Today I had a follow-up appointment with the urologist. He said that all seems well - and that is good news!

I am grateful for my good health.

Come and Get It!

2011-11-21T09:30:00.003-07:00

For more great menu ideas,
be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Meal preparation went well again last week. I'm enjoying my increased time in the kitchen, particularly the success I'm having incorporating more fruits and vegetables into our meals. There is something quite satisfying about creating something good to eat (even if my kids aren't always willing to try it)!

This week's produce basket from the Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op seems even more bountiful than the one we got last week! It contained red potatoes, carrots, onions, celery, yellow squash, spinach, grape tomatoes, bananas, oranges, d'Anjou pears, oroblancos, and pineapple. I also got an extra "veggie pack" with acorn squash, spaghetti squash, butternut squash, and sugar pumpkin. I've got so much great produce to use over the next several weeks!

On Thanksgiving Day, we will be enjoying a low-stress meal with my parents at Mimi's Cafe. Every other year we get together with my sisters' families for the holiday, but this is the "off" year so (like we did two years ago) we're opting for a restful day with no cooking (but lots of reading, movie viewing, and game playing). It will be a good family day!

The downside to eating out is that there are few leftovers to enjoy in the days following the holiday. I'm going to remedy that situation by purchasing or making some of our favorite appetizers, sides, and desserts on Wednesday and/or Friday so we can enjoy "leftovers" on Friday and Saturday. Right now I'm planning on Crab Dip, Cocktail Shrimp, Onion Dip, Stuffing Casserole, Mashed Potatoes, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, and Pumpkin Pie. Maybe I'll muster enough energy to make some Pumpkin Bread and/or Red Velvet Cupcakes as well. I am not a fan of turkey but my husband and daughters like it, so I'm also going to get some turkey at the deli for Turkey Sandwiches.

Here is this week's meal plan:

Monday - Denver Sandwiches, Kiwi

Tuesday - Creamy Tortellini Soup, Herb and Garlic Rolls

Wednesday - Macaroni Casserole, Winter Green Salad (with apples, craisins, cashews, and Swiss cheese)

Thursday - Happy Thanksgiving!

Friday - Turkey Sandwiches, Clam Chowder, Thanksgiving "Leftovers"

Saturday - More Thanksgiving "Leftovers"

Sunday - Do-It-Yourself Kabobs (beef, Mexican gray squash, yellow squash, grape tomatoes, onion, pineapple, mushrooms), Rice

While I'm thinking about it, here are some ideas for next week (and beyond):

Beef Stew, Biscuits

Garden Vegetable Pasta (asparagus, carrots, mushrooms, yellow squash)

Ham, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Spaghetti Squash, Pear and Pomegranate Salad

Potato Soup, Breadsticks

Pumpkin Pie Croissants, Egg Casserole, Oroblancos, Hot Chocolate

Parmesan Bow-Tie Casserole

Happy eating!

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-20T21:59:00.003-07:00

I was able to sing with the choir at church services today. In celebration of the upcoming holiday, we sang a piece entitled "Thanks for Simple Blessings." What a great reminder of all that God provides us each and every day!

I don't really consider myself to be a singer. Although I play the piano, I've always considered Jelly Bean and WhiteRabbit to be the musicians in the family. I do enjoy making music, though, especially "a joyful noise unto the Lord" (Psalm 100:1). I'm glad that the choir tolerates my full-hearted but limited-range contribution.

I am grateful for the opportunity to sing.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-19T21:26:00.003-07:00

Today was a productive day, most of which I spent at home with my husband and younger kids. I have a feeling of contentment when they're all nearby and we're all happily busy with our own projects.

I am grateful for my family.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-18T23:45:00.000-07:00

I am grateful to be warm and dry inside my house when it's snowing outside.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-17T22:09:00.000-07:00

There are a lot of things I take for granted. Hot and cold running water - especially in my morning shower. A clothes washer and dryer, in the laundry room just off my family room. A gas station less than a mile from my home where I can readily fill the tank of my car. Unspoiled milk in the fridge, and ice in the freezer. A fast connection to the internet.

For all those things - and many more - I am grateful.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-16T21:53:00.004-07:00

I am grateful for carpools.

I am grateful for sunshine and blue skies.

I am grateful for clam chowder.

I am grateful for cell phones.

I am grateful that twenty-one years ago tonight, I was at Valley Presbyterian Hospital in a post-C-section morphine-induced sleep, while down the hall in the nursery, a brand new little person was adjusting to being in the world. I am grateful for that beautiful, smart, brave, talented girl who would come to call me "Mum." Happy birthday, Jelly Bean!

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-15T22:24:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for libraries.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-14T22:40:00.002-07:00

I am grateful that I can take life just one day at a time.

I am also grateful to have booked our winter vacation. I will get to see the ocean for Christmas!

What's for Dinner, Mom?

2011-11-14T05:00:00.010-07:00

For more great menu ideas,
be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Meal preparation went well last week. Even on Wednesday, when I wasn't feeling particularly well, I was able to muster up enough energy to make dinner because I already had a plan. The Zucchini Sticks that night (made from Mexican Gray Squash) were good, although next time I won't cook them quite so long, and I loved the Crunchy Coleslaw on Thursday. I didn't make either Zucchini Bread or Pumpkin Bread - but maybe I'll make time for one (or both) of those this week.

This week's produce basket from the Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op was truly bountiful! It contained potatoes, sweet potatoes, onions, celery, yellow squash, apples, bananas, red grapes, kiwi, blackberries, persimmons, and oroblancos. I'd never heard of an oroblanco before, but I thought it looked like a green grapefruit and from Wikipedia I discovered that it, indeed, is a cross of a white grapefruit and a pomelo, developed at the University of California, Riverside. Because I'm a big fan of grapefruit, I'm eager to try it. We already ate the blackberries on Sunday in Blackberry Shortcake. Yum!

Here is this week's meal plan:

Monday - Jelly Bean's Birthday Dinner at the Brick Oven

Tuesday - Garden Patch Lasagna, French Bread

Wednesday - Clam Chowder, Red Grapes, Breadsticks

Thursday - Oroblancos, Scrambled Eggs, Sausage Links, Wheat Toast

Friday - Fend-for-Yourself Friday

Saturday - Winter Green Salad and Leftover Buffet (Say it with a French accent; it sounds better!)

Sunday - Taco Dip, White Bean Chili, Rice

Happy eating!

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-13T19:11:00.006-07:00

I am grateful for my Redeemer.
Oh, the sweet joy this sentence gives,
"I know that my Redeemer lives!"

~ Samuel Medley (1738-1799)

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-12T22:24:00.001-07:00

I am grateful for good books.

By the way, I blog about books at So Many Books, So Little Time.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-11T22:00:00.002-07:00

I am grateful that I can attend the temple* on a weekly basis, to feel of the peace that is found in the house of the Lord.

*That links to the Draper Temple, the one closest to my home. But I enjoy visiting other temples too, and I am grateful that there are many temples close by - as well as many more around the world.

11/11/11 @ 11:11

2011-11-11T11:11:00.004-07:00

At 11:11 on 11/11/11, I took a break from warming up some leftovers for lunch, thinking about doing some laundry, and reading Faith by Jennifer Haigh to make a wish for sunshine, contentment, and peace.

Did you make a wish?

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Today has been a day of blessings!

I am grateful for a morning full of paid work. I am grateful for a new garbage disposal and a new kitchen faucet. I am grateful for my literature class, for the books we get to read and the fun people we get to meet. (Today it was Possession and Elana Johnson.) I am grateful for fresh fruits and vegetables. I am grateful for the quiet that has descended on the house now that the members of Sugar Plum's government class project group have gone home. I am grateful for an early bedtime.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-09T21:10:00.003-07:00

I am grateful that I paid attention in my high school and college math classes so that I can help Sugar Plum with her algebra homework.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-08T22:47:00.005-07:00

I am grateful that even when plans for one day go terribly wrong that "tomorrow is another day."

I am also grateful for the joy of music. (Hooray for the Cougar Marching Band!)

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-07T12:14:00.003-07:00

I am grateful for the three-mile walk I took this morning at the park. Lots of leaves on the ground, but only a little snow. Chilly enough that I could see my breath, but not so cold that I couldn't take off my mittens about half way through. Several friendly people who said "good morning" - and it was!

Time for Dinner!

2011-11-07T11:00:00.004-07:00

For more great menu ideas,
be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Although it was a tight fit with nearly 30 people in my house for Saturday's party, I had fun and feel like it was a success. I've got only a few odds-and-ends of food left over: about a quarter of a pan of cornbread, some spinach-artichoke dip and crostini, three apples and some caramel dip, a few doughnuts, some ice cream, and one bowl of broccoli soup. I'm sure that it will all be gone shortly, mostly eaten as lunches and snacks!

This week's produce basket from the Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op contained bananas, apples, Bosc pears, kiwi, blackberries, a mini seedless watermelon, Roma tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, red peppers, Mexican gray squash, and fennel. I've never eaten either Mexican gray squash or fennel before - and I have to say that my husband (who abhors black licorice) isn't too keen about trying the fennel - but overall I think that this will be a good week in the fruit and vegie category! (I did share half the cabbage and some of the pears and red peppers with my college-aged daughter, and I hope that she and her roommates enjoy them.)

Here is this week's meal plan:

Monday - Killer Nachos (with tomatoes, olives, onions, and avocado)

Tuesday - Tortilla Skillet, Rice, Cornbread (leftover), Watermelon

Wednesday - Chicken and Broccoli Braid, Zucchini Cakes or Sticks (substituting some of the Mexican gray squash for zucchini)

Thursday - Hoagie Sandwiches, Crunchy Coleslaw

Friday - Fend-for-Yourself Friday

Saturday - In-N-Out Burger

Sunday - Fettucini Alfredo with Broccoli, Garlic Bread

I'd also like to make Zucchini Bread (substituting some of the Mexican gray squash for zucchini) - and I still want to find time to make some Pumpkin Bread.

Happy eating!

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-06T21:56:00.002-07:00

I am grateful for the opportunity I have to teach Sunday School twice a month. I am grateful to be learning more about Jesus Christ through my study of the New Testament. I am grateful for the positive feedback I receive from my class.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-05T23:51:00.003-06:00

Today has been a long, busy day. When possible, I enjoy having a quiet Saturday to recharge after the workweek. I like to sleep in when I can, and reading or watching TV is a relaxing way to spend part of my day. If I can, I'll even procrastinate as many chores as possible, enjoying a certain level of laziness. Occasionally, though, I enjoy a Saturday filled with activity. Today was such a day.

I am grateful for Crock Pots, audiobooks, vacuum cleaners, friends who share recipes with me, and the return of that hour of sleep I lost last spring.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-04T22:29:00.001-06:00

I am grateful for Advil.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-03T23:43:00.001-06:00

I am grateful for sunshine.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-02T22:10:00.005-06:00

At the end of August, when Sugar Plum met the teachers she would have at school this year, she discovered that her early morning religious instruction (known as seminary) would be taught by a woman who was about eight months pregnant. This teacher, who I'll call Sister F, told the class that she and her husband were expecting their first child - a daughter they were naming Hope - but she expected to return to the classroom after a brief leave because Hope had an encephalocele (which means her skull never closed all the way), about 25 percent of her brain tissue was growing outside of her skull, and the doctors had told them that Hope's condition was not conducive to life.

This afternoon Sugar Plum and I attended a funeral service - or a celebration of life, as Sister F called it - for Hope. She lived just thirty-seven days and in that tiny lifespan had a great impact on all her knew her and even those, like Sugar Plum and me, who only knew of her. We've cried a lot of tears over the past two months, and we've offered many prayers in Hope's behalf. More importantly, we've witnessed the strength of her parents and the depth of their testimonies of God's great plan of happiness.

Both Sister F and her husband spoke at the service. Hope's father read the following scripture from the Book of Mormon:

And now it came to pass that the burdens which were laid upon Alma and his brethren were made light; yea, the Lord did strengthen them that they could bear up their burdens with ease, and they did submit cheerfully and with patience to all the will of the Lord (Mosiah 24:15).

Sister F bore a powerful witness of the reality of life after death and of the peace that comes only through Jesus Christ (see Philippians 4:7). I was edified by my attendance at Hope's funeral, and I pray that God's spirit will continue to sustain her family.

I am grateful that, like Sister F, I have a testimony of Jesus Christ. I am grateful that I know who I am and Whose I am; where I came from, why I am here, and where I am going; and Who is the source of peace and joy.

Gratitude Journal

2011-11-01T15:30:00.000-06:00

I woke up to the sound of rain falling on the roof. Before long, the sound softened, as the rain tried to change to snow. Nothing stuck - and this afternoon it's no longer raining - but, despite the gorgeous weather yesterday, November has made its entrance with a decided fall-turning-to-winter attitude!

I'm grateful that I have a roof over my head, so that I don't wake up to rain falling on my face.

Come and Get It!

2011-10-31T05:00:00.008-06:00

For more great menu ideas,
be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Last week's meal preparation proceeded very smoothly, with only one minor modification to the original plan. I especially enjoyed the Clam Chowder (one of my faves!) and the Focaccia Bread (which my son helped me make with both tomatoes and olives). I also made Fresh Apple Cake twice (once in loaf pans à la Apple Bread), and yesterday my daughter and I made another batch of German Chocolate Brownies for dessert.

This week will be one of the busiest I've had this year. I've got a family or personal event or activity every evening - Monday through Saturday - beginning with a family dinner out for Halloween tonight and ending on Saturday with an extended family birthday celebration that we're hosting at our home. By the time Sunday arrives, I'm going to be ready for the "day of rest" - at least after I've taught my adult Sunday School class that morning.

Given the schedule this week, our meals will, of necessity, be simple ones. Additionally, I missed the deadline to order a produce basket from the Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op this past weekend. While I'll be sure to get one on Saturday, we'll be a little light on fresh fruits and vegetables in our meals this week.

The menu for the birthday party on Saturday - which honors my oldest daughter, a niece, and a nephew, all of whom were born during the last part of the calendar year - will be perfect for the cooler weather we're expecting this week, including several soups and breads - I'm making Chili and Cornbread, with additional ones provided by other family members - as well as Spinach-Artichoke Dip, Apples with Caramel Dip, and Cookies and Ice Cream.

Here is this week's meal plan:

Monday - Happy Halloween!

Tuesday - Frozen Pizza, Apple Slices or Winter Green Salad (depending on how much time I have)

Wednesday - Quesadillas (with Black Olives and Avocado), Taco Soup

Thursday - Vegie Stir-Fry with Tofu and Cashews, Rice

Friday - Fend-for-Yourself Friday

Saturday - Extended Family Birthday Celebration

Sunday - Berry Smoothies, French Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon

Happy eating!

What's for Dinner, Mom?

2011-10-24T05:00:00.006-06:00

For more great menu ideas,
be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

Although last week didn't go quite as planned, for the most part I was pleased with the outcome. A few of the foods that didn't make it to the dinner table - specifically Clam Chowder and Focaccia Bread with Tomatoes - will make another appearance in the menu plan.

My daughter and I made German Chocolate Brownies on Friday - so yummy! - so I'm again looking at making Pumpkin Bread and/or Fresh Apple Cake this week. With enough time and energy, I might try another apple recipe too, as I've got two on my Pinterest board that look promising - Apple Fritter Muffins and Apple Toffee Blondies. I've got a recipe there for Creamy Lemon (or Lime) Bars that looks really good too.

This weekend's produce basket from the Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op included lettuce, celery, sweet potatoes, yellow squash, avocados, tomatoes, mushrooms, garlic, apples, plums, black grapes, Bosc pears, and bananas. I adore mashed sweet potatoes, but since the potatoes will last a little while, I'll probably wait to make those in a week or two. I wish I had a good idea for the Bosc pears!

Here is this week's meal plan:

Monday - Clam Chowder, Country French Bread, Black Grapes

Tuesday - Crock-Pot Parmesan Chicken, Spaghetti, Roasted Vegetables

Wednesday - Guacamole Salad, Taco Soup

Thursday - Leftover Buffet

Friday - Chili Cook-Off and Halloween Festivities at Church

Saturday - Dinner Out (Either Preceding or Following My Cousin's Wedding Open House)

Sunday - Penne Pasta, Focaccia Bread with Tomatoes, Something Yummy for Dessert

Happy eating!

Time for Dinner!

2011-10-17T05:00:00.006-06:00

For more great menu ideas,
be sure to visit Laura at I'm an Organizing Junkie!

It has been months since I've posted a menu plan, although I've done some less formal menu planning with varying degrees of success. Without a good plan, we tend toward too frequent restaurant and take-out meals. Although I love to eat out, my enjoyment is increased when it's more of a "treat" than the norm. Eating out is, of course, expensive too.

Because I am working fewer hours now than I was earlier this year, I have both more time and less money than I did then. That - coupled with a desire to re-focus on my One Word for 2011 - has led me back to Menu Plan Monday.

Since the end of July, I've been participating with the Bountiful Baskets Food Co-op, picking up a produce basket on many Saturday mornings and then preparing meals using those fruits and vegetables. This weekend my basket included lettuce, carrots, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, avocados, tomatoes, garlic, apples, plums, grapes, pears, and bananas. Much of the fruit will be eaten for breakfasts and snacks, with other items being incorporated into this week's dinner menus.

Here is this week's meal plan:

Monday - Egg Flower Soup, Butterfly Shrimp, Rice, Broccoli with Cashews

Tuesday - Pork Chops, Stuffing, Mashed Sweet Potatoes, Cauliflower and Carrot Casserole

Wednesday - Clam Chowder, French Bread, Winter Green Salad

Thursday - Grilled Cheese Sandwiches with Tomatoes, Carrots, Cucumbers, and Red Peppers with Dip, Red Grapes

Friday - Fend-for-Yourself Friday

Saturday - Cafe Rio Take-Out

Sunday - Cheese Ravioli with Marinara Sauce, Roasted Vegetables, Focaccia Bread with Tomatoes

Sometime during the week I'd also like to make Pumpkin Bread and Fresh Apple Cake.

Happy eating!

This Week's Facebook Statuses

2011-10-08T22:34:00.006-06:00

Tuesday: Sugar Plum just asked me if something really good happened to me lately, because (she explained) - not that I'm always crabby - but I've seemed especially happy for the last little while. Hmm, I said. I think I've been really tired lately - so maybe I'm just too worn out to be crabby. :)

Wednesday at 12:22 pm: Alison is glad she got her walking, grocery shopping, and other errands done this morning. She enjoys rainy, blustery days much more from inside the house, with a good book and a cup of hot chocolate.

Wednesday at 6:56 pm: Unexpectly, I'm greatly emotional at the news of Steve Jobs' death. It's strange to be so affected by the loss of someone I didn't know. I'm not even a big Apple fangirl (despite being married to an Apple fanboy). But Jobs really did change the world!

Saturday at 11:27 am: Alison took WhiteRabbit and Sugar Bear with her to volunteer at Bountiful Baskets this morning. Alison thinks she now needs a nap.

Saturday at 8:20 pm: Alison is eating pizza and watching BYU football from the warmth of the family room. Go, Cougars!

Saturday at 9:55 pm: Congrats to Sugar Plum and the rest of the Hillcrest High School Shakespeare Team! Overall first place! Woohoo!

Things I Like. Things I Don't.

2011-10-05T19:08:00.001-06:00

I like sleeping on freshly laundered sheets. I don't like taking the middle school carpool to the bus when it's still dark outside. I don't like driving in the rain. I like the delicious smell of chicken and vegetables in the slow cooker, especially on a rainy, blustery day. I don't like cherry-flavored Starbursts.

Observations from Parent-Teacher Conference

2011-10-04T21:53:00.004-06:00

Sugar Plum and I spent more than two hours at her high school this evening for the bi-annual parent-teacher conference. The room where the teachers were gathered was hot. No chairs were available for waiting parents and students, so we did a lot of standing in line. Each of the nine individual conferences lasted only a few minutes, with most of the teachers highly praising Sugar Plum's work. Here are a few observations:

I can generally complete one level of Every Word on my Kindle in the time that we are waiting for one teacher to become available.

Some teachers do a better job at pretending that they know your student's name and her work than others do. Those teachers who in reality do know your student should receive an award.

I am old enough to be the mother of at least half of Sugar Plum's teachers. Still, I feel mildly intimidated by their position of authority.

In looking around the room and realizing that I recognize only four of the teachers from when Jelly Bean was in high school - and it's been less than three years since she was there - I have to wonder, Is the turnover among high school teachers really that frequent?

Given that several of the mothers in the room would be in violation of the dress code if they were students, I have to wonder, What is this world coming to?

Hearing the algebra teacher respond to my question about what the impact of test corrections will be on Sugar Plum's overall grade - given that half-credit is added back for each corrected answer - with the statement that she's "not too good at math" doesn't exactly inspire a good deal of confidence in me.

Keeping Busy During General Conference

2011-10-02T15:11:00.003-06:00

This afternoon during General Conference, inspired by this blog post, Sugar Bear kept busy by building a replica of the Tokyo Japan Temple. Do you see the resemblance?

Week ThirteenSeptember 23-30

2011-09-30T12:29:00.003-06:00

Friday - 1 miles
Saturday - 0 miles
Sunday - 0 miles
Monday - 0 miles
Tuesday - 0 miles
Wednesday - 3 miles
Thursday - 3 miles
Friday - 2 miles

Total - 9 miles

Cumulative - 103 miles. I did it! I met my goal to walk 100 miles from July 1 to September 30. I'm pleased with my effort and with the result. Now I'm doing the dance of joy! Woohoo!

Week TwelveSeptember 16-22

2011-09-24T20:55:00.001-06:00

Friday - 2 miles
Saturday - 0 miles
Sunday - 0 miles
Monday - 0 miles
Tuesday - 2 miles
Wednesday - 3 miles
Thursday - 0 miles

Total - 7 miles

Cumulative - 94 miles. Only 6 miles to go!

9/17/11 Happy Things

2011-09-17T20:19:00.008-06:00

Picking up a Bountiful Basket this morning with Sugar Bear's help, and looking forward to eating lots of yummy fruits and vegetables this week. Broccoli, sweet potatoes, avocados, onions, cucumbers, apples, pears, bananas, plums, grapes, and figs, oh my!

Celebrating my cousin's upcoming wedding at a fun bridal shower brunch.

Sharing Sugar Plum's happiness at attending her first high school dance with nine good friends.

Week ElevenSeptember 9-15

2011-09-16T13:01:00.002-06:00

Friday - 0 miles
Saturday - 1 miles
Sunday - 0 miles
Monday - 0 miles
Tuesday - 2 miles
Wednesday - 0 miles
Thursday - 3 miles

Total - 6 miles

Cumulative - 87 miles. Only 13 miles to go!

Week TenSeptember 2-8

2011-09-09T19:17:00.002-06:00

Friday - 2 miles
Saturday - 1 miles
Sunday - 0 miles
Monday - 3 miles
Tuesday - 0 miles
Wednesday - 0 miles
Thursday - 0 miles

Total - 6 miles

Cumulative - 81 miles. I've been a little "under the weather" the past several days, but the autumn weather has been quite nice so hopefully I'll be back at it tomorrow!

9/6/11 Happy Things

2011-09-06T22:00:00.002-06:00

Sitting on the front step shucking corn, enjoying the cooler autumn air and a bit of sunshine on my face.

Soaking in a hot tub with tuberose bubble bath, while reading a good book.

Summer in Review

2011-09-02T23:15:00.001-06:00

September has arrived. The kids are back in school. The days are getting shorter. Maybe (just maybe) the temperatures are getting more tolerable. I guess that summer is over. It passed very quickly - but, as you can see, it was filled with some good times!

Annual Women's Retreat at Alta Lodge

Museum of Church History and Art

Salt Lake Bees Baseball

Stadium of Fire

Weekend at The Homestead Resort

My Birthday

Utah Shakespeare Festival

Golden Spike National Historic Site

Week NineAugust 26-September 1

2011-09-02T21:33:00.002-06:00

Friday - 2 miles
Saturday - 2 miles
Sunday - 0 miles
Monday - 3 miles
Tuesday - 0 miles
Wednesday - 0 miles
Thursday - 3 miles

Total - 10 miles

Cumulative - 75 miles. I'm so pleased that I'm on pace to not only achieve but exceed my goal of 100 miles by September 30!

Week EightAugust 19-25

2011-08-26T21:34:00.003-06:00

Friday - 3 miles
Saturday - 1 mile
Sunday - 0 miles
Monday - 3 miles
Tuesday - 0 miles
Wednesday - 3 miles
Thursday - 0 miles

Total - 10 miles

Cumulative - 65 miles. Luckily I was able to walk in the early morning several days this week because it has been very, very hot!

Week SevenAugust 12-18

2011-08-19T13:54:00.001-06:00

Friday - 2 miles
Saturday - 2 miles
Sunday - 0 miles
Monday - 0 miles
Tuesday - 0 miles
Wednesday - 3 miles
Thursday - 0 miles

Total - 7 miles

Cumulative - 55 miles. I didn't walk as many days this week as I'd planned. But at least I walked some days!

Roadblocks

2011-08-15T18:56:00.002-06:00

When I got to work this morning, the entrance to the parking garage was blocked off. Apparently, building management is doing work in the garage over the next several weeks, and all this week the back (and, for me, the most convenient) entrance will be closed. I'll need to remember to go up another block each morning so I can enter through the front entrance.

On the way home from work, I stopped at the library. The entrance and parking lot are blocked off during construction of what I think is a senior center. Today I had to use the make-shift entrance and parking lot - and within two weeks, the entire library will be closed for three weeks while construction continues.

Traveling from the library to my house, I discovered a road block at the top of my street. I think they are laying new pipes under the road, something they've been working on in the neighborhood for months. I had to take a detour to make it home.

Are all these roadblocks symbolic of something in my life right now? Or maybe they are just a reminder that sometimes one needs to have a little tenacity to get where one wants to go.

In the Garden Where I Read on Friday Afternoon

2011-08-13T23:09:00.006-06:00

Where We Hiked on Thursday Evening

2011-08-13T22:57:00.002-06:00

What We Enjoyed on Wednesday Afternoon

2011-08-13T22:42:00.003-06:00

Brian Vaughn in The Music Man

Who I Heard at a Seminar on Wednesday Morning

2011-08-13T22:21:00.005-06:00

Director and Select Cast Members of A Midsummer Night's Dream (Which We Would See on Friday Night)

Who Gave the Orientation for The Glass Menagerie on Tuesday Night

2011-08-12T19:04:00.002-06:00

Fred Adams, Founder of the Utah Shakespeare Festival

What Made Me Laugh on Tuesday Afternoon

2011-08-12T19:00:00.003-06:00

Noises Off by Michael Frayn

Outside the Door Where We Woke Up Tuesday Morning

2011-08-12T18:56:00.004-06:00

The Garden Cottage Bed & Breakfast

Where We Saw Romeo and Juliet on Monday Night

2011-08-12T18:41:00.007-06:00

Adams Shakespearean Theatre

Week SixAugust 5-11

2011-08-12T13:00:00.002-06:00

Friday - 0 miles
Saturday - 3 miles
Sunday - 0 miles
Monday - 0 miles
Tuesday - 2 miles
Wednesday - 2 miles
Thursday - 4 miles

Total - 11 miles

Cumulative - 48 miles. I'm pleased with this week's effort! I'm almost halfway to my goal!

Week FiveJuly 29-August 4

2011-08-05T22:15:00.003-06:00

Friday - 0 miles
Saturday - 0 miles
Sunday - 0 miles
Monday - 0 miles
Tuesday - 1 miles
Wednesday - 0 miles
Thursday - 2 miles

Total - 3 miles

Cumulative - 37 miles. Where did this week go?! Hopefully next week will be a better week for walking.

Christ-Centered Living

2011-07-31T21:24:00.003-06:00

At church today, one of the hymns we sang was "Master, the Tempest Is Raging." Consider this line of the chorus:

No waters can swallow the ship where lies
The Master of ocean and earth and skies.

What a powerful concept! Any marriage, any family, any person in which Christ dwells cannot be destroyed by the storm-tossed sea!

So Happy Together

2011-07-30T13:38:00.008-06:00

Theme: Together

My son and daughter.
San Francisco. April 2011.

For information about the Photo Hunt, click here.

Week FourJuly 22-28

2011-07-29T17:35:00.001-06:00

Friday - 3 miles
Saturday - 2 miles
Sunday - 0 miles
Monday - 3 miles
Tuesday - 0 miles
Wednesday - 0 miles
Thursday - 0 miles

Total - 8 miles

Cumulative - 34 miles. I've been having some pain in my right leg, but I think I'm on pace to complete this challenge!

An Inspiration to Me

2011-07-26T22:00:00.000-06:00

This week I'm paying it forward to the Weeks Warriors. I've been reading Shannon's blog Mommy Going Crazy for several years - well before her daughter Brooklyn and son Tyson were diagnosed with juvenile diabetes in 2008 and 2009, respectively. I have no personal experience with juvenile diabetes, and I don't always understand what Shannon is talking about as she describes their struggles - but I'm always inspired by the things she does to fight against her children's disease and to fight for a cure.

Over the weekend I read this post about their Friday night adventure. Even now I'm getting weepy thinking about it. Brooklyn and Tyson are lucky to have such a great mom!

Team Weeks Warriors will be walking on August 20 in the 2011 JDRF Walk to Cure Diabetes. Tax-deductible contributions are being accepted here.

(Click on the button for more information about the "Pay It Forward" meme.)

Re-Visiting an Old Favorite

2011-07-24T22:04:00.004-06:00

Watching Star Trek: The Next Generation
via NetFlix is our family's lastest pastime!

Week ThreeJuly 15-21

2011-07-22T22:30:00.001-06:00

Friday - 3 miles
Saturday - 3 miles
Sunday - 0 miles
Monday - 0 miles
Tuesday - 2 miles
Wednesday - 2 miles
Thursday - 0 miles

Total - 10 miles

Cumulative - 26 miles. I've been feeling pretty lethargic with the summer heat - but I'm still committed to walking!

This Week's Facebook Statuses

2011-07-16T13:26:00.005-06:00

Monday: Tonight's family activity: Begin cleaning out the basement. If we're not back soon, please come and rescue us!

Tuesday: When I went out to my car at lunchtime to go get a sandwich, I discovered that I had a completely flat tire. Hooray for my knight in shining armor (aka WhiteRabbit) who got the tire repaired by the time I finished the work day!

Today: Sugar Bear and I went to the park this morning. I was expecting that there would be soccer games and kids on the playground. What I didn't expect was a parking lot full of Corvettes! Apparently, the Corvette Club of Utah was having a breakfast gathering. A lot of the cars had personalized license plates. My favorite - which I saw on a car that an older couple was getting into - was OUR RV!

Week TwoJuly 8-14

2011-07-15T13:30:00.004-06:00

Friday - 3 miles
Saturday - 3 miles
Sunday - 2 miles
Monday - 0 miles
Tuesday - 2 miles
Wednesday - 2 miles
Thursday - 0 miles

Total - 12 miles

Cumulative - 16 miles. I'm feeling good - both physically and psychologically - about my progress this week!

2011-07-10T20:44:00.005-06:00

I do not at all understand the mystery of grace - only that it
meets us where we are but does not leave us where it found us.
-Anne Lamott

At the Homestead Resort.
July 2011.

Rest and Relaxation

2011-07-09T17:00:00.000-06:00

The View from My Room

Where I Slept

Where I Sat to Read

The Painting on the Wall
Above the Desk Where I Put My Computer

What I Saw on the Way Home

Week OneJuly 1-7

2011-07-08T13:30:00.001-06:00

Friday - 0 miles
Saturday - 2 miles
Sunday - 0 miles
Monday - 2 miles
Tuesday - 0 miles
Wednesday - 0 miles
Thursday - 0 miles

Total - 4 miles

Off to a slow start. But at least it's a start!

We're Off!

2011-07-01T23:00:00.002-06:00

Hosted by Amanda and Jill.
July 1 to September 30.
100 Miles.
(Click on the button for the challenge blog).

A year ago yesterday I finished a five-year work commitment, and my new daily schedule gave me more time for many things I enjoy, including reading, volunteering at my son's school, sleeping - and walking. Between the first of July and Christmas, I logged quite a few miles - and I lost twelve pounds in the process.

Right after Christmas I started working a "day job" again. While I've enjoyed the work - and I have really loved the paycheck - my walking has dropped off dramatically. Discouragingly, I've also gained back those twelve pounds.

When I discovered that the 100-Mile Fitness Challenge was back, I jumped at the opportunity for some motivation and accountability as I resume a regular walking schedule. I'm thrilled that my friends Holly and daltongirl are participating too. We're off!

Much-Needed Motivation

2011-06-20T22:14:00.004-06:00

This week I'm paying it forward to the 100-Mile Fitness Challenge blog. A year and a half ago my participation in the challenge was a good thing in my life. Today I discovered that the challenge is back for July 1-September 30 - and that's just what I need to motivate me to get walking regularly again!

(Click on the button for more information about the "Pay It Forward" meme.)