Pictures of the Young 'Uns

Ben has been trying to avoid getting his picture taken lately. But here are a few that we've successfully captured.



Brianna, on the other hand, is ALWAYS game!

Aren't they precious??

The Origin of Rules

No singing at the table.

That is a rule at my parent's home. I grew up thinking that that was a standard rule in every household. I remember being quite surprised to find that there was no such rule at my friends' houses. I thought all rules were universal.

As I have grown older, I have often wondered what events transpired in order to create such a rule. So far as I know, there is no record of the birth of this rule. We did have eight kids in my family. And we were NOT the Von Trapps. Perhaps, my parents had endured one too many off-key performances at the table. However, the rule was in force for as long as I can remember, so I blame it on my older siblings. Whatever brought it about, it must have been their fault! ;)

And so, for the sake of any potential younger siblings Ben and Brianna may have, I am recording the birth of a new rule at our home: No pounding on the door while Mommy is showering, unless the house is on fire, or someone is dying.

Let me just say, in my defense, that this was not a little fist pounding on the door. No, this was full-body slamming against the door, over, and over, and over, and over, and over. . . . Let me also say, in my defense, that I started out by asking very nicely, followed by yelling nicely (yes, there is such a thing), followed by yelling without the niceness, followed by screaming my lungs out, followed by me throwing my towel around my dripping, soapy body, throwing open my door, and SCREAMING the new rule.

Not my best parenting moment. After I finished my shower (without any more pounding, incidentally) and had gotten dressed, I sat down with my young 'uns and apologized for YELLING and then calmly re-explained the rule.

That was yesterday. Today, there was not so much as a tiny knock on my door while I showered. Dare I hope??

So, did you/do you have any strange/unique rules at your house?

Crowd Pleasing Spinach Dip (aka, Knorr Spinach Dip)

1 package (10 oz.) baby spinach, chopped, or 1 package (10 oz.) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 container (16 oz.) sour cream
1 cup Hellmann's or Best Foods Real Mayonnaise
1 package Knorr Vegetable recipe mix
1 can (8 oz.) water chestnuts, drained and chopped
3 green onion, chopped

Combine all ingredients and chill about 2 hours. Serve with your favorite dippers. I like to serve it with really good bread to dip in it.

(See how much I love you, Corrie.)

Gone Are The Days of Privacy

Today, three quarters of the way through my shower, I heard the lock on my bathroom door click. In walks my TWO YEAR OLD, with the proudest look in the world on her face, as she shows me the "tool" that she just used to pick the lock.

She's TWO!! TWO and she PICKED THE LOCK!!! . . . Boy are we in trouble!

Brazilian Black Bean Chili

For the last nine years, the Wards we've been in have had an annual Chili Cook-off. James has won several times with his traditional Brazilian dish. It's true name is Feijoada, however, in order to be able to enter it into the competition, James has called it Brazilian Black Bean Chili. He has even added a smidgeon of chili powder from time to time, so that he doesn't feel like he's cheating. Well, now that we will no longer be entering competitions in those wards, we have decided to share the top secret recipe. Here it is, folks:

Feijoada (Brazilian Black Beans)

1 lb. Black beans, Soak overnight in lots of water

The next day, rinse beans. Then, put beans in pressure cooker and cover with enough water to have about 2" water above beans. Cook on high until pressure builds up. Then turn down to medium-low heat (enough to maintain pressure) and cook for about 20 minutes. Once cooled off and pressure is gone (follow pressure cooker instructions to ensure safety), remove lid and continue to simmer on stove top.

Seasoning:
4-6 cloves crushed or diced garlic, Sautee in vegetable or olive oil until golden brown, then add to beans, oil and all.
Salt to taste (approximately 4 teaspoons)

Optional:
4-6 Bay Leaves
Cilantro to taste.
Meat, (as much or as little as you like) add to simmering beans. For example: ½ lb. Pre-cooked bacon, ½ lb. smoked sausage, and/or ½ lb. pre-cooked seasoned pork. (I’ve been known to put up to 2 lbs of meat in a pot of beans, but it is optional according to personal preference.)

Allow to simmer as long as desired. The longer it is allowed to simmer, the more the flavors infuse and the thicker the end product will be. Of course, you can always add water if it becomes thicker than you would prefer.

Serve over Brazilian-style rice. (Note: if served over regular rice, the flavor may seem very bland.)

Brazilian-style rice

Hint: Brazilian rice, unlike Asian rice, is not sticky. Ideally, each grain should be separate from the others. It is also seasoned and flavorful.

2 cloves crushed or diced garlic, Sautee in 2-4 tablespoons olive oil. Then add:
2 cups regular white rice, uncooked. Sautee uncooked rice in oil until most of the translucent rice becomes opaque (white), stirring constantly. (Hint: When rice is first added to oil and garlic, it will become translucent, then as it cooks it will become opaque. Sometimes this happens very quickly.) Then add:
4 cups very hot water (should begin to boil immediately.) Then add:
Salt, to taste (approximately 2 tsp ) (Hint: The water should just barely, but definitely, taste salty.)

Reduce heat, cover and simmer 20 minutes or until rice is soft and no water is left in the bottom.
Optional:
1/4 to ½ cup diced carrots
1/4 to ½ cup raisins
1/4 cup chopped chives
Sounds kind of strange, but tastes really good.

Farofa (Topping that adds lots of flavor and texture.)

Sautee minced garlic and chopped onion in butter. Add desired quantity of manioc flour (may substitute corn meal or cream of wheat). Add salt (or better yet "Arisco Tempero Compelto") and parsley. May also add chopped bacon or smoked sausage. Sprinkle on top of beans and rice.

Ah, . . . Brianna

Brianna, as most of you know, is full of energy and life. She is quick to smile, and smart as a whip --actually WAAAAY smarter! (What a dumb saying anyway!)

She talks more and more everyday, and often parrots what we say. No one in the family can say a prayer out loud without her trying to repeat each phrase. This drives Ben nuts, so when he prays, you would think it was an Olympic sport with him trying to speak as fast as he possibly can! She still keeps up rather well, which drives him nuts all the more.

Speaking of Olympics, we have to be careful what we let Brianna watch, because she attempts to imitate what she sees. I had gymnastics on the other day, and she started trying to do some tumbling, and hand-stands. Then, just today, I was watching the platform diving that I had recorded from last night. Many of the athletes were doing hand-stands on the edge of the platform before diving. Next thing I knew, Brianna was attempting a hand-stand on the edge of our ottoman!! Eye, yi, yi!!

She is fearless with those sorts of things, and is a very social girl. However, the last few weeks, she has relapsed with separation anxiety. This has been a challenge for both of us. Sometimes, she'll walk out of the room where we were just together, and as soon as I'm out of sight, she'll holler, "Mo-om, wa-aare you?" As if I was the one who left?!

When James leaves for work, she loves to stand on the landing and wave and blow kisses and say over and over, "Bye, bye, Daddy!" "Love you, Daddy!" "See you later, Daddy!"

Brianna has kept me VERY busy the last few weeks, as she goes from one piece of mischief to another. She seems determined to fully redefine the terrible twos. Today she drew all over our ottoman with a red pen. At lunch, she threw her PB & H sandwich against the wall. Then at the grocery store . . . well, let's just say that I've compiled a list of things I'd rather do before EVER shopping with her again: among them is bamboo shoots under my fingernails; scrubbing toilets in public restrooms; and getting a back-scratch on a severe sunburn!

When she throws a fit -- and she can throw a MAJOR fit -- Ben can often get her to go from crying and screaming, to belly laughing! Her laugh is brilliant, and brings a sense of hope to the world: If kids can still laugh like that, then there is still goodness in the world.

I do believe, even with all of her mischief, as long as Brianna is in the world, there will be Joy!!

Thoughts on Luke 10: The Good Samaritan and Martha

I think it is not insignificant that the account in Luke 10 of the exchange between Martha and the Savior in regard to Mary’s not helping her prepare the meal is found immediately following the parable of the Good Samaritan.

38 ¶ Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house.

39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
40 But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
41 And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things:
42 But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.
(New Testament Luke 10:38 - 42)

**Mary was living the first and greatest commandment: "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind...." (Luke 10:27) Martha was living, in part, the second: "...and thy neighbor as thyself" as she was trying to prepare a special meal for the Savior and those who accompanied Him. And inasmuch as it was the Savior she was trying to serve, she, too, was living the first.

**Martha did not receive Jesus’ very gentle rebuke until she had complained against Mary. (Luke 10:38 - 42)

**Sometimes the "neighbors" who most need our ‘compassion’ and the ‘binding up’ of their wounds, and to be carried and cared for, are the ones found in our own households. (Luke 10:33-34) Martha needed to "shew mercy on [Mary]" (v.37). She needed to "go and do thou likewise."

**Certainly the priest and the Levite were "careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and [the Good Samaritan] hath chosen that good part which shall not be taken away from [him]." (Luke 10:31-32, 41-42)

**I’m sure Martha would have rather been sitting at the Savior’s feet also, but seeing her guests and knowing they would need nourishment, felt it her duty to provide. In doing so, however, she failed to trust in that God who fed the multitudes.

**How often am I anxiously engaged in good causes, or "cumbered about much serving", and am missing "that good part, which shall not be taken away from [me]?"v40,42

First Day of First Grade

I just dropped Ben off to his first day of First Grade! . . . I'm a mess. I didn't have this hard of a time when he went to Kindergarten. In fact, I had wished that Kindergarten lasted longer each day. But now, he will spend more time (of his waking hours) away from me, than he will with me.

He looked so lost, and little, and forlorn as I waved good-bye to him from the doorway. I don't feel like I prepared him well enough for this. Excuse me, while I go get a tissue.

Misc.

A quick explanation: You haven't heard from me for a number of reasons: moving, vacation, and getting settled are among them. However, it is significant that I haven't had a home phone, internet, or TV (which has nothing to do with not communicating, but has been painful nonetheless) until last Thursday. However, we have yet to figure out what our new e-mail address is. I hope to call the company (local) on Monday and get that sorted out. So, anyway, if you want my new info (some of you have already let me know) you can respond in the comments, and I will get it to you (provided I have yours . . . Oh, and provided that you're not some creepy freak who's intent on stalking my family.)

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As parent, we try to instill goodness, honesty, and correct principles. In connection with this, I've been trying to teach Ben to treat others the way he would want to be treated.

The other day, Ben came to me with a necklace that he had picked out for me, and which I had purchased for $1.00. He said to me, "Mom, I've been thinking about the golden rule. Since I gave you this necklace, I was wondering when you were going to give me something.?"

So close, . . . and yet soooo far away!


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Brianna is getting more and more independent. At her two-year old check-up, the Pediatrician warned that we would probably see some regression with the big move. Boy, was he wrong! Brianna now thinks she is a teenager!! It is lucky she is soooooo incredibly cute, because she is already rolling her eyes at her parents, giving crusty looks, and saying our names with that 'I can't believe you really want me to do that' tone.
Thankfully, she balances that with her sweet, funny, darling little personality. She keeps us laughing and smiling (even when she's giving us 'tude.)

Today, during Sacrament meeting, she got my phone out and was playing with it. So that she wouldn't accidently call someone, I turned it off. When she realized this, she said, with complete authority in her voice, "No Mommy!! No, No, Mommy!! Naughty!"

Then, after church, I retrieved something from the dishwasher and closed it. She was standing there, and said, "No, Mommy. Wrong!" I said, "What? I closed the dishwasher wrong?" She said, "Wrong! Quick, go!" and she tried to shoo me from the kitchen!

She is a hoot!

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Today, when I walked out to the car, Ben said, "Wow, mom! You look soooooo pretty! You look even prettier than you did yesterday! In fact, you look marvelous!"

Hmmm, I'm feeling pretty good about now.


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Waaaah! Boo Hoo!

I'm missing my dear friends that we left. I don't yet feel a part of this ward, though everybody's nice. There's no one here who knows my heart, and no one here whose heart I know. I understand that this will come with time, but that isn't helping me to miss all my dear friends any less.

So, here's to you, my stellar friends! To those who accepted me without judgement; who allowed me into your hearts and lives; who lifted and encouraged me when I was down; who made me laugh (and cry); whom I know I could call and count on for help; who understood me, and knew my story; to each and every one of you: I LOVE YOU AND I MISS YOU LIKE CRAZY!!!

This week, I took Ben to get registered for 1st grade. I had looked on-line to see what information I needed to bring. I gathered the information, and felt confident that we could go and get this done. However, as I sat there, filling out the paperwork, I realized: I don't have a Pediatrician yet; I don't even know anyone to call to get a recommendation; I don't know two people to put as emergency contacts who would be allowed to pick up Ben! Suddenly, I felt rather alone.

As I left with the incomplete paperwork, I decided to ease my sadness, by taking the kids to lunch. Half-way through lunch, Ben gets this horrible lower abdominal pain. He's bent over double, and crying. So, I consolidate our food into one kids meal bag; shove that into the diaper bag; pick Ben up; and try to get Brianna to follow us to the car. So, with no pediatrician, and no one to call for a recommendation, I started driving, not sure what to do. Ben is telling me he wants to go to a doctor, so I head to the ER, but on the way I realize: I don't know if we have insurance yet!! At this point, I had to remind myself that I was the adult, and that my curling up in the fetal position, rocking back and forth, and sobbing would do nothing to help my boy.

So, instead, I went to this really great ENT and had him check on my boy. He determined that it wasn't appendicitis, and that was as much as we figured out. I loaded the kids back up, and headed home. On the way, the pain subsided.

The moral of the story: I miss you! I know I could have called any of you for a recommendation or for help or advice. But you were waaaaay across the country, and we were here.

The other moral of the story: Moving far away from everyone and everything that is familiar really stinks. (Sorry, Tiff.)