Me, Just Thinkin', Friends, Misc., A Prayer

I'm not sure what to write. I haven't had any brilliant insights, or really any deep thoughts for quite sometime, it seems. I was re-reading my posts from last November and had the very distinct thought that I liked who I was one year ago, much better than I like who I am now.

Many key things have improved in my life over this past year. I am so very blessed. However, I am feeling a bit lost, and am trying to get my feet under me. It's all part of moving, I guess.

Last time we moved, it coincided with the beginning of James' rigorous training. He began working 80-100+ hours per week. I was in a totally new town, didn't really know anyone. I had a one year old, and was a stay at home mom. James was gone, and even when he was home, he was mentally, physically, and emotionally exhausted. He had nothing left to give. Though I didn't fully recognize it at the time, I fell into a deep depression.

Strangely enough, I think it was my decision to go back to work after about eight months that started to pull me out of my depression. It was only part time, two days per week, but I see it as a turning point in my downward spiral. Perhaps it was having to be dressed up and to someplace on time. Perhaps it was the interaction with other adults. Whatever it was, it helped.

There were/are wonderful people in my last ward who reached out to me, and continued to reach out to me, and who didn't give up on me even though I was very hard to reach. My shy tendencies combined with the depression did not make it easy for them. I count them as some of my very dearest friends. Whenever I sing "Nearer My God to Thee" I think of them when I come to the line: "angels to beckon me, nearer my God to thee". They are sisters of my heart. Their strength, wisdom, examples, friendship, and the beauty of how they lived their lives and how they reached out to and served me and each other truly lifted me, and helped me to become a person that I actually liked. They helped me to find a voice and a confidence that I had never before enjoyed.

I'm afraid I've lost some of that now. I may be one of those people who needs a really strong support system in order to be a balanced, positive contributor to society. I'm struggling with not having any close friends here yet. I'm struggling with figuring out James' and my roles in our new situation. And, I'm afraid, I'm struggling with another downward spiral.

I want to get back to that person that I was and liked a year ago. But, I must say, I don't want any of the trials back that have passed, whether in full or in part. Although, I am grateful for the growth and blessings that have come from them. I suppose that this is a new trial, of sorts. I'm sure that new growth and new blessings will come with this new trial. Maybe I'll even start having insights and deep thoughts, and maybe a friend or two. . . . I wish I wasn't so hard to get to know.

Can a person take all of the wonderful things that they've learned and become, and still retain them even with a cross-country move that feels as if it's turned their world on end? I know a person should be able to; but can THIS person?

Oh, please, Father in Heaven, let me retain my old friendships, and create new. Let me build on the lessons and blessings that I have received, and help me to receive any new blessings and lessons that Thou hast in store for me. Help me to be able to make a positive impact on those within my circle of influence. Help me to enjoy the blessings that each day has to offer.

O Por Satrda

The lyrics to Ben's most recent song, entitled, O Por Satrda (Oh, Poor Saturday):

Oh, poor Saturday
Forgets his underwear
Forgets his socks
Runs into Mrs. Weirdy
Never sees the sun
Everyday is late for school
Goes to the Principal everyday
His mommy gives him spanks all day
Never lets him run or play
Oh poor Saturday!!

For your convenience, I translated from the phonetic spellings. I will try to get video of him singing this for you.

A Fun and Adventurous Weekend

Look at these cute kids! Ben felt that he needed to look very intense for the pictures -- we don't know why, we don't question why.
Brianna absolutely LOVED trick-or-treating, and made a point of informing most people that she was dressed as a "fuh-fie fairy" (a butterfly fairy). She would turn around so that people could get a better look at her wings! She was really cute about the whole thing.

Then, Saturday morning, we headed off on an adventure to attend our first BYU game in a decade! It was so fun, and really quite an exciting game. BYU won, (which may be due, in part, to Ben's prayer) but it was a close, back and forth game with LOTS of mistakes. Strangely enough, that does keep a game very interesting and exciting!

I included this first picture because I look so amazingly fabulous! Apparently, James was taking our picture while I was busy eating a mouthful of popcorn. Oh well.

Isn't she the cutest little cougar fan?? She loved Cosmo, but she did keep getting confused. She kept saying, "Go Buckeyes!" I guess you can take the girl out of Ohio, but you can't take Ohio out of the girl!

Every time the other team would score, they would fire a cannon. It was quite loud, and Brianna didn't like it a bit. However, it wasn't until after the third or fourth time that I finally figured out what she kept saying afterward: "Softly! No slam the door!"

Ben liked the game as well. He was able to follow and understand it pretty well. Afterward, at the hotel, he and James watched the end of the Texas vs Texas Tech game, and Ben was really into it, and commenting. It made me smile to hear him sounding so grown up. Brianna kept yelling at the TV "Get him! Get him!" I guess she learned a thing or two about football, too.

Brianna almost got to meet Cosmo, but that was as close as they came. We had pretty good seats, and could see the field very well.

On our drive home, Sunday, our car began to malfunction as we came over some very BIG mountains. The accelerator just decided to stop accelerating, so we turned around and limped back, on a different, flatter road and ran into this scene. James immediately pulled over and jumped out to get some great pictures. In the end, we went to a Checker Auto Parts, where they checked the codes and found that it was an O2 sensor malfunction. They cleared the code, and we drove home just fine.






I hope you had a wonderful weekend, too!

Let the Voice of the People Be Heard!

A dear friend of mine shared with me that when she was growing up, they had a neighbor who would often comment to her mother that he always waited for the political signs to show up on her lawn in order for him to know for whom to vote.

In regard to the gifts of the Spirit we learn:

For all have not every gift given unto them; for there are many gifts, and to every man is given a gift by the Spirit of God.
12 To some is given one, and to some is given another, that all may be profited thereby.
13 To some it is given by the Holy Ghost to know that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and that he was crucified for the sins of the world.
14 To others it is given to believe on their words, that they also might have eternal life if they continue faithful.
(Doctrine and Covenants Section 46:11 - 14)

I am wondering if there might be a parallel to things as they are in the political arena. I, personally, believe that my right to vote is a privilege, and I humbly acknowledge that there are many in today's world who live without that privilege. I am very aware of, and incredibly grateful for those who risked and/or gave their lives in order to afford me a right to vote. I am grateful to live in a country that believes in letting each voice be heard. I want you to know and understand that I don't take this responsibility/privilege lightly.

That being said, I feel like a total idiot whenever the topic of politics comes up. I feel like an infant trying to understand the conversation of adults around me. I trust none of the propaganda. I feel like I'm drowning in an ocean of political mumbo jumbo with every corrupt politician for himself, and I keep hoping for some life-line of truth to be thrown to me.

Because of this, I pay very close attention to the views of those whom I know and trust who are close to me. These people, though they may not know it, are like my friend's mom. I am "watching for the signs" to pop up in their yards, so to speak.

Currently, there is an on-going discussion, via e-mail, about our current political situation between my family members. I doubt any of them comprehends how I'm hanging on every word; how I appreciate the expressions of their beliefs and positions in ways that even I can understand. There are others whom I trust, whose opinions I respect and would love to hear. You, dear reader, are included. (At least everyone that I know of who reads this blog.)

Sadly, in religion and politics, people often hold back in sharing what they feel and believe, for fear of offending, or starting a heated debate. I don't like heated debates either, in fact, I usually stop listening when it gets that way. But, I do believe that we are meant to discuss and share, and that if each person understands that every person has a right to their own opinions and stances, and if we can each respect that, then why can't there be more open discussions?

For those of you who hold back for these reasons, let me just say, that there are some of us out here who need "to believe on your words." I think the voice of the people, not the politicians, needs to be heard more often for those of us who need help understanding this stuff.

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Now it is not common that the voice of the people desireth anything contrary to that which is right; but it is common for the lesser part of the people to desire that which is not right; therefore this shall ye observe and make it your law—to do your business by the voice of the people.
27 And if the time comes that the voice of the people doth choose iniquity, then is the time that the judgments of God will come upon you; yea, then is the time he will visit you with great destruction even as he has hitherto visited this land.
(Book of Mormon Mosiah 29:26 - 27)

Brianna Joy

Yesterday, as I was putting something on the shelf in my pantry, I knocked something off of the shelf and it fell directly on my toe. Ouch, ouch, owie!!! As I said something to this effect, Brianna inquired, "What happened? Whatsa matter?" I told her that something fell on my toe and she responded, "Oh, sweetheart! I'm sooo sorry!"

It was so sweet and came so naturally to her.

She's just like that. Very sweet and tenderhearted, but with a large dose of mischievousness. She loooves to tease. And, when she's told not to do something, she'll make and maintain eye contact with you while she proceeds to do exactly what you just told her not to do.

When we were at the store a while ago, she swiped a candy at the check-out and was holding it behind her back while smiling sweetly at James and I. James said, "No, Brianna, put it back. That's not yours." She quickly moved to other tactics, such as trying to make us laugh, while still keeping the candy. When that didn't work, the cute little stinker tried to open the package before James could get it away from her.

Yesterday, little Brianna was sick. She had a little fever and a lot of diarrhea. Her poor little bum was just hurting soo much. We talked about her getting a blessing, and later, she went to the door that her Daddy leaves and comes through and said, "Daddy, prayer" and put her little hands on her head. When daddy got home, she received her blessing and is feeling much better today.

Whenever I sneeze, I can pretty much count on Brianna to say, "bless you." She is really quite consistent with her manners: please, thank you, you're welcome, etc. She is so incredibly smart and perceptive. She misses nothing, not even little nuances of movement or meaning and can imitate immediately.

She is so strong in gymnastics. The teacher/coach and the other parents are always commenting on her strength and abilities. James and I often say how glad we are that we don't live in China, where she would be sure to be swiped for a future Olympic team. (You know, in, like, eight years or so.)

Our Rising Rock Star!!!

Ben is our rising Rock Star!! He made up this song all by himself.

Lyrics:

I try to not be funny

But I've got a little bunny.

He has two big ears that hear really well.

He's never late for the morning bell.

And the Winner Is . . .

I know you've been waiting with baited breath. So, without further ado, the winner of the drawing part of the tRcg Recipe Contest is:

Tiffany of the Would-Be Writer's Guild . Wahoo!! Congratulations Tiffany!!

Incidentally, if you're sad about missing out on the $10 gift card to Target, Tiffany is holding an $11 cash give-away right now on her site.

Now, for those of you who are of a suspicious nature, I promise there was no nepotism involved. The drawing was completely fair and unbiased.

By the way, WOW!! What great recipes!! Thanks for all of you who entered! I've got a lot of cooking to do. We have tried two recipes so far, and they were both delicious! This is going to be a lot harder than I thought. James is really excited about all of this good food that is going to feed him, and Ben is taking his role as one of the judges quite seriously. (FYI, a little authority can be a dangerous thing for a six-year-old!) Brianna, well, if we could get her to sit still long enough to actually eat a complete meal, we would consider that a success!

Recipe Contest

I have been in a dinner idea slump of gargantuan proportions. Since about, oh, February. Yes, I know it's October. That's a l-o-n-g time for my poor family to suffer for my lack of dinner genius. Even the Food Network hasn't revived my creativity.

Out of love for my dear family, and because we are sick of repeatedly eating pancakes and/or oatmeal for every meal, I am pleased to announce the first tRcg Dinner Recipe Contest!!

Here are the rules:

1. Write your favorite quick go-to meal in the comments.

2. Somewhere included in the meal there must be a vegetable or salad.

3. Recipes which include the following ingredients will promptly be disqualified: liver, brussel sprouts, pig's feet, tongue, and anchovies.

4. It has to be a recipe that YOU actually like and make.

5. All entries must be submitted by Sunday, October 12, 11pm MST.


Winners will be chosen in the following two ways:

1. All contestants will have their names put into a hat, and one winner will be chosen at random. (I promise there will be no peeking.)

2. After my family has had a chance to try the recipes, my family will vote on its favorite recipe, and that contestant will also win a prize. (This phase of the contest will take a bit longer, of course. But I promise that there will be a second winner, and they WILL receive a prize.)

The winner chosen at random will receive a $10 gift card to Target!

The winner for the best recipe (as determined by the taste buds of my family) will receive a $25 gift card to Target!

Tips: I love quick, one-dish meals. (Your recipe doesn't HAVE to be a one-dish meal. I do make non-one-dish meals too!) James REALLY loves FLAVOR.

Life is Fun

The other night, when Ben was supposed to be in bed, he came down to get us, and said that we should go check out the bathroom. He had cleaned the bathroom, and had left a note. The note read:

IhoptatyouluvewutididtoothePlas.

Translation: I hope that you love what I did to the place.

What a great kid. I suppose if you want to not get in trouble for being out of bed, this is a good approach!

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Why would anyone make these gross plastic cockroaches?? . . . I guess because there are little boys in the world (some of them disguised in adult bodies!)

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Brianna is certainly the life of the party. Whenever we are going to any kind of get together, I tell her we are going to a party. She gets so excited and says over and over, "Party time! Party time! Party time!"

When my mom and neices were coming, I tried to explain to Brianna that we would have a party when she woke up, because they would arrive after she was in bed. She kept asking, "Party comin'? Party comin'?"

Even though she's only two, she has a great sense of humor, and what makes it even funnier to me, is that she knows she's being funny.

A Very Fun Girly Weekend!

Well, I'm sure you knew that it wasn't fair to make a new blanket for Ben, and not make one for Brianna as well. So, here's her blanket:

Of course, I had help with hers. Last weekend I had the privilege of hosting the annual Granddaughter's Sleep-Over that my mom does each year with her, well, Granddaughters. What a cool Grandma, huh? As part of the sleep-over, they were so kind as to tie the quilt for Brianna. Aren't they cute?? We went for a scenic drive in our jammies, first thing in the morning!

Then we went to three different garage sales, IN OUR JAMMIES, with bed-head and all. Garage saleing in jammies was a high-light for the girls. (And, thankfully, I didn't run into anyone I knew!) As I passed one family at one of the garage sales I said, "If you think we look bad now, you should have seen us before we got ready for the day!"

We also did hair, and nails, and watched several movies, and visited, and ate yummy food! It was a blast! And after having been away for nine years, it was really fun to have this time to reconnect with them.