Many, many years ago, before my third daughter was born, I was invited to join a group of lovely individuals in a group that was affectionately titled, "Sew...What's New?" The object of the group was to meet once a month working on counted cross-stitch or other craft projects, partaking of delicious food, and enjoying each others company. My family soon learned that the first Wednesday of every month was sacred. It was my time to relax and rejuvenate. Only Ron's birthday which occasionally occurred on the first Wednesday in December would keep me away from my friends.
For many, many years I faithfully brought a project each month. Sometimes I cross-stitched, sometimes I painted wooden objects to decorate my home, sometimes I worked on other special projects. However, as the years passed, the project bringing and making dwindled. I was so tired at night that ALL I wanted to do was sit, laugh, eat, and visit with friends. (Not necessarily in that order.) Many of the other members followed this pattern. Oh, a few still brought projects along. Lori was quite good at keeping up the cross-stitching and Marian brought bills to pay. Candy would bring her card making supplies and Trina would bring her stack of neglected magazines to peruse. But, it certainly wasn't like the "golden olden days." And you know what? I was OK with that.
When I moved to my cute little town, attending Sew What's New (or SWN for short) was pretty much out of the question. Driving nearly two hours each way wasn't too practical. It was also the same evening as the FFA's parent booster meeting. Those three letters soon replaced my SWN monthly adventures. Sadly, FFA was lacking in the laughter, sitting comfortably (I usually stood because of the lack of chairs in the high school classroom) catching up with friends (although I certainly caught up with Ag business) and delicious treats.
And then...last week I was introduced to EGA! Just what is EGA? I'm SO glad you asked!
A week earlier when I was sponsoring book club at my home, one of the women noticed my plethora of counted cross-stitch items adorning the walls of my home. As the meeting came to a close, she asked if I had done them. I told her I did.
"Would you be interested in coming to my embroidery group next Wednesday morning? We meet on the 4th Wednesday of the month at the church."
Interestingly, I had been at Michael's just the day before and came across a darling cross-stitch pattern book. Impulsively I purchased it, bought some Aida and came home with great anticipation. After two or three years of putting counted cross-stitch on the back burner, I was excited about picking it up again! So, when Dawn asked if I would like to join her, I excitedly said, "Yes."
OK, I was kind of picturing a small group of women sitting around a large classroom, embroidering and talking away. That is NOT what I found.
Instead, I discovered eight long tables set up in a U-shape with nearly every chair taken. I was warmly greeted and sat down and began working on my new project. These women are SERIOUS! I found out that they are a chapter of the Embroidery Guild of America or EGA for short. They have gorgeous bags and carrying cases for their supplies. They have flosses and yarns and a variety of needles. They wore special "things" around their necks that had EGA stitched on it with golden pins and golden stars recognizing their finished pieces. They had a PRESIDENT who conducted a business meeting. They had committee heads who reported on membership, humanitarian work, awards, and a variety of other things I don't remember.
After nearly an hour of business, we went to the adjacent kitchen and ate the most amazing food! It was nearly as delicious as what a SWN meeting would offer. I met a retired librarian (my ultimate dream job), and women who have been embroidering for a few years and women who have spent a life time pursuing their passion.
When we finished eating, we went back to the large room and the guest teacher was introduced. She shared with us the history of lace making and how to make lace on a bobbin. I don't think I will EVER attempt lace-making (although Emily has challenged me to try to make lace gloves for her wedding some 5 or 6 years in the future.) I learned a lot and enjoyed the companionship of women who have similar interests.
Before I left the meeting, I was given a colored brochure inviting me to become part of the EGA. And you know what, even though it is way more hardcore than my wonderful SWN group, I think I will! I had a fantastic time.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
There Are No Coincidences
Recently I finished President Monson's inspiring biography To the Rescue. Near the end of the book, the author recounts several experiences that President Monson had. Many people would say that they were coincidences, but President Monson firmly believes that "there are no coincidences."
Nearly two weeks ago, I was working in the Oakland Temple. I don't have any say in where I'll be assigned. I was hoping that I might be assigned to work the front door from 11:00 am until 11:30 when my shift ends so I might greet my cute niece Nikki and her handsome husband-to-be Kirk when they entered the temple. I knew they were scheduled to be married at 12:30 pm and there was a good chance they would arrive during that time period. Imagine my delight when I looked at my schedule and saw that that was where I was assigned! Sure enough, shortly before 11:30 am Nikki arrived in her wedding dress accompanied by her mother. The happy couple had been taking pictures before the wedding. A few minutes later, Kirk also showed up. I greeted them with a hug and escorted them to a room to make sure all their paperwork was in order. I really feel like my temple coordinator was inspired to assign me during that time.
But, that is not the end of the story of "there are no coincidences."
Earlier that morning I was scheduled to spend two hours in the Youth Center. A family was being sealed and they have 2 1/2 year old twin sons. I had never worked there before, but it was fun playing with them and keeping them happy and entertained until it was time for them to go upstairs to be sealed. They were pretty happy--until it was time to go up the elevator. The twin I was carrying had a melt-down. I found out later he is terrified of elevators. Nothing would calm him down. His crying set off his brother and we made quite an entrance to the sealing room in the normally quiet temple. As I walked into the sealing room, tears came to my eyes. I was going to be part of a sacred experience as a family was joined together eternally. I was so grateful to be there and witness this event. As I looked at the parents, the mother looked vaguely familiar but I knew I had never met her before. Soon, it was time to go back down the dreaded elevator and soon the father picked up his twin sons at the youth center. I didn't think I would ever see this family again.
I told Ron and Emily about my experiences in the temple later Friday afternoon. A couple of days later, I was sitting in church when a toddler began screaming and crying.
"Ron," I whispered, "Do you hear that baby? That's the same kind of cry that was in the temple on Friday."
Then I looked at the child being carried out. And I looked at the parent who was doing the carrying. Imagine my shock when I realized that the family I helped out was sitting in my Sacrament meeting! I wrote a hasty note to my brother and sister-in-law asking who the family was. It WAS the same family I helped out! My eyes were not playing tricks on me.
After Sacrament meeting, I went up to the mother and said, "Do you remember me? I helped your little boys in the temple on Friday." She smiled and said, "You looked familiar, but I wasn't sure where I knew you."
Ron, Emily, and I have moved into a large ward. I am still meeting people every week even though we've been here nearly 11 months. What a wonderful way to form a connection with a young family in the ward.
I believe there are no coincidences.
Nearly two weeks ago, I was working in the Oakland Temple. I don't have any say in where I'll be assigned. I was hoping that I might be assigned to work the front door from 11:00 am until 11:30 when my shift ends so I might greet my cute niece Nikki and her handsome husband-to-be Kirk when they entered the temple. I knew they were scheduled to be married at 12:30 pm and there was a good chance they would arrive during that time period. Imagine my delight when I looked at my schedule and saw that that was where I was assigned! Sure enough, shortly before 11:30 am Nikki arrived in her wedding dress accompanied by her mother. The happy couple had been taking pictures before the wedding. A few minutes later, Kirk also showed up. I greeted them with a hug and escorted them to a room to make sure all their paperwork was in order. I really feel like my temple coordinator was inspired to assign me during that time.
But, that is not the end of the story of "there are no coincidences."
Earlier that morning I was scheduled to spend two hours in the Youth Center. A family was being sealed and they have 2 1/2 year old twin sons. I had never worked there before, but it was fun playing with them and keeping them happy and entertained until it was time for them to go upstairs to be sealed. They were pretty happy--until it was time to go up the elevator. The twin I was carrying had a melt-down. I found out later he is terrified of elevators. Nothing would calm him down. His crying set off his brother and we made quite an entrance to the sealing room in the normally quiet temple. As I walked into the sealing room, tears came to my eyes. I was going to be part of a sacred experience as a family was joined together eternally. I was so grateful to be there and witness this event. As I looked at the parents, the mother looked vaguely familiar but I knew I had never met her before. Soon, it was time to go back down the dreaded elevator and soon the father picked up his twin sons at the youth center. I didn't think I would ever see this family again.
I told Ron and Emily about my experiences in the temple later Friday afternoon. A couple of days later, I was sitting in church when a toddler began screaming and crying.
"Ron," I whispered, "Do you hear that baby? That's the same kind of cry that was in the temple on Friday."
Then I looked at the child being carried out. And I looked at the parent who was doing the carrying. Imagine my shock when I realized that the family I helped out was sitting in my Sacrament meeting! I wrote a hasty note to my brother and sister-in-law asking who the family was. It WAS the same family I helped out! My eyes were not playing tricks on me.
After Sacrament meeting, I went up to the mother and said, "Do you remember me? I helped your little boys in the temple on Friday." She smiled and said, "You looked familiar, but I wasn't sure where I knew you."
Ron, Emily, and I have moved into a large ward. I am still meeting people every week even though we've been here nearly 11 months. What a wonderful way to form a connection with a young family in the ward.
I believe there are no coincidences.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Last Thursday was my turn to host book club. I was very excited. We had read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society. In honor of the book, I served three foods that had something to do with the book in some small way. OK, one of the foods had nothing to do with the book, but I served it anyway.
The Guernsey book club was hastily formed to protect a group of friends after they roasted a pig secretly. Guernsey was occupied by the Germans during World War II and all livestock was confiscated. It was illegal for them to slaughter and eat this hidden pig so when a few German soldiers found them after curfew, Elizabeth (one of the main characters in the book) quickly thought up a lie to protect them. She told them that they had been meeting to discuss books and had lost track of time. When the German soldiers expressed interest in joining them at their next meeting, they quickly formed a REAL book club which helped them emotionally survive the war years.
To celebrate the roasted pig in this book, I made what I lovingly call "Heart Attacks on a Stick." The REAL title is "Bacon-Wrapped Cocktail Sausages" from Our Best Bites web site.
Bacon-Wrapped Cocktail Sausages
1 14- oz. package of Lit'l Smokies
1 12 oz. package of lean bacon
3/4 c. brown sugar
Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Using kitchen shears, cut each strip of bacon into thirds. Wrap each Lit'l Smokie with a cut bacon strip. Secure with toothpick. Sprinkle brown sugar over the sausages. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until bacon is starting to brown. Place in slow cooker and cook on low until ready to serve.
Well, can I say, these little heart attacks were a great hit! The ladies could not stop eating them! Hurray for the great web site where I found this tasty recipe!
I also served pie--but not potato peel pie. That sounded too horrible. The history behind the potato peel pie is that everything was scarce except potatoes. However, what kind of a book club would it be if they didn't serve refreshments? One book club member came up with this questionable recipe. Instead of subjecting everyone to my interpretation of potato peel pie, I made Candy Crunch Pudding Pie. This is a Kraft food recipe and it is yummy!
Candy Crunch Pudding Pie
2 c. cold milk
2 pkg (4 serving size each) Jell-O chocolate flavor instant pudding and pie filling
1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip topping, thawed and divided
2 milk chocolate English toffee candy bars such as Heath or Skor, chopped and divided
1 Oreo pie crust
1 square semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted
Now this is a pretty easy pie to make, but would you believe that I went to THREE stores to make this pie. The first store did not sell Oreo pie crusts. So I went to store number two. As I was making the pie, I could NOT understand why the pudding was not thick. I kept checking the recipe and I knew I had put in the right amount of milk and pudding. Finally, I looked at the pudding package a little more closely--I had purchased one INSTANT pudding and one COOK and SERVE pudding. So, I went to a third store to buy more pudding filling. OK, now for the rest of the directions.
Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended (mixture will be thick).
Gently stir in 1 1/2 c. of whipped topping. Reserve 3 Tbsp of the candy pieces; stir remaining candy pieces into pudding mixture. Spoon into crust.
We could stop at this point and it would be delicious. But, we're not done yet!
Top with remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle with the remaining candy pieces, drizzle with the melted chocolate. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 8 servings.
Doesn't that look tasty?
Finally I served fresh fruit with a yummy fruit dip. They didn't get to enjoy such delicacies during World War II so obviously this had nothing to do with the book--except perhaps in their dreams. However, I wanted to serve SOMETHING healthy and this seemed like a good choice.
The Guernsey book club was hastily formed to protect a group of friends after they roasted a pig secretly. Guernsey was occupied by the Germans during World War II and all livestock was confiscated. It was illegal for them to slaughter and eat this hidden pig so when a few German soldiers found them after curfew, Elizabeth (one of the main characters in the book) quickly thought up a lie to protect them. She told them that they had been meeting to discuss books and had lost track of time. When the German soldiers expressed interest in joining them at their next meeting, they quickly formed a REAL book club which helped them emotionally survive the war years.
To celebrate the roasted pig in this book, I made what I lovingly call "Heart Attacks on a Stick." The REAL title is "Bacon-Wrapped Cocktail Sausages" from Our Best Bites web site.
Bacon-Wrapped Cocktail Sausages
1 14- oz. package of Lit'l Smokies
1 12 oz. package of lean bacon
3/4 c. brown sugar
Line a cookie sheet with aluminum foil. Using kitchen shears, cut each strip of bacon into thirds. Wrap each Lit'l Smokie with a cut bacon strip. Secure with toothpick. Sprinkle brown sugar over the sausages. Bake in a 325 degree oven for 40 to 45 minutes or until bacon is starting to brown. Place in slow cooker and cook on low until ready to serve.
Well, can I say, these little heart attacks were a great hit! The ladies could not stop eating them! Hurray for the great web site where I found this tasty recipe!
I also served pie--but not potato peel pie. That sounded too horrible. The history behind the potato peel pie is that everything was scarce except potatoes. However, what kind of a book club would it be if they didn't serve refreshments? One book club member came up with this questionable recipe. Instead of subjecting everyone to my interpretation of potato peel pie, I made Candy Crunch Pudding Pie. This is a Kraft food recipe and it is yummy!
Candy Crunch Pudding Pie
2 c. cold milk
2 pkg (4 serving size each) Jell-O chocolate flavor instant pudding and pie filling
1 tub (8 oz.) Cool Whip topping, thawed and divided
2 milk chocolate English toffee candy bars such as Heath or Skor, chopped and divided
1 Oreo pie crust
1 square semi-sweet baking chocolate, melted
Now this is a pretty easy pie to make, but would you believe that I went to THREE stores to make this pie. The first store did not sell Oreo pie crusts. So I went to store number two. As I was making the pie, I could NOT understand why the pudding was not thick. I kept checking the recipe and I knew I had put in the right amount of milk and pudding. Finally, I looked at the pudding package a little more closely--I had purchased one INSTANT pudding and one COOK and SERVE pudding. So, I went to a third store to buy more pudding filling. OK, now for the rest of the directions.
Pour milk into large bowl. Add dry pudding mixes. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended (mixture will be thick).
This is how it's supposed to look--nice and thick unlike the first batch I made that was as runny as milk.
Gently stir in 1 1/2 c. of whipped topping. Reserve 3 Tbsp of the candy pieces; stir remaining candy pieces into pudding mixture. Spoon into crust.
We could stop at this point and it would be delicious. But, we're not done yet!
Top with remaining whipped topping. Sprinkle with the remaining candy pieces, drizzle with the melted chocolate. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 8 servings.
Doesn't that look tasty?
Finally I served fresh fruit with a yummy fruit dip. They didn't get to enjoy such delicacies during World War II so obviously this had nothing to do with the book--except perhaps in their dreams. However, I wanted to serve SOMETHING healthy and this seemed like a good choice.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Family Reunion--It was Pretty Amazing!
Nearly the entire family. There were eight people who couldn't be there.Our large family was divided into four groups. Carol was my group's lead driver and Daniel was our "spiritual adviser" who knew where we were supposed to go and handed out the next clue at each location. When I got my hair cut after the reunion, my stylist was extremely interested in this activity. In case you are looking for an idea for your upcoming reunion (or church activity) here are some of the highlights.
We started off the race by running to our cars. Now, I know this will be hard to believe but I hurt my left thigh the first two running steps I took. I don't know what I did, but it hurt. I was very frustrated because I work out at least five days a week and this should not be happening to me. I limped my way to the car and despite my pokiness, our car was the first out of the parking lot. We headed to the local high school where we had to run AGAIN to the 50 yard line of the football field and build a pyramid.
Carol and I refrained from pyramid building because of our bad backs. Once our picture was taken, we were back running (or in my case, limping) to our next location.We had to pose like statue.
We had to find a particular ceramic mushroom.
We had to drive a long ways up into the foothills and feed carrots to deer.
We had to continue driving a long way to the other side of the hills to find certain artwork at a garden nursery.
We had to drive back over those same curvy mountain roads to a Jelly Belly Outlet and buy and eat the NASTIEST jelly beans you could imagine.
Jalapeno pepper anyone? How about vomit?
One unfortunate teenage niece actually threw up after this challenge. My sister Barbara was so car sick from the mountain roads that she got a pass. Everyone else had to eat at least two nasty beans. Emily claims she ate two honking handfuls to spare the little boys on her team.
Wasn't that thoughtful of her?
We had to race to an A&W restaurant and get two gallon jugs of root beer and take them to the Taco Bell a couple of miles away.
Each team member was required to order one or two burritos or tacos from the dollar menu. We told the poor order taker that "This is for here. We'll pick up our order inside."
As you can imagine, the first car got the strangest looks, but by the time the third and fourth groups came through, they hardly blinked an eyelash.
We then had to drink our root beer and eat our tacos/burritos as QUICKLY as possible before we could get back into our cars and head towards our next destination.
Joie was taking this challenge seriously--very, very seriously!
I only ordered one burrito. I was still the last one to finish. :( I am not good at eating quickly as my family and dear friends know.
We were nearing the end our our race. We completed a couple of challenges at the San Juan Bautista mission before ending up at our ultimate destination--our reunion campground.
Our Amazing Race was a lot of fun! It was a great way to build family unity and have a lot of fun!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
OK...That Was Scary!
The day after Emily's graduation, Ron made us a delightful breakfast of homemade whole wheat waffles AND homemade whole wheat pancakes AND reconstituted frozen orange juice.
What, it wasn't fresh squeezed?
Served with these delightful breakfast foods was maple syrup and HOMEMADE strawberry freezer jam that Ron also made. Because he is awesome like that. The Saturday we made it, I came down with a bug and in the interest of not polluting the delicious jam, we decided I should stay out of the strawberries and take a nap instead.
Which I did.
After breakfast, Jennifer spent some quality time with her high school friend Robyn and Robyn's good friend Kip. (They also joined us for breakfast.) Once Jennifer's friends left, we piled into our cars and drove to Santa Cruz to check out the Boardwalk.
Doesn't that sound like fun on a June afternoon?
Did I mention that it was raining? I heard that we received RECORD rain that day. Some areas of the Bay Area received over an inch of rain. Is that crazy, or what?
But, Dustin, our beloved son-in-law and wonderful husband to Heather and hopefully the father-to-be of future grandchildren that we will LOVE and ADORE and SPOIL rotten and then send back to their parents (no pressure Heather and Dustin--REALLY!) wanted to see the Pacific Ocean. He's from Arizona you see and he was returning to Utah the following night.
OH, Dustin had SEEN the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii, (poor thing) but he wanted to see it from the California perspective. I mean which Pacific Ocean would you rather see? The view from California on a rainy, stormy day or the view from Hawaii--a tropical paradise?
Me, too.
But, we wanted to make Dustin's dreams come true so we drove to Santa Cruz on a very rainy afternoon and brought a picnic lunch.
The drive over was somewhat scary. There is a wall that divides the highway. My family knows how I am absolutely terrified of "THE WALL" as I call it. Ron drove next to the wall until we had a scary incident and I convinced him to pull over to the slow lane and follow chugging, slow-moving semi-trucks instead.
When we arrived in Santa Cruz, the rain was more of a drizzle, but the wind was biting cold. We stood around a bench eating our picnic lunch because it was too. cold. to. sit. down. We needed to keep moving to keep our blood going.
We were having a GREAT time!
After putting the remnants of our picnic lunch back in our car, we took a long walk across the sands and watched the angry, churning, grey ocean. We watched the seagulls fighting over a fish. We walked down the Santa Cruz pier and made the acquaintances of a large group of sea lions. They began barking. Jacob, Ron, and Dustin barked back. It was quite a conversation they had and we enjoyed watching them close up--but not so close that they could actually bite.
After 10 to 15 minutes of delightfully conversing and watching the sea lions it was time to return home and so we walked another mile or so back to our cars. Emily decided to return with Heather and Dustin. Jennifer and Jacob joined us in our car.
As we got back on the highway with the scary wall, the rain picked up again. The rain was rather soothing and for a few minutes, I forgot about my dread of THE WALL and dozed off. Suddenly, I could feel our car sliding. I quickly opened my eyes and (Yes, I am admitting this in public) screamed. Ron was braking but we were coming closer and closer to the car in front of us.
THE WALL was to our left. Other cars were whizzing by on our right. I was sure we were going to hit the car in front of us as it got quickly closer and closer. Then, Ron remembered something he had been taught. When your brakes lock up, pump them gently. He did this over and over for what seemed like forever (but was only a few seconds) and we stopped within a quarter inch from the stopped car in front of us. Once it was safe, the car in front of us went into the right lane and then we saw the problem. The driver in front of them had lost control and had gone into a 180 degree spin. The front of the car was facing oncoming traffic and the woman driver was outside her car calling 911.
That didn't seem like such a safe thing to do. If we had hit the car in front of us, their car would have hit the first car and she would have been hit as well.
As safely as possible, we moved over into the right lane and there we remained--away from THE WALL until we got off that treacherous mountain highway.
Over and over I told Ron the remainder of the weekend, "Thank you for being a good driver."
Isn't he amazing? He not ONLY makes homemade whole wheat waffles AND pancakes AND strawberry freezer jam, he saved us from a possibly horrible accident (and possibly saved the life of a stranger) as well. No wonder that I love him.
What, it wasn't fresh squeezed?
Served with these delightful breakfast foods was maple syrup and HOMEMADE strawberry freezer jam that Ron also made. Because he is awesome like that. The Saturday we made it, I came down with a bug and in the interest of not polluting the delicious jam, we decided I should stay out of the strawberries and take a nap instead.
Which I did.
After breakfast, Jennifer spent some quality time with her high school friend Robyn and Robyn's good friend Kip. (They also joined us for breakfast.) Once Jennifer's friends left, we piled into our cars and drove to Santa Cruz to check out the Boardwalk.
Doesn't that sound like fun on a June afternoon?
Did I mention that it was raining? I heard that we received RECORD rain that day. Some areas of the Bay Area received over an inch of rain. Is that crazy, or what?
But, Dustin, our beloved son-in-law and wonderful husband to Heather and hopefully the father-to-be of future grandchildren that we will LOVE and ADORE and SPOIL rotten and then send back to their parents (no pressure Heather and Dustin--REALLY!) wanted to see the Pacific Ocean. He's from Arizona you see and he was returning to Utah the following night.
OH, Dustin had SEEN the Pacific Ocean in Hawaii, (poor thing) but he wanted to see it from the California perspective. I mean which Pacific Ocean would you rather see? The view from California on a rainy, stormy day or the view from Hawaii--a tropical paradise?
Me, too.
But, we wanted to make Dustin's dreams come true so we drove to Santa Cruz on a very rainy afternoon and brought a picnic lunch.
The drive over was somewhat scary. There is a wall that divides the highway. My family knows how I am absolutely terrified of "THE WALL" as I call it. Ron drove next to the wall until we had a scary incident and I convinced him to pull over to the slow lane and follow chugging, slow-moving semi-trucks instead.
When we arrived in Santa Cruz, the rain was more of a drizzle, but the wind was biting cold. We stood around a bench eating our picnic lunch because it was too. cold. to. sit. down. We needed to keep moving to keep our blood going.
We were having a GREAT time!
After putting the remnants of our picnic lunch back in our car, we took a long walk across the sands and watched the angry, churning, grey ocean. We watched the seagulls fighting over a fish. We walked down the Santa Cruz pier and made the acquaintances of a large group of sea lions. They began barking. Jacob, Ron, and Dustin barked back. It was quite a conversation they had and we enjoyed watching them close up--but not so close that they could actually bite.
After 10 to 15 minutes of delightfully conversing and watching the sea lions it was time to return home and so we walked another mile or so back to our cars. Emily decided to return with Heather and Dustin. Jennifer and Jacob joined us in our car.
As we got back on the highway with the scary wall, the rain picked up again. The rain was rather soothing and for a few minutes, I forgot about my dread of THE WALL and dozed off. Suddenly, I could feel our car sliding. I quickly opened my eyes and (Yes, I am admitting this in public) screamed. Ron was braking but we were coming closer and closer to the car in front of us.
THE WALL was to our left. Other cars were whizzing by on our right. I was sure we were going to hit the car in front of us as it got quickly closer and closer. Then, Ron remembered something he had been taught. When your brakes lock up, pump them gently. He did this over and over for what seemed like forever (but was only a few seconds) and we stopped within a quarter inch from the stopped car in front of us. Once it was safe, the car in front of us went into the right lane and then we saw the problem. The driver in front of them had lost control and had gone into a 180 degree spin. The front of the car was facing oncoming traffic and the woman driver was outside her car calling 911.
That didn't seem like such a safe thing to do. If we had hit the car in front of us, their car would have hit the first car and she would have been hit as well.
As safely as possible, we moved over into the right lane and there we remained--away from THE WALL until we got off that treacherous mountain highway.
Over and over I told Ron the remainder of the weekend, "Thank you for being a good driver."
Isn't he amazing? He not ONLY makes homemade whole wheat waffles AND pancakes AND strawberry freezer jam, he saved us from a possibly horrible accident (and possibly saved the life of a stranger) as well. No wonder that I love him.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Emily's Graduation
I know it's been ages since I wrote. A lot has happened in the past couple of weeks and since this blog is a hobby--well, this hobby has taken a back seat.
Here are the EXCITING things that have happened in the past couple of weeks.
Jennifer and Jacob came for a short visit.
Heather and Dustin came for an even shorter visit.
Emily graduated from high school.
Emily graduated from seminary.
Because of Ron's extraordinary driving skills, we did not have a serious car accident.
We enjoyed a fun-filled week at a family reunion.
Tonight, I will share Emily's graduation story.
On June 3rd, my youngest daughter graduated from high school.
Love that smile!
She was radiant in her green robe as she walked onto the football field and later crossed the stage. She survived a tough senior year. She not only survived--she grew and as Ron so fondly says, "She blossomed." Moving before your senior year is not easy. Most of the seniors have their groups which may have formed in Kindergarten. The first couple of months were rough but she hung in there. She continued to be friendly. She tried out and performed in two school plays. She joined the choir and a couple of clubs. She dressed up in outrageous outfits for Spirit Weeks, the Thespian Run, and "just because she is a senior." Slowly, more slowly than she wished, she found a niche. In the process, I saw Emily become a little more compassionate because she knows what it's like to go through tough times.
Receiving her diploma.
As I saw her graduate from the same high school I graduated from so many years ago, I had many complex feelings. Feelings of sadness that she didn't graduate with her Stockton friends like she wished. Feelings of joy that she has done as well as she has. Feelings of sorrow that my main duty in life--to be a mother in the active sense of the word is coming to a close. My youngest daughter is nearly an adult and she will need me less with each passing year. I have devoted nearly 30 years of my life to being a full-time wife and mother and now I wonder, what is the next chapter in my life?
Jennifer and Jacob were able to attend the graduation, also. They drove all night from Utah, arriving on our doorstep around 9:00 am. Heather and Dustin made it in time for the celebratory graduation dinner. We were so excited to have them join us. It was a very special weekend to have most of the family united again.
Jennifer, Jacob (don't judge him too harshly, he really IS a nice guy), Emily, me and Ron.
Here are the EXCITING things that have happened in the past couple of weeks.
Jennifer and Jacob came for a short visit.
Heather and Dustin came for an even shorter visit.
Emily graduated from high school.
Emily graduated from seminary.
Because of Ron's extraordinary driving skills, we did not have a serious car accident.
We enjoyed a fun-filled week at a family reunion.
Tonight, I will share Emily's graduation story.
On June 3rd, my youngest daughter graduated from high school.
Love that smile!
She was radiant in her green robe as she walked onto the football field and later crossed the stage. She survived a tough senior year. She not only survived--she grew and as Ron so fondly says, "She blossomed." Moving before your senior year is not easy. Most of the seniors have their groups which may have formed in Kindergarten. The first couple of months were rough but she hung in there. She continued to be friendly. She tried out and performed in two school plays. She joined the choir and a couple of clubs. She dressed up in outrageous outfits for Spirit Weeks, the Thespian Run, and "just because she is a senior." Slowly, more slowly than she wished, she found a niche. In the process, I saw Emily become a little more compassionate because she knows what it's like to go through tough times.
Receiving her diploma.As I saw her graduate from the same high school I graduated from so many years ago, I had many complex feelings. Feelings of sadness that she didn't graduate with her Stockton friends like she wished. Feelings of joy that she has done as well as she has. Feelings of sorrow that my main duty in life--to be a mother in the active sense of the word is coming to a close. My youngest daughter is nearly an adult and she will need me less with each passing year. I have devoted nearly 30 years of my life to being a full-time wife and mother and now I wonder, what is the next chapter in my life?
Jennifer and Jacob were able to attend the graduation, also. They drove all night from Utah, arriving on our doorstep around 9:00 am. Heather and Dustin made it in time for the celebratory graduation dinner. We were so excited to have them join us. It was a very special weekend to have most of the family united again.
Jennifer, Jacob (don't judge him too harshly, he really IS a nice guy), Emily, me and Ron.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
I Am a Child of God
When I was a senior in high school, I took a yearbook class. One of the requirements to get an A was to sell at least three ads for the back of the yearbook. I was very shy and this scared me a lot. But, I also was a good student and I was determined to get an A.
I remember one fall afternoon walking to our local shopping center to sell ads. Every business I went to told me they were not interested. I finally came to the savings and loan--my savings and loan where I had a small savings account. My mother and siblings also had accounts there. Maybe--just maybe--they would buy an ad from me! I asked to speak to the bank manager and then gave my spiel.
I will never forget how embarrassed I was when he loudly said, "I would NEVER buy an ad from you!" I turned around quickly, left the bank--my bank that I never wanted to reenter--and with tears spilling down my cheeks quickly walked home.
As I entered the house, my mom could tell that I was upset. I quickly told her what happened and then went to my bedroom and flopped on my bed. I would NEVER get an A in yearbook because I would NEVER sell an ad! I would have to be satisfied with a B. But what hurt worse were the feelings of inadequacy I experienced. Why indeed would anyone want to buy an ad from me?
Probably 15 minutes passed before my Mom came into my room. She had gone to the bank and had spoken to the bank manager.
"Please go back. He wants to apologize and he may even buy an ad from you," she told me.
I was mortified. How could I face him again? Reluctantly, I began walking back to the bank. I was scared. How could I face him again?
Then, I remembered a song I had been taught in Primary so many years earlier.
But what is more important is that I learned I can do hard things because I am indeed a child of God.
I remember one fall afternoon walking to our local shopping center to sell ads. Every business I went to told me they were not interested. I finally came to the savings and loan--my savings and loan where I had a small savings account. My mother and siblings also had accounts there. Maybe--just maybe--they would buy an ad from me! I asked to speak to the bank manager and then gave my spiel.
I will never forget how embarrassed I was when he loudly said, "I would NEVER buy an ad from you!" I turned around quickly, left the bank--my bank that I never wanted to reenter--and with tears spilling down my cheeks quickly walked home.
As I entered the house, my mom could tell that I was upset. I quickly told her what happened and then went to my bedroom and flopped on my bed. I would NEVER get an A in yearbook because I would NEVER sell an ad! I would have to be satisfied with a B. But what hurt worse were the feelings of inadequacy I experienced. Why indeed would anyone want to buy an ad from me?
Probably 15 minutes passed before my Mom came into my room. She had gone to the bank and had spoken to the bank manager.
"Please go back. He wants to apologize and he may even buy an ad from you," she told me.
I was mortified. How could I face him again? Reluctantly, I began walking back to the bank. I was scared. How could I face him again?
Then, I remembered a song I had been taught in Primary so many years earlier.
I am a child of God,As I sang this song softly to myself, my self-confidence grew. I AM a child of God! I shouldn't let a man make me feel badly about myself. With a lot more courage, I entered that savings and loan and spoke to the manager. He did apologize and he DID buy an ad. I went on to sell two more ads--including a full-paged one which should have earned me an A+ in that class.
And He has sent me here,
Has given me an earthly home,
With parents kind and dear.
Lead me, guide me, walk beside me,
Help me find the way,
Teach me all that I must do,
To live with Him someday.
But what is more important is that I learned I can do hard things because I am indeed a child of God.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Judgment Day
Last Saturday was SUPPOSED to be the end of the world as we know it...at least according to one religious leader.
So, what did you do?
I slept in until 7:00 am. If I wasn't taken up with the chosen few, this might be the last good night sleep I would enjoy for many months.
I took a nice long walk with Ron--up and down a nearby hill. If I wasn't taken up with the chosen few, I might as well get in shape in case I needed to start walking everywhere.
I enjoyed a lovely breakfast and lunch with my loved ones. I wanted to make sure I enjoyed a couple more well-rounded, tasty meals because it might be the last good food I would enjoy in a very long time.
I gave the house a good cleaning on Friday because I didn't want to spend the last day of my possible mortal existence scrubbing toilets and mopping floors. A quick clean up and my house was ready to go--just in case I was ready to go.
I packed my bags and headed to the Central Valley. I really didn't know if the Central Valley would be any safer than where I currently live--although they are less prone to severe earthquakes.
I gave Ron a hug and a kiss good-bye and said, "If the world ends today--I'll see you on the other side." He promised he would call me later that night and make sure we were both still here on earth.
I dropped off Emily at an "end of the world" party where they talked, ate, watched Groundhog Day and counted down the seconds till the big event. Meanwhile--I bought a wedding shower gift, stocked up on canned goods for my food storage at a central valley grocery store (food is cheaper there then where I live) and picked up two dear friends for dinner. We laughed and talked and had a great time and sometime after 6:00 pm realized that nothing had happened.
We were still on earth. We hadn't felt any earthquakes. I guess the end of the world as we know it will happen another day.
So, how did you spend Saturday? Were you watching the clock? Was a part of your brain thinking, "What if this minister in Oakland is correct?" Did you do anything differently or was your Saturday pretty much the same?
So, what did you do?
I slept in until 7:00 am. If I wasn't taken up with the chosen few, this might be the last good night sleep I would enjoy for many months.
I took a nice long walk with Ron--up and down a nearby hill. If I wasn't taken up with the chosen few, I might as well get in shape in case I needed to start walking everywhere.
I enjoyed a lovely breakfast and lunch with my loved ones. I wanted to make sure I enjoyed a couple more well-rounded, tasty meals because it might be the last good food I would enjoy in a very long time.
I gave the house a good cleaning on Friday because I didn't want to spend the last day of my possible mortal existence scrubbing toilets and mopping floors. A quick clean up and my house was ready to go--just in case I was ready to go.
I packed my bags and headed to the Central Valley. I really didn't know if the Central Valley would be any safer than where I currently live--although they are less prone to severe earthquakes.
I gave Ron a hug and a kiss good-bye and said, "If the world ends today--I'll see you on the other side." He promised he would call me later that night and make sure we were both still here on earth.
I dropped off Emily at an "end of the world" party where they talked, ate, watched Groundhog Day and counted down the seconds till the big event. Meanwhile--I bought a wedding shower gift, stocked up on canned goods for my food storage at a central valley grocery store (food is cheaper there then where I live) and picked up two dear friends for dinner. We laughed and talked and had a great time and sometime after 6:00 pm realized that nothing had happened.
We were still on earth. We hadn't felt any earthquakes. I guess the end of the world as we know it will happen another day.
So, how did you spend Saturday? Were you watching the clock? Was a part of your brain thinking, "What if this minister in Oakland is correct?" Did you do anything differently or was your Saturday pretty much the same?
Friday, May 20, 2011
Speculation and Rumors
There has been a lot of media hype about tomorrow's big event. Even in my small community, we have a large billboard proclaiming that May 21st is JUDGMENT DAY! We had the missionaries over for dinner last night. They asked if they could borrow the front section of this coming Sunday's paper so they could take a picture with it in front of the billboard. Clearly, the missionaries don't think tomorrow will be much different than any other Saturday.
However, I think something BIG is in the air. Tonight, Emily has a chance to meet with Elder M. Russell Ballard, an apostle in our church. He's meeting with the young adults in three stakes. I am so excited for her! I asked her a few days ago if I could pass as a 29 year old so I could attend the meeting, too.
"Uh, no Mom, sorry you can't."
I was crushed! I guess its time to consider a new beauty regime.
Tomorrow Elder Ballard is meeting with the missionaries in the area. The elders speculated last night that Elder Ballard is going to announce when the world is REALLY supposed to end.
Tomorrow evening, Ron will be attending a council training meeting with ward and stake councils from five stakes. Oh, the speculation that has erupted about this meeting! Why these stakes? What will the meeting be about? What will be taught? I can't WAIT to hear Ron's report.
Then, Sunday morning, our stake is having a special stake meeting with Elder Richard G. Hinckley of the Quorum of the Seventy. Other stakes in our area will also be meeting in special stake meetings. These are NOT stake conferences.
Here are some of the rumors I have heard:
However, I think something BIG is in the air. Tonight, Emily has a chance to meet with Elder M. Russell Ballard, an apostle in our church. He's meeting with the young adults in three stakes. I am so excited for her! I asked her a few days ago if I could pass as a 29 year old so I could attend the meeting, too.
"Uh, no Mom, sorry you can't."
I was crushed! I guess its time to consider a new beauty regime.
Tomorrow Elder Ballard is meeting with the missionaries in the area. The elders speculated last night that Elder Ballard is going to announce when the world is REALLY supposed to end.
Tomorrow evening, Ron will be attending a council training meeting with ward and stake councils from five stakes. Oh, the speculation that has erupted about this meeting! Why these stakes? What will the meeting be about? What will be taught? I can't WAIT to hear Ron's report.
Then, Sunday morning, our stake is having a special stake meeting with Elder Richard G. Hinckley of the Quorum of the Seventy. Other stakes in our area will also be meeting in special stake meetings. These are NOT stake conferences.
Here are some of the rumors I have heard:
- They are going to realign stake and ward boundaries in the five stakes in our area.
- We will be warned of an impending large earthquake and reminded to make sure our 72 hour kits are ready.
- We will be told that we are a "chosen" people and asked to gather to Jackson County, Missouri.
- We will simply be reminded about how much our Heavenly Father loves us and be reminded of the things that we need to do to return and live with Him again someday.
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Frozen Strawberry Squares
Last night I made my FAVORITE springtime dessert for the second time this season--Frozen Strawberry Squares is its official name but in my family, Frozen Strawberry Dessert is the name of choice.
Last night might be the LAST time I make this tasty treat for awhile because alas--my Bosch broke.
After 25 years of it faithfully churning out yummy chocolate chip cookies, peanut blossoms, M&M cookies, and of course--Frozen Strawberry Dessert, it stopped working. Ron thinks he MIGHT be able to fix it. Ron IS pretty amazing and so I'm hoping and praying that he can perform this little miracle. A new Bosch is pretty pricey and it might be awhile before a new one graces my kitchen.
So, in memory of my Bosch and my favorite springtime dessert here is an absolutely delicious recipe guaranteed to make your taste buds happy. You don't need a Bosch or large mixer to make it, but it sure helps.
Frozen Strawberry Squares
1 c. sifted flour
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. pecans OR walnuts (we prefer pecans because Ron cannot tolerate walnuts)
1/2 c. margarine, melted
Stir together and spread evenly into shallow baking pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
This is what it looks like after baking.
Sprinkle 2/3 of the crumbs in a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.
For the next step, here are two tips: Make sure your mixing bowl is scrupulously clean. If it has even a slight residue of shortening from the last time you made chocolate chip cookies, it will NOT work. I speak from experience.
Second tip: If your kitchen is warm, place the beaters in the freezer for a few minutes. It will help the whipping process.
2 egg whites
1 c. sugar
2 c. sliced fresh strawberries
2 T. lemon juice
2 c. whipping cream, whipped (or Cool Whip)
The four ingredients prior to beating.
Combine egg whites, sugar, berries, and lemon juice in large bowl. (I mean it--please use a large bowl.) With electric beater, beat at high speed to stiff peaks about 10 minutes. (See why I love my Bosch?) Fold is whipped cream.
See how nice and fluffy the mixture becomes? This is before I added the whipped cream.
Spoon over crumbs. Top with remaining crumbs. Freeze 6 hours or overnight.
Doesn't it look good enough to eat?
Cut into squares. Top with whole strawberries if desired.
Last night might be the LAST time I make this tasty treat for awhile because alas--my Bosch broke.
After 25 years of it faithfully churning out yummy chocolate chip cookies, peanut blossoms, M&M cookies, and of course--Frozen Strawberry Dessert, it stopped working. Ron thinks he MIGHT be able to fix it. Ron IS pretty amazing and so I'm hoping and praying that he can perform this little miracle. A new Bosch is pretty pricey and it might be awhile before a new one graces my kitchen.
So, in memory of my Bosch and my favorite springtime dessert here is an absolutely delicious recipe guaranteed to make your taste buds happy. You don't need a Bosch or large mixer to make it, but it sure helps.
Frozen Strawberry Squares
1 c. sifted flour
1/4 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. pecans OR walnuts (we prefer pecans because Ron cannot tolerate walnuts)
1/2 c. margarine, melted
Stir together and spread evenly into shallow baking pan.
This is what it looks like before baking.
Bake at 350 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
This is what it looks like after baking.
Sprinkle 2/3 of the crumbs in a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking dish.
For the next step, here are two tips: Make sure your mixing bowl is scrupulously clean. If it has even a slight residue of shortening from the last time you made chocolate chip cookies, it will NOT work. I speak from experience.
Second tip: If your kitchen is warm, place the beaters in the freezer for a few minutes. It will help the whipping process.
2 egg whites
1 c. sugar
2 c. sliced fresh strawberries
2 T. lemon juice
2 c. whipping cream, whipped (or Cool Whip)
The four ingredients prior to beating. Combine egg whites, sugar, berries, and lemon juice in large bowl. (I mean it--please use a large bowl.) With electric beater, beat at high speed to stiff peaks about 10 minutes. (See why I love my Bosch?) Fold is whipped cream.
See how nice and fluffy the mixture becomes? This is before I added the whipped cream.Spoon over crumbs. Top with remaining crumbs. Freeze 6 hours or overnight.
Doesn't it look good enough to eat?Cut into squares. Top with whole strawberries if desired.
Garnishing with chocolate covered strawberries is EVEN better. Enjoy!
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
Top Secret Young Women Project Revealed!
Several weeks ago, our ward young women president asked if I would be willing to take on a special project--to be in charge of the graduation presents for the Laurel's who will be soon be leaving us. Of course I said, "yes." She told me that I had a $10 per girl budget. I thought that was VERY generous. She also told me that in the past, they have received towels from Costco and that another woman in the ward will embroider their first initial. I thought that was a lovely idea.
I contacted each mother of the graduating seniors to find out what their favorite color is. Do you know that ONLY one girl has pink as her favorite color? All the rest were different shades of blue--turquoise and sky blue being the predominant favorites. No purple. No red. No yellow. I feel rather sorry for those colors.
Armed with this information, I went to Costco to look at their towels. They were lovely towels, but they came in shades of beige, white, and mossy green. No favorite colors there. This would not do!
I asked a few people for suggestions worthy of a young women graduation gift. Several people suggested a gift card to Jamba Juice or In and Out. Those are FUN gifts but so....temporary. I wanted something permanent! Something that these girls would hopefully treasure and remember their young women years with fondness. Something they could use and take with them when they leave home.
And then I remembered Utah Sister! Utah Sister is currently a ward Relief Society president. Utah Sister came up with a lovely idea a few years ago to make fleece blankets for the INCOMING young women--a way to welcome them to Relief Society. I thought, "Loralee, if this is good enough for a 'welcome to Relief Society present' why then it is also good enough for a 'Congratulations, you are graduating (whether you want to or not) Young Women present.'" Thus, the fleece blanket project was born!
I began scouring the Joanne's ads faithfully, waiting for a lovely sale of their fleece material. Lo and behold, there came such a sale shortly before I left for Utah and my much anticipated graduation. Armed with my "favorite color" knowledge, I went to Joanne's and was immediately overwhelmed with the plethora of fabric to be found. Some were clearly not suitable with a most decidedly baby motif, but there were many, many options. There were so many options that I...(wait for it!)
ACTUALLY PULLED OUT MY CELL PHONE AND TURNED IT ON!
I then actually USED my cell phone and called home.
I needed Emily at the fabric store--STAT--to help me make my selections. She has good taste and I knew she would know what 17 and 18 year old girls like. We chose several lovely patterns. I then purchased my first EVER rotary cutter and mat to add to the ease of the project (they were also 50% off thank you very much) and then the fabric was placed in my closet to await the day when I returned from Utah--about two weeks hence.
(I don't think I have ever used hence in this blog before. I don't know how I feel about using it now.)
Two weeks later, armed with directions I found on the Internet, I began cutting and cutting and cutting, and "tying" and "tying" and "tying" five lovely fleece blankets. For two weeks, I spent every. free. moment. working on these blankets.
My back became very stiff and sore from cutting out these blankets.
It was part of the gift.
I stayed up late too many nights to finish a blanket.
It became part of the gift.
I neglected other aspects of my life.
It became part of the gift.
They were made with a great deal of love.
This also became a big part of the gift.
Finally, I finished the last blanket--Emily's blanket--as I rode home from the Oakland Temple with my mom and Jack after working there last Friday.
Here are the blankets.
Blankets for Stacie, Emily, Dawn, Katie, and Laura. I'm going to miss those girls! At least, two are related to me. I'll see them around, even when they are OLD Relief Society women.
Wrapped up and ready to go.
Emily says that it's her FAVORITE blanket ever. I'm glad you like it my darling daughter.
I contacted each mother of the graduating seniors to find out what their favorite color is. Do you know that ONLY one girl has pink as her favorite color? All the rest were different shades of blue--turquoise and sky blue being the predominant favorites. No purple. No red. No yellow. I feel rather sorry for those colors.
Armed with this information, I went to Costco to look at their towels. They were lovely towels, but they came in shades of beige, white, and mossy green. No favorite colors there. This would not do!
I asked a few people for suggestions worthy of a young women graduation gift. Several people suggested a gift card to Jamba Juice or In and Out. Those are FUN gifts but so....temporary. I wanted something permanent! Something that these girls would hopefully treasure and remember their young women years with fondness. Something they could use and take with them when they leave home.
And then I remembered Utah Sister! Utah Sister is currently a ward Relief Society president. Utah Sister came up with a lovely idea a few years ago to make fleece blankets for the INCOMING young women--a way to welcome them to Relief Society. I thought, "Loralee, if this is good enough for a 'welcome to Relief Society present' why then it is also good enough for a 'Congratulations, you are graduating (whether you want to or not) Young Women present.'" Thus, the fleece blanket project was born!
I began scouring the Joanne's ads faithfully, waiting for a lovely sale of their fleece material. Lo and behold, there came such a sale shortly before I left for Utah and my much anticipated graduation. Armed with my "favorite color" knowledge, I went to Joanne's and was immediately overwhelmed with the plethora of fabric to be found. Some were clearly not suitable with a most decidedly baby motif, but there were many, many options. There were so many options that I...(wait for it!)
ACTUALLY PULLED OUT MY CELL PHONE AND TURNED IT ON!
I then actually USED my cell phone and called home.
I needed Emily at the fabric store--STAT--to help me make my selections. She has good taste and I knew she would know what 17 and 18 year old girls like. We chose several lovely patterns. I then purchased my first EVER rotary cutter and mat to add to the ease of the project (they were also 50% off thank you very much) and then the fabric was placed in my closet to await the day when I returned from Utah--about two weeks hence.
(I don't think I have ever used hence in this blog before. I don't know how I feel about using it now.)
Two weeks later, armed with directions I found on the Internet, I began cutting and cutting and cutting, and "tying" and "tying" and "tying" five lovely fleece blankets. For two weeks, I spent every. free. moment. working on these blankets.
My back became very stiff and sore from cutting out these blankets.
It was part of the gift.
I stayed up late too many nights to finish a blanket.
It became part of the gift.
I neglected other aspects of my life.
It became part of the gift.
They were made with a great deal of love.
This also became a big part of the gift.
Finally, I finished the last blanket--Emily's blanket--as I rode home from the Oakland Temple with my mom and Jack after working there last Friday.
Here are the blankets.
Blankets for Stacie, Emily, Dawn, Katie, and Laura. I'm going to miss those girls! At least, two are related to me. I'll see them around, even when they are OLD Relief Society women. 
Wrapped up and ready to go. Accompanying each blanket was a lovely card from the Young Women president and Laurel adviser and a very cheesy poem written by me. I won't share it with you in it's entirety (it's three stanza's long) but to give you a FLAVOR of the poem here are the first two lines:
Please don't judge me harshly. I NEVER claimed to be a poet.
If you're ever feeling blue,
May this blanket comfort you.
Please don't judge me harshly. I NEVER claimed to be a poet.
Emily says that it's her FAVORITE blanket ever. I'm glad you like it my darling daughter. Friday, May 13, 2011
I"ll Love You Forever
One of my favorite children's books is Love You Forever by Robert Munsch. If you haven't read this wonderful book, it's about a mother who rocks her baby back and forth, back and forth, back and forth while softly singing:
I always change the third line because I truly believe that family relationships go beyond this life and so when I read this book to my children I say:
Perhaps because of this book, I like to grab my daughters occasionally and ATTEMPT to rock them back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. My lap doesn't hold them very well but it satisfies my mother-longing--to remind them that I will ALWAYS love them and they will ALWAYS be my baby.
Well, Wednesday night after American Idol, (side note: I LOVED Scotty and Lauren's performances) I was flipping through the channels to see if there was something worthwhile watching as I continued working on a top. secret. young. woman. project. (Don't you want to know what it is? Details will follow!)
I came across the Baby Channel. This is not a channel I would typically watch, but the title intrigued me: Sweet Dreams. Don't we all need sweet dreams?
I pushed "Enter" on my remote control and lovely, soothing patterns and swirls moved across the screen with an occasional caterpillar, or bird, or butterfly accompanied by soothing, classical-type music.
I was hooked!
OK, not really, but it sent those mother-longings to my heart and so I attempted to put Emily on my lap so I could rock her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.
However, she would not COOPERATE!
She became as stiff as a board. I shimmied her long legs under my lap with great difficulty. As she arched her back we heard a thwunk. Emily hit her barrette clad head on the end table.
"Emily, I NEED to rock you back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. This Sweet Dreams program is calling to my mother heart!"
"I don't want to be rocked back and forth, back and forth, back and forth," she replied with a giggle.
I shimmied her stiff legs a little more over my lap.
Thwunk! She hit her head on the end table again. This was getting a little dangerous.
"Emily, Sweet Dreams is SHOUTING to my mother heart. I MUST rock you back and forth, back and forth, back and forth."
"Oh, Mom!" she laughed.
I shimmied her a little more on my lap. By this time we were laughing so hard that tears were streaming down our face. After one more thwunk, she was finally satisfactorily on my lap and I proceeded to rock her until my legs went numb. Maybe 30 seconds tops. That's all my mother heart and lap could stand. When did she get so big?
Someday, when I'm old and I can no longer hold my four darling daughters, I hope they gather me in their arms and sing:
I'll love you forever,
I'll like you for always,
As long as I'm living
my baby you'll be.
I always change the third line because I truly believe that family relationships go beyond this life and so when I read this book to my children I say:
I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always,
For time and forever
my baby you'll be.
As her baby grows, the mother continues to sneak in her son's bedroom and rock her little boy back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. Even when her growing boy became a teenager and later an adult she would crawl across his floor, pick up her great big boy, and rock him back and forth, back and forth, back and forth singing softly:
I'll love you forever
I'll like you for always,
For time and forever
my baby you'll be.
Perhaps because of this book, I like to grab my daughters occasionally and ATTEMPT to rock them back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. My lap doesn't hold them very well but it satisfies my mother-longing--to remind them that I will ALWAYS love them and they will ALWAYS be my baby.
Well, Wednesday night after American Idol, (side note: I LOVED Scotty and Lauren's performances) I was flipping through the channels to see if there was something worthwhile watching as I continued working on a top. secret. young. woman. project. (Don't you want to know what it is? Details will follow!)
I came across the Baby Channel. This is not a channel I would typically watch, but the title intrigued me: Sweet Dreams. Don't we all need sweet dreams?
I pushed "Enter" on my remote control and lovely, soothing patterns and swirls moved across the screen with an occasional caterpillar, or bird, or butterfly accompanied by soothing, classical-type music.
I was hooked!
OK, not really, but it sent those mother-longings to my heart and so I attempted to put Emily on my lap so I could rock her back and forth, back and forth, back and forth.
However, she would not COOPERATE!
She became as stiff as a board. I shimmied her long legs under my lap with great difficulty. As she arched her back we heard a thwunk. Emily hit her barrette clad head on the end table.
"Emily, I NEED to rock you back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. This Sweet Dreams program is calling to my mother heart!"
"I don't want to be rocked back and forth, back and forth, back and forth," she replied with a giggle.
I shimmied her stiff legs a little more over my lap.
Thwunk! She hit her head on the end table again. This was getting a little dangerous.
"Emily, Sweet Dreams is SHOUTING to my mother heart. I MUST rock you back and forth, back and forth, back and forth."
"Oh, Mom!" she laughed.
I shimmied her a little more on my lap. By this time we were laughing so hard that tears were streaming down our face. After one more thwunk, she was finally satisfactorily on my lap and I proceeded to rock her until my legs went numb. Maybe 30 seconds tops. That's all my mother heart and lap could stand. When did she get so big?
Someday, when I'm old and I can no longer hold my four darling daughters, I hope they gather me in their arms and sing:
I'll love you forever,.
I'll like you for always,
For time and for always
my Mommy you'll be
Monday, May 9, 2011
I'm Becoming SOOOOO Tech-Savvy
Ron received a GPS for Christmas. It is his favorite new toy. He uses it EVERYWHERE!
Running to the grocery store? He brings it.
How about the post office? He brings it.
Going back to our home in Stockton. He brings it.
It's not that he's suddenly developed early onset Alzheimer's or anything--he just likes to know how soon he'll get somewhere and what the traffic patterns are like.
He is fascinated.
So, of course, on our recent trip to Utah, the GPS was the third member of our front seat crew. I was worried that he might become a distracted driver (we wouldn't want that) so I held it in my hands and became his personal GPS voice.
"We will be taking the next exit in 2.7 miles."
"Traffic is slowing to the yellow zone."
"We are approaching red driving conditions in 52 miles."
I became fascinated! Pretty soon, the Sudoku puzzle book and the books on CD I brought to entertain me lost their appeal. I could see why Ron loved his techy toy.
After driving to Utah, I proudly announced to Ron and Emily that I was now GPS proficient.
"I can add this to my resume when it asks for my skills."
Proficient in Word, Excel, and GPS!
Won't my future employers be so impressed?
Who cares if my cell phone is NEVER turned on? Who cares if I never bother to check my missed messages?
I know GPS!
A few days later, I was out and about with Utah and California sisters and Utah niece when darling daughter, Emily texted Barbara. Barbara handed me her cell phone and encouraged me to text her back.
It took a very. long. time.
A day or so later, I texted darling daughter, Jennifer with a very important bird question.
"Do birds lay their eggs in mid-flight?"
We had just witnessed that and were very curious if this was a common phenomenon or if the Mother bird was simply TIRED of waiting for Father bird to build their nest or if she had a case of weakened uterus.
As I texted this important question to Jennifer so she could Google it for us, it took a very. long. time.
Clearly, I need to practice my texting skills so I can add THAT to my resume.
With all the recent developments of my tech-savvy skills, I seriously pondered attending a session at Women's Conference called, "Staying Safe with Social Technology."
After all, I do BLOG and have 10's of readers and now I know how to Text.
When I mentioned this to California Sister she burst out laughing.
"Oh, Yes!!!! We definitely need THAT class.!"
Running to the grocery store? He brings it.
How about the post office? He brings it.
Going back to our home in Stockton. He brings it.
It's not that he's suddenly developed early onset Alzheimer's or anything--he just likes to know how soon he'll get somewhere and what the traffic patterns are like.
He is fascinated.
So, of course, on our recent trip to Utah, the GPS was the third member of our front seat crew. I was worried that he might become a distracted driver (we wouldn't want that) so I held it in my hands and became his personal GPS voice.
"We will be taking the next exit in 2.7 miles."
"Traffic is slowing to the yellow zone."
"We are approaching red driving conditions in 52 miles."
I became fascinated! Pretty soon, the Sudoku puzzle book and the books on CD I brought to entertain me lost their appeal. I could see why Ron loved his techy toy.
After driving to Utah, I proudly announced to Ron and Emily that I was now GPS proficient.
"I can add this to my resume when it asks for my skills."
Proficient in Word, Excel, and GPS!
Won't my future employers be so impressed?
Who cares if my cell phone is NEVER turned on? Who cares if I never bother to check my missed messages?
I know GPS!
A few days later, I was out and about with Utah and California sisters and Utah niece when darling daughter, Emily texted Barbara. Barbara handed me her cell phone and encouraged me to text her back.
It took a very. long. time.
A day or so later, I texted darling daughter, Jennifer with a very important bird question.
"Do birds lay their eggs in mid-flight?"
We had just witnessed that and were very curious if this was a common phenomenon or if the Mother bird was simply TIRED of waiting for Father bird to build their nest or if she had a case of weakened uterus.
As I texted this important question to Jennifer so she could Google it for us, it took a very. long. time.
Clearly, I need to practice my texting skills so I can add THAT to my resume.
With all the recent developments of my tech-savvy skills, I seriously pondered attending a session at Women's Conference called, "Staying Safe with Social Technology."
After all, I do BLOG and have 10's of readers and now I know how to Text.
When I mentioned this to California Sister she burst out laughing.
"Oh, Yes!!!! We definitely need THAT class.!"
Sunday, May 8, 2011
Mother's Day 2011
My MomMy mom is a hard worker.
My mom with her granddaughter, Heather. After "retiring" as a piano teacher, she still taught lessons to her local grandchildren.
When I was 15, my dad passed away. My mother was left to raise six children by herself. I was the oldest and my sister Karen was only four. My mom began teaching piano lessons to support our family. She taught about 40 lessons a week--every afternoon into the early evening and Saturday mornings. Our family became familiar with every song in the piano books she worked with--sometimes too familiar as we heard the same songs repeated week after week after week. My mom continued to faithfully serve in various church callings including teaching early morning seminary for eight years. She also returned to college in preparation to returning to full-time employment once we were raised. I knew my mom was busy, but it wasn't until I was an adult that I stood in amazement with all that she did. I don't know when she slept. She's admitted that she was tired all the time. When I sometimes feel overwhelmed with my responsibilities, I remember what my mom did and I realize that I've never been as busy as she was.
My mom is a great teacher.
My mom has turned into a computer whiz--and her family is very thankful! One of my earliest memories was having my mom read piles of books to me. She was an elementary school teacher for a few years before I was born and took on the occasional substitute teaching job when I was little. She knew the importance of education and made sure that we took our studies seriously. I also remember the weekly family home evenings where she usually presented the lesson until we got older and began taking turns. She also spent hours preparing for lessons she taught at church--Relief Society and Primary in particular. She collected a file cabinet filled with lesson and talk resources. It was the joke among the children that when she died, we would inherit her files. Perhaps to help ensure family harmony, my mom typed her favorite quotes and stories and gave each adult family member a CD full or resources that we could use NOW on a wide variety of gospel topics. She has passed on her love of teaching to me and my siblings. It is truly one of my favorite things to do.
My mom created happy memories.
Cutting down the annual Christmas tree in the Santa Cruz Mountains! This was a favorite family tradition for years--except for getting car sick and being worried our car was going to fall off a cliff! GOOD TIMES!!! My mom spent a lot of time doing enjoyable things with us. There were trips to the library, Happy Hollow Park, and picnics. There were hours spent baking cookies, making freezer jam, and creating homemade Jack-o-lanterns to carry our trick-or-treating stash. There were our $1.00 grocery store dinners where everyone received a dollar and was asked to buy something for the dinner table that night. (We had some pretty interesting dinners.) There were sleepovers, dances in our backyard, and vacations to southern Utah and Disneyland. I tried to follow my Mom's example with my own daughters by celebrating fun family traditions and creating pleasant family memories.
My mom is a woman of faith.
Mom and Jack at the MTC at the start of their 18 month mission to Ohio and West Virginia.As children and teenagers, we took great comfort in our mother's testimony. I echo what Helaman writes, "we did not doubt, because we knew our mother knew it." We watched her example of prayer, scripture study, and faithful church attendance. She emphasized the importance of keeping the commandments and living the gospel to the best of our ability because we did not want any empty chairs in heaven. When many people start to slow down, she served as ward and stake Relief Society president and then served a full-time mission for our church. As we face our own struggles and challenges in life, she constantly reminds us "that eternally speaking, all is well." We know that with faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ that she is right--all is well.
Family Reunion at Bear Lake--2004. Mom, thanks for being such a wonderful example to your children, your sons and daughters-in-law, your grandchildren and great-grandchildren. We love you.
Happy Mother's Day!
Saturday, May 7, 2011
What does Josh Wright have to do with Super 8 Motels? UPDATED
I was in Utah a long time.
A very long time.
Ron and Emily began driving back to California Easter evening. After spending the night in a lovely motel in Winnemucca, Nevada they finished their journey the next day.
May I make a suggestion to my world-wide friends that if they EVER need to stop in Winnemucca to get much needed sleep that they avoid the Super 8 with a passion! It was the worst. night. sleep. we. ever. had.
That's what we did when we traveled to Utah. We chose this motel because it was off the freeway and we thought we would get a quiet night's sleep. But, the mattresses were squeaky and uncomfortable. Every time we rolled over we heard "squeak. squeak. squeak."
Ron even got up in the middle of the night and complained. Instead of apologizing and offering to move us to a different room, they had him fill out a form.
Nothing happened.
When he got back to California, he filled out another form on their web site.
Nothing happened except a lovely e-mail thanking him for choosing Super 8.
He complained a third time.
Nothing happened. No apology. No "we are sorry that we put your life in jeopardy because you might fall asleep at the wheel driving." Nothing.
Is that anyway to run a business?
So, on the way BACK to California, he chose a Day's Inn.
We can recommend that motel very highly.
But, back to my MAIN story.
I stayed in Utah an extra week to attend Women's Conference at BYU with my lovely sisters and my darling niece. We had a wonderful time.
Our motto is "What happens at Women's Conference, stays at Women's Conference."
But, I may share a few itsy, bitsy stories with you.
Thursday night after I arrived back from Jacob's graduation, I attended the Shadow Mountain Concert. It was EXCELLENT!
David Osmond, Hilary Weeks, and Jenny Oaks Baker were among the performers.
But my two favorite artists of the night were Josh Wright--a very gifted pianist and Vocal Point, a nine-member BYU a capella group.
If you have never heard of Josh Wright, you might enjoy this video. He's playing a very complicated Litz piece on TWO pianos. It is my new personal mission to promote my new friend Josh to my 10's of readers! Enjoy!
So, what does Super 8 have to do with Josh Wright? One was super and one was not.
UPDATE: We received our credit card bill today. Super 8 credited our account. We never received an acknowledgment of our complaint but we are very grateful they did the right thing.
A very long time.
Ron and Emily began driving back to California Easter evening. After spending the night in a lovely motel in Winnemucca, Nevada they finished their journey the next day.
May I make a suggestion to my world-wide friends that if they EVER need to stop in Winnemucca to get much needed sleep that they avoid the Super 8 with a passion! It was the worst. night. sleep. we. ever. had.
That's what we did when we traveled to Utah. We chose this motel because it was off the freeway and we thought we would get a quiet night's sleep. But, the mattresses were squeaky and uncomfortable. Every time we rolled over we heard "squeak. squeak. squeak."
Ron even got up in the middle of the night and complained. Instead of apologizing and offering to move us to a different room, they had him fill out a form.
Nothing happened.
When he got back to California, he filled out another form on their web site.
Nothing happened except a lovely e-mail thanking him for choosing Super 8.
He complained a third time.
Nothing happened. No apology. No "we are sorry that we put your life in jeopardy because you might fall asleep at the wheel driving." Nothing.
Is that anyway to run a business?
So, on the way BACK to California, he chose a Day's Inn.
We can recommend that motel very highly.
But, back to my MAIN story.
I stayed in Utah an extra week to attend Women's Conference at BYU with my lovely sisters and my darling niece. We had a wonderful time.
Our motto is "What happens at Women's Conference, stays at Women's Conference."
But, I may share a few itsy, bitsy stories with you.
Thursday night after I arrived back from Jacob's graduation, I attended the Shadow Mountain Concert. It was EXCELLENT!
David Osmond, Hilary Weeks, and Jenny Oaks Baker were among the performers.
But my two favorite artists of the night were Josh Wright--a very gifted pianist and Vocal Point, a nine-member BYU a capella group.
If you have never heard of Josh Wright, you might enjoy this video. He's playing a very complicated Litz piece on TWO pianos. It is my new personal mission to promote my new friend Josh to my 10's of readers! Enjoy!
So, what does Super 8 have to do with Josh Wright? One was super and one was not.
UPDATE: We received our credit card bill today. Super 8 credited our account. We never received an acknowledgment of our complaint but we are very grateful they did the right thing.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Jacob's Turn
A week after Jennifer and I graduated, it was Jacob's turn. He worked very hard this past year. Every morning, he would get up early and go to work. In the late afternoons and evenings, he would attend police academy classes.
He ran. He worked out. He shot targets. He learned how to do important police work.
He spent every Saturday for months attending more classes.
He ran some more. He worked out more. He shot even more targets. He learned how to be an effective police officer.
I'm sure it was very hard at times. He didn't get to spend much time with his lovely wife. He didn't get to spend much time playing basketball (one of his favorites sports!) He didn't get to spend much time watching TV. But, this was important to him.
Finally, he was done. We gathered together as a family to celebrate his accomplishments. His mother and younger brother flew up to cheer him on, also.
The first thing we noticed when we arrived was how distinguished the graduates looked in their uniforms. The second things we noticed was the brevity of the program. After two marathon graduation ceremonies the previous week, we were very grateful. One of the most touching moments was when the graduates took the police officers code of conduct oath.
The graduates were asked to then turn and face their loved ones as they completed the oath. (I wish this photo was less blurry, but I am not known for my photographic skills. I am also not known for my bowling skills--but that's another story for perhaps another day.)
After each officer received their certificates, they gave special awards to certain members of the graduating class. There were awards for physical fitness, academic excellence, and shooting awards. You might remember an earlier post where I mentioned that our family fasted and prayed for Jacob that he might be able to pass three tests. Jacob needed to pass different shooting tests. This was not a natural talent for him and he worked very hard. He easily passed the qualifiers the last time he could take them. We were thrilled and cheered loudly when he received an award for "The Most Improved Shooter." Isn't that a cute plaque that he will want to display next to his wedding photographs?
I am so grateful that his police academy graduation came while I was still in Utah. It was wonderful celebrating this happy event with Jacob and Jennifer.
He ran. He worked out. He shot targets. He learned how to do important police work.
He spent every Saturday for months attending more classes.
He ran some more. He worked out more. He shot even more targets. He learned how to be an effective police officer.
I'm sure it was very hard at times. He didn't get to spend much time with his lovely wife. He didn't get to spend much time playing basketball (one of his favorites sports!) He didn't get to spend much time watching TV. But, this was important to him.
Finally, he was done. We gathered together as a family to celebrate his accomplishments. His mother and younger brother flew up to cheer him on, also.
The first thing we noticed when we arrived was how distinguished the graduates looked in their uniforms. The second things we noticed was the brevity of the program. After two marathon graduation ceremonies the previous week, we were very grateful. One of the most touching moments was when the graduates took the police officers code of conduct oath.
The graduates were asked to then turn and face their loved ones as they completed the oath. (I wish this photo was less blurry, but I am not known for my photographic skills. I am also not known for my bowling skills--but that's another story for perhaps another day.)
After each officer received their certificates, they gave special awards to certain members of the graduating class. There were awards for physical fitness, academic excellence, and shooting awards. You might remember an earlier post where I mentioned that our family fasted and prayed for Jacob that he might be able to pass three tests. Jacob needed to pass different shooting tests. This was not a natural talent for him and he worked very hard. He easily passed the qualifiers the last time he could take them. We were thrilled and cheered loudly when he received an award for "The Most Improved Shooter." Isn't that a cute plaque that he will want to display next to his wedding photographs?
I am so grateful that his police academy graduation came while I was still in Utah. It was wonderful celebrating this happy event with Jacob and Jennifer.
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Pomp and Circumstance
A lot has happened in the past 14 days.
I graduated.
Jennifer graduated.
Jacob, Jennifer's beloved graduated from Police Academy.
Osama bin Laden graduated from mortal life.
May he rest unhappily ever after.
But, let's dwell on happier events.
Jennifer and I GRADUATED! I know you want pictures--To PROVE that I actually graduated.
Here you go (with some slight commentary from me, of course.)
Before Thursday's Commencement, BYU had a lovely luncheon for the BGS graduates and their families. We enjoyed tasty sandwiches, yummy salads, raw vegetables with the obligatory ranch dip, various types of chips (which I finally ate when I returned home 12 days later. I'm a slow eater--but this was ridiculous!) and TASTY chocolate mint brownies. BYU is FAMOUS for their tasty chocolate mint brownies. I think this might be the first time I ate one and now I am a BYU chocolate mint brownie fan for life.
On a side note--do you notice the cute shoes I'm wearing? Please notice them because they caused me excruciating pain and a few blisters. They didn't even have that high of a heel. But after walking and walking and walking and standing and standing and standing, my feet paid the price for several days.
Never in my WILDEST dreams did I EVER think I would get a picture taken with Cosmo. Cosmo never said a word during our photo shoot, but I think that secretly he was DELIGHTED to take this photo with Jennifer, Emily, Ron, and I. I mean, who wouldn't? We were the ONLY mother-daughter duo that day.
After the luncheon, Jennifer and I took the opportunity to take some pictures. I won't bore you with all of them. Don't we look adorable? Note our white collars. These collars were SUPPOSED to be attached with adhesive tape. The tape didn't work--except getting stuck in our hair. Heather and Dustin went to the rescue and walked and walked and walked to find some safety pins. Jennifer, Emily, and I could simply NOT take another unnecessary step because our feet hurt.
How did the Pioneers do it?
Do you remember those Where's Waldo books? Well, can you spot Jennifer and I? We are SOMEWHERE in this section of the Marriott Center. I can't even find us. Over 6,000 students graduated this day. Elder Richard G. Scott was the keynote speaker. I LOVED his talk. When Commencement was over, Jennifer and I hobbled out of the Marriott Center and once we were reunited with our family, spent the next 45 minutes trying to get out of the parking lot.
That evening, we had a pizza party at Heather and Dustin's house. We enjoyed huddling together on their "Love Sack" nicknamed by Emily as "The Cream Puff." Ron, Emily, and I spent the night with Heather and Dustin. Emily spent the night on the Cream Puff which she said was one of the best night's sleep she EVER enjoyed!
The next morning, Ron and I showed up at the Smith Fieldhouse before 7:00 am to get ready for the next event of the day--Convocation! Convocation is where Jennifer and I would actually hear our names spoken out loud! It was very exciting.
Jennifer and I waiting patiently for our turn to cross the stage. We were in the second to last row to graduate. We were very patient.
Jennifer and I right after receiving our lovely diploma covers. Don't we look happy? Jennifer walked the stage first. The speaker announced her name and mentioned that she was graduating Cum Laud. Way to go Jennifer! We will NOT repeat what her delightful husband shouted when she crossed the stage, but I can tell you that Jennifer blushed.
Then, it was MY turn! I prayed that I would not trip crossing the stage and cause a memorable moment for everyone. Do you notice the sensible shoes I am wearing in this photo? I learned my lesson on Thursday and wore Grandma type shoes (even though I am NOT a grandma) and so there was no tripping. They said my name and then announced, "Loralee is the mother of Jennifer and she is graduating with her Bachelor of General Studies Degree."
There was great shouting and whooping and cheering from our fan club. Christie told me that several people said, "Oh how sweet--a mother and daughter graduating together." Yes! Yes, it was!
After convocation, the education department (which Jennifer graduated from) had light refreshments. I was very excited to discover that they were serving BYU's famous chocolate mint brownies. I partook again. I was very, very happy!
Barbara (one of my Utah sisters) supported me by being one of our photographers as well as attending two very long graduation ceremonies. Barbara--you are a GREAT sport!
The entire family minus Dustin who was valiantly attending his last day of college classes before finals began for him. We missed you Dustin--but you were where you were supposed to be! I can't wait to attend YOUR college graduation in a couple more years.
So, there you go. Photographic proof that it wasn't a dream.
I truly am a college graduate!
I graduated.
Jennifer graduated.
Jacob, Jennifer's beloved graduated from Police Academy.
Osama bin Laden graduated from mortal life.
May he rest unhappily ever after.
But, let's dwell on happier events.
Jennifer and I GRADUATED! I know you want pictures--To PROVE that I actually graduated.
Here you go (with some slight commentary from me, of course.)
Before Thursday's Commencement, BYU had a lovely luncheon for the BGS graduates and their families. We enjoyed tasty sandwiches, yummy salads, raw vegetables with the obligatory ranch dip, various types of chips (which I finally ate when I returned home 12 days later. I'm a slow eater--but this was ridiculous!) and TASTY chocolate mint brownies. BYU is FAMOUS for their tasty chocolate mint brownies. I think this might be the first time I ate one and now I am a BYU chocolate mint brownie fan for life.On a side note--do you notice the cute shoes I'm wearing? Please notice them because they caused me excruciating pain and a few blisters. They didn't even have that high of a heel. But after walking and walking and walking and standing and standing and standing, my feet paid the price for several days.
Never in my WILDEST dreams did I EVER think I would get a picture taken with Cosmo. Cosmo never said a word during our photo shoot, but I think that secretly he was DELIGHTED to take this photo with Jennifer, Emily, Ron, and I. I mean, who wouldn't? We were the ONLY mother-daughter duo that day.
After the luncheon, Jennifer and I took the opportunity to take some pictures. I won't bore you with all of them. Don't we look adorable? Note our white collars. These collars were SUPPOSED to be attached with adhesive tape. The tape didn't work--except getting stuck in our hair. Heather and Dustin went to the rescue and walked and walked and walked to find some safety pins. Jennifer, Emily, and I could simply NOT take another unnecessary step because our feet hurt.How did the Pioneers do it?
Do you remember those Where's Waldo books? Well, can you spot Jennifer and I? We are SOMEWHERE in this section of the Marriott Center. I can't even find us. Over 6,000 students graduated this day. Elder Richard G. Scott was the keynote speaker. I LOVED his talk. When Commencement was over, Jennifer and I hobbled out of the Marriott Center and once we were reunited with our family, spent the next 45 minutes trying to get out of the parking lot.
That evening, we had a pizza party at Heather and Dustin's house. We enjoyed huddling together on their "Love Sack" nicknamed by Emily as "The Cream Puff." Ron, Emily, and I spent the night with Heather and Dustin. Emily spent the night on the Cream Puff which she said was one of the best night's sleep she EVER enjoyed!The next morning, Ron and I showed up at the Smith Fieldhouse before 7:00 am to get ready for the next event of the day--Convocation! Convocation is where Jennifer and I would actually hear our names spoken out loud! It was very exciting.
Jennifer and I waiting patiently for our turn to cross the stage. We were in the second to last row to graduate. We were very patient.
Jennifer and I right after receiving our lovely diploma covers. Don't we look happy? Jennifer walked the stage first. The speaker announced her name and mentioned that she was graduating Cum Laud. Way to go Jennifer! We will NOT repeat what her delightful husband shouted when she crossed the stage, but I can tell you that Jennifer blushed.Then, it was MY turn! I prayed that I would not trip crossing the stage and cause a memorable moment for everyone. Do you notice the sensible shoes I am wearing in this photo? I learned my lesson on Thursday and wore Grandma type shoes (even though I am NOT a grandma) and so there was no tripping. They said my name and then announced, "Loralee is the mother of Jennifer and she is graduating with her Bachelor of General Studies Degree."
There was great shouting and whooping and cheering from our fan club. Christie told me that several people said, "Oh how sweet--a mother and daughter graduating together." Yes! Yes, it was!
After convocation, the education department (which Jennifer graduated from) had light refreshments. I was very excited to discover that they were serving BYU's famous chocolate mint brownies. I partook again. I was very, very happy!
Barbara (one of my Utah sisters) supported me by being one of our photographers as well as attending two very long graduation ceremonies. Barbara--you are a GREAT sport!
The entire family minus Dustin who was valiantly attending his last day of college classes before finals began for him. We missed you Dustin--but you were where you were supposed to be! I can't wait to attend YOUR college graduation in a couple more years.So, there you go. Photographic proof that it wasn't a dream.
I truly am a college graduate!
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Modest is the Hottest
Emily attended "Mormon Prom" Saturday night with her good friend, Daniel. Daniel and his mother drove all the way from Stockton so they could share this special evening.
Emily had a GREAT time, but it was not an easy project getting ready for Prom. It took a small village to make sure that Emily would feel comfortable with her outfit.
We found a fairly modest dress at a store. It was on clearance so the price was right but we would need to do alterations and find a shrug.
We searched two malls and a large outlet shopping center looking for a shrug that she could wear to make the dress modest. We struck out. It was my friend Karen who found the perfect shrug for Emily.
The dress was a little large. My mother happily took in the side seams so it would fit better.
Emily wanted to shorten the dress to knee length. I wasn't comfortable doing this. Through the help of my sister-in-law Shauna and niece, Chelsie, we found someone who could not only shorten the dress but add new spaghetti straps. The ones that came with the dress were so loose that they weren't effective. The woman who altered the dress was very reasonable. I appreciated her help.
As I watched Emily head off to Prom with Daniel, her cousins, and their dates, she looked lovely. She sparkled and look self-confident and comfortable because she knows that "modest is the hottest."
Chelsie, Danny, Emily, Daniel, Stacie, and Ricardo. Don't they look great?
I thought you would enjoy this video. One young woman also found prom dress shopping a frustrating experience and decided to do something about it.
She is my new hero.
Emily had a GREAT time, but it was not an easy project getting ready for Prom. It took a small village to make sure that Emily would feel comfortable with her outfit.
We found a fairly modest dress at a store. It was on clearance so the price was right but we would need to do alterations and find a shrug.
We searched two malls and a large outlet shopping center looking for a shrug that she could wear to make the dress modest. We struck out. It was my friend Karen who found the perfect shrug for Emily.
The dress was a little large. My mother happily took in the side seams so it would fit better.
Emily wanted to shorten the dress to knee length. I wasn't comfortable doing this. Through the help of my sister-in-law Shauna and niece, Chelsie, we found someone who could not only shorten the dress but add new spaghetti straps. The ones that came with the dress were so loose that they weren't effective. The woman who altered the dress was very reasonable. I appreciated her help.
As I watched Emily head off to Prom with Daniel, her cousins, and their dates, she looked lovely. She sparkled and look self-confident and comfortable because she knows that "modest is the hottest."
Chelsie, Danny, Emily, Daniel, Stacie, and Ricardo. Don't they look great? She is my new hero.
Monday, April 18, 2011
Graduation Checklist
Graduation preparations are underway.
Cap and Gown....Check.
New dress for Emily....Check.
New outfit for me......Uncheck.
Haircut for Ron....Check.
Food for car trip.....Check.
Books on CD for trip.....Check.
Clean clothes....Check.
Oil change and full tank of gas.....Check.
I have searched for a cute new dress or skirt ensemble to wear for graduation without success. It doesn't really matter because no one will be able to SEE the cute new dress or skirt ensemble because of the robe covering it. But, it's always fun to have a new outfit. Not that it would fit in my undersized closet. But, I would have made ROOM for it somewhere. Sigh. How I miss my old closet. Now THAT was a closet! It was also where our newborns slept for the first few months of life. It was that big.
On the way home from work, Ron stopped and got a haircut. It was badly needed. Emily commented on his "tan line." There is a good half inch of white skin showing where his hair used to be.
"You look great!" I told him. "You are ready for our BGS commercial!"
"I haven't had a haircut!" Emily shrieked! "I'm not ready for the BGS commercial."
"Ahhh, but you have a cute new dress. That will make up for the hair."
Three more days....and I'll be an official college graduate!
Three more days to see if I'm offered a starring role in an upcoming BGS commercial.
Jennifer, how does your hair look?
Cap and Gown....Check.
New dress for Emily....Check.
New outfit for me......Uncheck.
Haircut for Ron....Check.
Food for car trip.....Check.
Books on CD for trip.....Check.
Clean clothes....Check.
Oil change and full tank of gas.....Check.
I have searched for a cute new dress or skirt ensemble to wear for graduation without success. It doesn't really matter because no one will be able to SEE the cute new dress or skirt ensemble because of the robe covering it. But, it's always fun to have a new outfit. Not that it would fit in my undersized closet. But, I would have made ROOM for it somewhere. Sigh. How I miss my old closet. Now THAT was a closet! It was also where our newborns slept for the first few months of life. It was that big.
On the way home from work, Ron stopped and got a haircut. It was badly needed. Emily commented on his "tan line." There is a good half inch of white skin showing where his hair used to be.
"You look great!" I told him. "You are ready for our BGS commercial!"
"I haven't had a haircut!" Emily shrieked! "I'm not ready for the BGS commercial."
"Ahhh, but you have a cute new dress. That will make up for the hair."
Three more days....and I'll be an official college graduate!
Three more days to see if I'm offered a starring role in an upcoming BGS commercial.
Jennifer, how does your hair look?
Thursday, April 14, 2011
American Idol--The Final 8
Before we talk about this week, I think we need to have a moment of silence to mourn the departure of Pia. I really thought she would be in the final four. I believe everyone thought she would go further than she did. Alas, I was wrong.
On a happier note, I predicted that Stefano and Jacob would be in the bottom three. After two weeks, I am 66.66667% accurate in my bottom three predictions. Let's see how well I do this week.
Last night's theme was "Movie Songs."
Paul McDonald: "Old Time Rock and Roll" from Risky Business--Paul McDonald pulled out another rose-covered suit. He had a great time bopping all over the stage and shaking his tambourine. What made this song special however wasn't Paul's performance but the amazingly talented female saxophone player. I like Paul, but he's a better performer when he plays the guitar. It keeps him grounded and more likely to sing into the mic.
Lauren Alaina: "The Climb" from Miley Cyrus's Hannah Montana movie. This movie would not be considered GREAT by anyone but a pre-teen's standards. But, this song fit well with Lauren and what she is going through right now. She sang it with a great deal of emotion. You could tell that she REALLY connected with this song.
Stefano Langone: "End of the Road" from Boomerang. This Boyz II Men song fits Stefano's vocals beautifully. I could almost PICTURE him being in a boy band post-idol. Good job on connecting with the audience better. Perhaps he got the memo--there was much less lip licking this week. I was proud of him. I also felt sorry for him. I'm sure he felt survivor's guilt that after ending up in the bottom two last week that he was safe and beautiful, talented Pia was sent home.
Scotty McCreery: "I Cross My Heart" from Pure Country. Wow! You know how embarrassing it is to admit that I haven't seen one of these movies so far? Not even on cable. Thank goodness, I've heard of the songs. OK, back to Scotty's performance. I didn't enjoy it too much. I know, I am a Scotty fan, but he didn't wow me this time out. He's got such a female fan base that he's probably safe, but this would have to be the worse Scotty performance of the year.
Casey Abrams: "Nature Boy" from Moulin Rouge. This song was originally sung by Nat King Cole. I LOVE Nat King Cole. I also enjoyed what Casey did with this song. He jazzed up his performance with his upright bass for the second week in a row, and it worked for me. He growled, he scatted, he had a great time interacting with his back-up band and the audience. Casey also sported a much shorter beard this week. I would almost call it the Miami Vice look because it appeared that he hadn't shaved in a couple of days. I like it. One piece of advise though. Casey, if you want to keep the young girls and the grandma's voting for you, be careful when you squint your eyes. Mr. Evil starts popping back. It's not a good look.
Haley Reinhart: "Call Me" from American Gigolo. Haley, Haley, Haley. Two pieces of advise: 1. You look a lot more classy when your outfits cover you better. 2. I enjoy your vocals much more when you don't shriek and scream. CALL ME! CALL ME! CALL ME! OK, I know that these are the lyrics but you don't have to sound so desperate or angry. Perhaps this is her way of urging the American public to call her American Idol phone number.
Jacob Lusk: "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" from The Pursuit of Happiness. Jacob is an amazing vocalist. He sang this song with emotion, expression, and conviction. Steven said that he sang it like an angel. I agree. The last three notes were totally amazing!
James Durbin: "Heavy Metal" from Heavy Metal. OK, it's official. I haven't seen ONE of the movies they high-lighted tonight. And that's OK. James asked us to "give metal a chance." I gave metal a chance and...I didn't care for it. James is very talented and I'm sure he's entertaining to certain segments of the American Idol audience. I'm just not one of them. His vocals and energy will carry him through another week. I don't see him in the bottom three tonight.
So, who had the best performance? Casey, Jacob, and Lauren.
Who do I predict will be in the bottom three? Paul (because he went first), Haley, (too much screaming for my taste), and Stefano. (What a surprise.)
Who is going home? I've never gotten this right, but tonight I predict it will be Paul. Now watch, Stefano will FINALLY be leaving this week.
On a happier note, I predicted that Stefano and Jacob would be in the bottom three. After two weeks, I am 66.66667% accurate in my bottom three predictions. Let's see how well I do this week.
Last night's theme was "Movie Songs."
Paul McDonald: "Old Time Rock and Roll" from Risky Business--Paul McDonald pulled out another rose-covered suit. He had a great time bopping all over the stage and shaking his tambourine. What made this song special however wasn't Paul's performance but the amazingly talented female saxophone player. I like Paul, but he's a better performer when he plays the guitar. It keeps him grounded and more likely to sing into the mic.
Lauren Alaina: "The Climb" from Miley Cyrus's Hannah Montana movie. This movie would not be considered GREAT by anyone but a pre-teen's standards. But, this song fit well with Lauren and what she is going through right now. She sang it with a great deal of emotion. You could tell that she REALLY connected with this song.
Stefano Langone: "End of the Road" from Boomerang. This Boyz II Men song fits Stefano's vocals beautifully. I could almost PICTURE him being in a boy band post-idol. Good job on connecting with the audience better. Perhaps he got the memo--there was much less lip licking this week. I was proud of him. I also felt sorry for him. I'm sure he felt survivor's guilt that after ending up in the bottom two last week that he was safe and beautiful, talented Pia was sent home.
Scotty McCreery: "I Cross My Heart" from Pure Country. Wow! You know how embarrassing it is to admit that I haven't seen one of these movies so far? Not even on cable. Thank goodness, I've heard of the songs. OK, back to Scotty's performance. I didn't enjoy it too much. I know, I am a Scotty fan, but he didn't wow me this time out. He's got such a female fan base that he's probably safe, but this would have to be the worse Scotty performance of the year.
Casey Abrams: "Nature Boy" from Moulin Rouge. This song was originally sung by Nat King Cole. I LOVE Nat King Cole. I also enjoyed what Casey did with this song. He jazzed up his performance with his upright bass for the second week in a row, and it worked for me. He growled, he scatted, he had a great time interacting with his back-up band and the audience. Casey also sported a much shorter beard this week. I would almost call it the Miami Vice look because it appeared that he hadn't shaved in a couple of days. I like it. One piece of advise though. Casey, if you want to keep the young girls and the grandma's voting for you, be careful when you squint your eyes. Mr. Evil starts popping back. It's not a good look.
Haley Reinhart: "Call Me" from American Gigolo. Haley, Haley, Haley. Two pieces of advise: 1. You look a lot more classy when your outfits cover you better. 2. I enjoy your vocals much more when you don't shriek and scream. CALL ME! CALL ME! CALL ME! OK, I know that these are the lyrics but you don't have to sound so desperate or angry. Perhaps this is her way of urging the American public to call her American Idol phone number.
Jacob Lusk: "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" from The Pursuit of Happiness. Jacob is an amazing vocalist. He sang this song with emotion, expression, and conviction. Steven said that he sang it like an angel. I agree. The last three notes were totally amazing!
James Durbin: "Heavy Metal" from Heavy Metal. OK, it's official. I haven't seen ONE of the movies they high-lighted tonight. And that's OK. James asked us to "give metal a chance." I gave metal a chance and...I didn't care for it. James is very talented and I'm sure he's entertaining to certain segments of the American Idol audience. I'm just not one of them. His vocals and energy will carry him through another week. I don't see him in the bottom three tonight.
So, who had the best performance? Casey, Jacob, and Lauren.
Who do I predict will be in the bottom three? Paul (because he went first), Haley, (too much screaming for my taste), and Stefano. (What a surprise.)
Who is going home? I've never gotten this right, but tonight I predict it will be Paul. Now watch, Stefano will FINALLY be leaving this week.
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