My Name's J. and I Smoke Pot!

Less than two weeks before we move back to our home!  Ron and I are so excited that we're having a hard time sleeping but there is SOOOOO much to do!  

Last Friday morning, our friend Jeanette dropped off her horse trailer which can easily fit four horses and squeeze in five.  She and her husband, Mike were going to help us move the first load on Saturday afternoon!!  Well, Ron woke up Saturday morning at 2 am and was so excited about packing that he couldn't go back to sleep!  He woke ME up and then he finally got out of bed around 4 am and said, "I'm going to start working."  It was pitch dark outside!  But between the garage lights and the porch light, he had enough light to load up all the food storage, the holiday decorations, the "grandma toys" I had saved from when my children were young, the other things in the garage, PLUS most of the boxes in the house that I had packed earlier.  That horse trailer was loaded!  He worked and worked and worked and was finished before 8 am.  The problem was that four missionaries were supposed to come at 9 am and help us load the trailer.  There wasn't anything left for them to load!  When they called, Ron canceled one set of missionaries and asked the other missionaries if they could come on over and help with a couple of small projects.  They helped disassemble the can rack that held a lot of our food storage, took down Emily's and the guest room beds, and helped Ron repair the wooden steps in the backyard that had dry rot.. Then, they were on their way 30 or so minutes later.  Those missionaries and Ron know how to work! 

About 4 pm, Mike and Jeanette showed up with their large pick up truck.  Ron and Mike loaded up the disassembled can rack in the back of the pickup and then we were off to our old home!  It took about two hours to get there and it was so great seeing our house again!  The kitchen is glorious!  The master bedroom closet is bigger than I remember! I have so much storage!!!  (Can you tell that I'm excited?!) However, as we drove up and parked, we noticed that we have new neighbors.  The corner neighbors moved out and new people moved in.  They were BBQing on the driveway and despite the delicious smell of grilling meat, we could also smell through the closed truck windows the smell of marijuana. Their garage door was up and we couldn't help but notice that they have a large screen TV and a couple of couches in their garage.  It looks like that room is now the party room!  Their SUV was backed into the driveway with the windows rolled down and they were enjoying loud rap music coming from their car stereo system. As Ron and Mike unloaded the trailer, Jeanette and I wandered over to introduce ourselves.  Jeanette's whispered comment to me was, "You need to make your potential enemies your friends."  She went up and introduced herself and then I introduced myself and the man stuck out his hand and said, "My name is J. and I smoke pot." 

Really?  We couldn't tell? He explained that he wanted to make sure we knew because we would be neighbors. We found out that he and his wife work two hours away and they've lived in that house for two years.  He moved from Oakland and he's very glad to be out!  We heard dogs barking in the backyard and since Jeanette loves animals, she inquired what type of dog they own.  J. answered, "Oh, we have three pit bulls.  They are very friendly unless someone is climbing over our fence!"

No, I did not take a photo of our neighbor's dogs, but they look like the one on the right.

 I assured him that I would NOT be climbing over his fence.  I know that Ron will NOT be climbing over that fence either.  Now, I need to make sure our two sweet granddaughters also know that when  they come to visit THEY shouldn't climb over the fence.  (Although I don't think that will be an issue since they are almost two and seven months old.)  He brought the dogs out and they do seem pretty friendly.  One of the dogs is expecting puppies any day now, so now we'll have even more pit bull neighbors!   His wife and female cousin were also friendly and after we move in, I'll make some non-marijuana brownies or chocolate chip pumpkin bread and go over and deliver it.  I really hope that we can all be good neighbors--even though we don't smoke "pot." 

Tender Mercies

Yesterday I helped the sister missionaries in our ward teach a new investigator and her daughter who was baptized a couple of weeks ago about the wonderful messages found in the Book of Mormon.  We read a few verses in 1 Nephi 1 and concluded with this verse:

"But behold, I Nephi will show unto you that the tender merices of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance."

 As we were discussing this verse, the sister missionaries turned to me and asked me to share some of the tender mercies I've experienced.  I didn't share these yesterday, but I would love to share them with you.

1.   In the summer of 2012 I knew Emily would be leaving for BYU-I soon and I wondered "now what I am I going to be when I grow up?"  I had been a full time wife and mother (which I LOVED) for about thirty years, but I knew I would need to stay busy so I wouldn't turn into a daytime talk-show watching, bon-bon stuffing woman.  Ron and I were friends with a couple in our ward.  One day, Darryl casually mentioned to Ron that he was searching for an administrative assistant.  Ron said, "You should consider Loralee."  A few days later he asked me to meet him at his office and after a 30 minute "interview" the job was mine!  That was one tender mercy!  But, that's not the end of the story.  Several months later when Ron was told his position at the community college was being eliminated, my paycheck combined with his unemployment made it possible for us to live frugally--but within our means

2.  After a year of BYU-I, Emily decided that she needed to serve a mission.  She was worried how we would financially do this--Ron didn't have a job and she was searching for work, also.  Ron told her not to worry--a way would be prepared.  Between family support and Emily finding a good job at Hobby Lobby, we knew that she would be OK.  About two months before she entered the MTC, Ron was offered a job with the state of California.  It has been the BEST work environment he has experienced in over ten years.  Another wonderful tender mercy of the Lord.

3. We have LOVED living in Morgan Hill.  We have LOVED living close to my mom, my brothers, their wives, and their children.  We ave LOVED the hills surrounding Morgan Hill and the cute downtown.  We have made so many good friends in our ward.  And yet...we still missed Stockton.  It was our home for twenty-six years.  We longed to go back.  We were renting out our home and even though we tried to make the house we were living in feel like home, there were limitations of what we could do.  Ron's patriarchal blessing says that as he lives a righteous life, that the desires of his heart will be granted.  His heart's desire was to return to Stockton.  The final tender mercy of the Lord I want to share with you today is that Ron received a promotion with the state of California.  His begins his new job in Sacramento next week. Once our renter's move out November 30th, we'll be moving back into our beloved home.  I know that realistically, things have changed, but I'm hoping and praying that Stockton becomes the beloved home that we remember.  

We have truly been blessed with so many tender mercies.  I am so grateful for the love I feel from our Heavenly Father.  I believe that as we keep our eyes and hearts open, we will see and recognize so many manifestations of the tender mercies of our Heavenly Father. 

Death by Pasta Salad

A couple of weeks ago Ron and I attended our ward's High Priest Social.  The quorum would provide the meat and we were asked to sign up for either a salad or dessert.  Ron is known for his scrumptiously delicious homemade ice cream.  His latest specialty is Chocolate, Chocolate Chip Rocky Road.  Imagine delicious rich chocolate ice cream sprinkled liberally with chopped up milk chocolate candy bars, slivered almonds, and mini-marshmallows and you will have an idea of the decadent goodness.  We signed up that he would bring ice cream because it is a crowd pleaser.

However, a week before the event Ron looked over the sign up list and saw there was an abundance of  desserts and very few salads.  Being the considerate person that he is, he scratched off dessert and wrote in our name for salad.  I was fine with that.  Salads are actually easier to prepare and healthier to boot!  When he spoke with the organizer of this yearly event though, he asked that we not bring a fresh fruit or healthy green salad--but a pasta salad.

 Insert shocked silence.

A pasta salad?  I've NEVER made a pasta salad in my life!  Yes, I've been married for like forever and have cooked how many thousands of meals and tried out how many hundreds--nay, thousands of new recipes over my life time and yet I have never made a pasta  salad before?!

That is correct.

I was worried.  I don't particularly care for pasta salad.  (Perhaps that is the main reason I've never made it before.)  When I attend buffets where pasta salad is served, I don't always choose that particular dish.  And now, we were asked to bring a pasta salad?!

Why couldn't we just bring Ron's delicious, decadent, oh-so-good but-not-so good-for-you ice cream?
I searched the Internet for recipes.  I spoke to my friend and co-worker Vickie (who is a GREAT cook) for her suggestions.  With great trepidation, I purchased the ingredients and made my first pasta salad!

It seemed to be enjoyed by all at the social--only one serving was left out of the fifteen servings I made and no one was grimacing or moaning or groaning or gnashing their teeth OR dumping it sneakily into their napkin to dispose of at a later time (at least that I noticed) so I felt successful.

But, two days later I had a very strange dream.

I dreamed I was in some type of place where you only were allowed to eat one food for every meal for the entire week.  There were four choices that cost no money--including pasta salad!  The other four choices cost money, and when I checked my pockets and my purse I realized that I had none.  So, I would have to choose one of the free choices.  I hemmed and hawed and debated on the best thing I could eat for a whole week.

Finally, I settled on the pasta salad because it:

1. Was made with some type of grain. 
2. Had veggies in it. (Red and yellow bell peppers and red onion)
3. Had some dairy product (freshly grated Parmesan cheese)
4. And had olives in it!  Any food with olives can't be all bad! 

As I was contemplating my choices, I knew I was in a dream, but I simply could not wake up! As I ate pasta salad three times a day for a week, it was not pleasant.  I thought I would be the first person known to mankind to die of pasta salad!

When I woke up I realized how stressed I had been about making an unknown and untried recipe for people I care about.  

In case you have NEVER made pasta salad before either and are DYING to try it (pun intended) here is the recipe I used:  Ron says it's good and it got 4 1/2 stars on Allrecipes. com.  Thanks Allrecipes.com for sharing this easy recipe!

Italian Pasta Salad

1 16 oz. package of mufti-colored rotini pasta

1 cup creamy style Caesar salad dressing

1 cup Italian salad dressing

1 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 yellow bell pepper, chopped

1 red onion, diced

1 large can olives-sliced

1.  In a large pot of salted water, cook pasta to al dente, rinse under cold water and drain.

2.  In a large bowl combine all ingredients.  Serve either chilled or at room temperature.

Enjoy!  And I hope you never have to experience death by pasta salad! 

Dolphins, Pelicans, and Seagulls...Oh My!

A few weeks ago Utah Sisters were in town for a visit.  Because they live far, far, far, far away from the beach, they thought it would be a splendid idea to make a trip to the Pacific Ocean and enjoy the waves and the sand.  It was cold and somewhat foggy when we arrived but we enjoyed watching the seagulls and pelicans fishing for lunch and eventually saw a small pod of dolphins frolicking in the waves. 

Not an actual photograph I took--but wouldn't it be cool if I did? 

 Probably the funniest part of the day was my fear of all the birds flying overhead.  

This is only a SMALL number of the birds we saw!

The following is a reenactment of a conversation between my Utah Sisters, my Mom, and myself:

Good times at the beach!

"There are hundreds of birds here--maybe thousands of birds--and I'm nervous that they may leave a little present in my hair," I said.

"Loralee, there are NOT thousands of birds here," said my Mom.

"OK, maybe not thousands but certainly hundreds and they keep flying overhead."

Karen butted in, "You are worried about a bird pooping in your hair?"

"Yes," I replied, "It's happened before and it's not pleasant."

Barbara who had been down at the seashore dipping her feet in the ocean and was not privy to any of the earlier conversation then joined us.  She sat down in her lawn chair and noticed the hundreds (maybe thousands of birds flying overhead.)

"Boy, all these birds make me nervous!" Barbara exclaimed.  "I'm afraid they're going to poop on my head."

Karen and my mom burst out laughing!  "What is it with my older sisters and their irrational fear of birds?" Karen shouted.

"Hey, it's happened before," Barbara declared.  "Yeah, it's happened to me, also," I cut in.

Grandma replied, "The birds aren't flying over our heads.  This is a no-fly zone." 

"I don't know," I replied.  "They seem to be getting pretty close."

Barbara said, "I've got an umbrella in my car.  Maybe I should get it?"

Aunt Karen jumped in, "Actually, I have an umbrella in this bag.  As I was getting ready for my trip, I thought maybe I should unpack it but then the thought came, nah, you might need it.  Here, you can use it!"

Gratefully, I unfolded the umbrella and held it over our heads.  Ten minutes passed.  Fifteen minutes passed.  Aunt Karen and Grandma continued to mock us for our fear of birds and their not so delightful gifts.  Suddenly, I said:

Karen, Barbara, and I--and the trusty umbrella!

"I heard a plop!" 

Barbara exclaimed, "I heard a plop, also!"  

I lowered the umbrella and the ugliest color green nastiness was on the umbrella!  Barbara and I felt vindicated by the umbrella's protection and Karen was patting herself on the back for listening to the prompting she received to take her umbrella to sunny and hot California where she prevented her older sisters from being traumatized once again!

The end.

What Makes You Beautiful

In just over a week, I'm heading off to Young Women camp.  I went three years as a young women and this will be my 12th (and possible final year) as an adult.  

Young Women camp is a wonderful experience!  Testimonies are developed and strengthened, friendships are deepened, and you can't help feel the love of our Heavenly Father as you enjoy the beautiful world He has created for us.

However, many young women (and their leaders) feel very self-conscious about the lack of blow dryers, curling irons, flat irons, and make-up while they are at camp.  It can be liberating not to have to dress up and impress others, but there is also a feeling of vulnerability as you show the world--this is what I REALLY look like.

I love the following video.  It was created by the Young Men in the Citrus Heights Stake to help the Young Women remember that it isn't the eye liner, the mascara, and the shiny carefully coiffed hair that makes them beautiful.

If only we received more messages like this in our life.

...and then our eyes locked....

A few days ago I was talking to a friend.  I asked how things were going and she giggled a little and announced that she is getting married on July 21st.  

"Wow!" I said. "That's coming up quick!  Where is he from?" 

'Oh," she replied, "He's not from around here.  He travels a lot."

I'm thinking that maybe he's a truck driver.  Or a pilot.  Or a salesman.


She blushed a little as she replied, "He's an acrobat in the circus."

I hope I didn't look too startled.  I did not see that coming.  At all. 

"Really," I gushed!  "I know a woman who used to be a trapeze artist when she was young!"

(I was trying very hard to find some common ground, and this is the first thing that popped into my head.  Pretty lame, huh, although very true.  I do know someone who was a trapeze artist when she was younger.)

We talked about my amazing friend who used to be a trapeze artist when she was younger for a few minutes and then I asked the next question:

"So, where did you meet?"

I'm thinking perhaps they were introduced by a mutual friend.  Or they met at a party.  Or online.

"We met at the circus."

I hope I didn't look too startled.  I mean, it makes sense, but I did not see that coming.  At all.

"I took my two daughters to the circus and we were sitting on the first row.  As he performed our eyes locked.  There was that instant attraction to each other, you know what I mean?"

I nodded my head.  I felt that way toward Ron when I first saw him.

"After the circus was over, I was in the parking lot walking back to my car.  He quickly changed out of his performing clothes and 'accidentally'  bumped into us in the parking lot.  We've been together ever since." 

I think that's the most original "how we met" story I've ever heard!

I hope my friend and her fiance will be very, very happy. 

First Jobs

When I was 18 years old, Tom, a man in my ward told me about a job opening at the supermarket he worked at.  He was a school teacher by day and supplemented his income by working as a cashier at night. 

I don't know how he did it.

"Loralee, the bakery department has an opening.  Go and apply."

Dressing carefully, I drove to the grocery store and asked to speak to the bakery manager.  When I told her that I heard their was an opening and I would like to apply, she replied, "There is no opening.  You heard wrong."

A few days later, Tom asked me how it went.  I told him that there wasn't an opening.

"Oh, there's an opening.  Go again.  Tell the manager I sent you."

Reluctantly, I followed his orders.  I didn't want to be told "no" twice.

To my surprise, there was an opening this time.  After a short interview, I was hired!  I had my first non-babysitting job and I was thrilled.  Skeeter, my boss (her real name was Juanita but everyone called her Skeeter) was demanding, but I think she eventually realized that I was a hard worker and tried to do my best.  When I left that job a year later to attend college out-of-state, she presented to me a pendant necklace which I still have.

Emily is now 18 years old and she's had her share of babysitting, house-sitting, and pet sitting gigs, but it's time to make a little more money.  She began applying for jobs--in person and online.  Some of the application questions amazed her.  She wasn't sure what they meant.  She asked my opinion.  I wasn't sure what they meant either!

After applying at many business establishments, she had a group interview at a small clothing and accessory store.  She came home discouraged.  Nearly everyone else had more experience than she did. 

"I did not get this job!" she exclaimed.

A few days later, the phone rang.  It was the hiring manager.  She offered her a summer position.

"Thank you so much!" she exclaimed at least a couple of times. 

Good for you, Emily!  You did it without any friend or family connections.  Good luck on your new part-time job. 

Announcing....

I enjoy making announcements--especially if they are of the happy variety.

A few weeks ago, I sent a text to my married darling daughters with the following announcement:

BREAKING NEWS!  I purchased my first watermelon of the summer!

Now, that might not be breaking news for MOST people, but for me with my passion for sweet and juicy watermelon, it was a big deal.  I LOVE watermelon!  It's my favorite fruit and when I purchased my first one sometime the middle of May, it was big news for me. 

Of course, my darling daughters responded with cheers.  They know how much watermelon means to me.  I can eat it for breakfast, lunch and dinner and sometimes afternoon and before bedtime snacks.  Do you get a little sense of WHY buying my first watermelon was such big news? 


About eight years ago, I got up in the front of Relief Society to share some other good news.

I announced that after four daughters and 23 years of marriage I was finally expecting a son!

Of course, there was much exclamations from the women in the room.  Emily was 10 at the time.  That's a pretty big gap between a fourth and fifth child.  However, it was my way of announcing Christie's engagement and that we were finally getting a son-in-law.

So, yesterday I did it again.

I made a big announcement in Young Women because that is where I currently serve. 

I walked to the front of the room and twirled.  (That is what the young women do in this ward--they twirl when they want to share good news.)

With a catch in my voice and a few tears in my eyes, I pulled out an apron that was given to me by darling daughter Heather and her husband Dustin on Mother's Day. 

This is a smile of pure joy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, I am going to be a grandmother sometime the end of November or beginning of December. 

I LOVE making happy announcements!

The Parable of the Baking Soda

There are some things are I am not too good at:

1. Team Sports. (I still have horrible memories of being picked last every single time during P.E.)
2. Not getting stressed. (Although I am working on it.)
3. Being outgoing in a large group of people. (And when I mean a large group of people, I mean anything over six. Yes, I know. I'm pathetic.)

There are some things I am OK at:

1. Cooking a meal for company. (See number 2 above. I'm ALWAYS worried that they won't like what I made, or it won't turn out, or that it won't be done in time.)
2. Fixing my hair so it looks OK. (Emily touches it up for special occasions. I wish EVERY day was a special occasion.)
3. Playing the organ. (I've been taking lessons for a few months now and slowly I'm hoping to get better than OK.)

There are some things I am very good at:

1. Keeping a clean and orderly home. (It's never perfect, but I'm never embarrassed to have someone drop by unexpectedly.)
2. Setting and accomplishing goals. (Ask my long time friends--they will vouch for me on that one.)
3. Baking some pretty awesome chocolate chip cookies.

I was very good at baking cookies, until I moved to cute little town. The recipe stayed the same. The pans were still the magical ones. But, my cookies just didn't turn out.
At first I thought it was the oven.
My old oven was perfect. Bake cookies at 350 degrees for 9 minutes and you had perfection. Every. single. time.
I raised the temperature of the oven. That helped.
I let them cook just a minute longer. That helped.
But, there was still something not quite right about those cookies.
They were flat.
As I recently pondered this perplexing turn of events, I kept getting a prompting: "Check your baking soda."
I ignored it.
A day later, I remembered that prompting. "Check your baking soda."
I wasn't anywhere near the kitchen at the time, so the thought was fleeting.
The third time I was prompted to check the baking soda, I did. We had two open boxes of baking soda. (I don't know HOW that happened.) Imagine my shock when both of them had expired in 2010--right about the time Heather got married and we moved.
No wonder my cookies were flat.
As I write this, I am baking a fresh batch of cookies with fresh baking soda. They are golden brown and slightly puffy. I'm still trying to figure out this oven, but maybe, I'll become a very good baker again.
As I thought about this, I think many times we let our "baking soda" go flat. We lose that zest for living. Perhaps it's because we aren't taking care of ourselves physically. We aren't eating right. We aren't getting enough exercise. We aren't getting enough sleep.
Perhaps we aren't taking care of ourselves emotionally. We aren't reaching out to friends. We aren't building our family relationships. We are neglecting an important part of our inner core.
Perhaps we aren't taking care of ourselves spiritually. We have neglected our scripture study. Our prayers have become trite. We aren't engaged in meaningful worship.
I'm grateful for re-learning how important baking soda is in baking. I will never assume that my opened box can last forever. As soon as I see the tell-tale sign of flat cookies (or a flat life) I'll wonder if it (or my life) has lost it's zest for living. Then, I'll do something about it.

Valentine Nicknames

Last Sunday, I was reading the comics. Snoopy was given many Valentine's greetings but the one that he was hoping for never came.

No one called him "Sugar Lips."

And so, in honor of Snoopy's wish, I decided to bestow the mushy nickname of "Sugar Lips" on Ron this week.

I'm sure he's thrilled.

Of course, Emily could not be left out. As we were brainstorming possible Valentine nicknames for her, she came up with "Muffin" or "Pumpkin." They are very lovely but just not quite special enough.

Ron thought a combination would be better. "How about Pumpfin?" he asked.

I burst in with my suggestion a second later, "How about Muffkin?"

And so, Emily is now Muffkin for the week.

I'm sure she's thrilled.

Of course, I could not be without a Valentine nickname. They didn't EVEN ask me what I wanted to be called.

My nickname? Honey Bucket.

And yes, I'm thrilled. :)

SWN and EGA

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.

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.

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).

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.

Family Reunion--It was Pretty Amazing!

Nearly the entire family. There were eight people who couldn't be there.

Our family reunion ended a couple of weeks ago, but can I say one thing--it was AMAZING! After our lovely weekend activities filled with family dinners, family games, family photographs, and a special family testimony meeting, we began Monday morning participating in The Amazing Race!

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!

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.

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.

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.

I am a child of God,
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.

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.

But what is more important is that I learned I can do hard things because I am indeed a child of God.

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?

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:

1. They are going to realign stake and ward boundaries in the five stakes in our area.
   
2. We will be warned of an impending large earthquake and reminded to make sure our 72 hour kits are ready.
3. We will be told that we are a "chosen" people and asked to gather to Jackson County, Missouri.
4. 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.

Of all the options, number five is the most feasible. But, it's very fun listening to all the speculation and rumors and seeing how big and preposterous some of them have become.