Good Things

1.  being together as a family
2.  having excess food
3.  mobility

Good Things:

1.  Being able to vote
2.  End of political ads and phone calls
3.  Living in freedom

Holy, Moly!

I had my girls get together last Friday night and I hosted.  I always like doing that, as it gives me a reason to make some delicious food.  The hit of the night was "Tomato Crostini with Whipped Feta."  Holy Moly, it is so good.  So good, I had to make more the next day, and put in on a grilled pepper turkey sandwich.  Here is is from the Oprah magazine:

6 oz feta cheese crumbled
2 oz cream cheese at room temperature (I used fat free)
2/3 cup olive oil divided
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Salt
pepper
2 Tbsp pine nuts
2Tbsp shallots
2 tsp minced garlic (2 cloves)
2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
2 lbs tomatoes 1/2 inch diced
3 Tbsp fresh basil
1/2 " baguette slices toasted

Place feta and cream cheese in a bowl and mix, I just used my mixer.  Add 1/3 c olive oil,(I will use a little less next time, just because that is alot of oil) lemon juice and 1/2t salt 1/4 t pepper. Mix until smooth and refridgerate until ready to use.
Place pine nuts in a dry saute pan and cook over low heat until lightly browned. Set aside
For tomato topping, combine shallots, garlic and vinegar and let sit 5 minutes.  Whisk remaining olive oil, 1 t sal,t and 1/2 t pepper in.  Add tomatoes and stir. Add basil. 
To assemble spread baguette with cheese mixture and top with tomatoes. Sprinkle with pine nuts. 
OH, so good!

For the sandwich, I just used french bread, peppered turkey, and then the tomatoes and feta mixture.  Then grill.

Good things:
1. whipped feta
2. Girls night
3. lunch the next day

Girls Weekend

Last Friday I flew to visit my girls for the Relief Society General broadcast.  We had such a great time! Two of my sisters also joined us, with spectacular tickets. K wasn't able to join us until late friday, but we just carried on without her until she could join us.  We went to Bakers, I got some anise oil for deliscious caramels come Christmas time.  Had dinner, and went back to the hotel.  The next morning we found some great buys at the DI, checked out a farmers market, did some shopping, and then went to the broadcast.  Brooke was able to get us tickets from Elder Hales, her husband's uncle, and they were great! We were sitting right up at the front in what I will call "the apostles family section!"  We were as close as you could get to sit by Pres. Monson's wife and daughter, Sister Dibb, who were up on the stand.  As the prophet came in, he bent down and said to his wife and daughter, "How's my girls?"   So cool!  We shook the hand of Sister Dew, she was sitting on the same row, just down a few chairs.  We also recognized sisters Nelson, Eyring, Utchdorf, and Holland.  Some of the apostles escorted their wives to and from their seats.  And, the messages they gave were great as well.  For once, the time seemed to pass so quickly.  After the meeting, we had some dinner, and as a treat from Dad, the girls each bought a pair of boots that they really "needed."  Sunday we slept in, went to sacrament meeting in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building, had some really good sushi, and dispersed until next year when the girls want to do it again.  Such a great weekend!

Good Things:
1.  A girls getaway
2.  Feeling the spirit of leaders
3.  Plans for next year

Charity!

So, I have been thinking....(feel free to tune out now.)

I have been thinking alot of about charity, the pure love of Christ, and the atonement.  And although my new calling in the stake Relief Society has probably led me to continue my thoughts, it has been on my mind for quite awhile. 
What I have come to realize is I have soooo far to go.
I have always believed in the atonement, and known it is real and necessary to return and live with my Heavenly Father.  But over the last while, I have actually seen it in action.  I have been able to see an actual change in countenance, a light come into someones countenance that I didn't realize was missing until I saw the light.  That was amazing to me.  Also, I have had sincere concern for this person's life, the unhappiness brought to the individual and those around them.  I have worried about progress being made, and them being happy in the future.  I truly want the best for this person.   I found this interesting, as this person is not a member of my family, and I questioned my capacity to love.  I have caught a glimpse of how Heavenly Father must feel about each of us.  How he really wants the best for us, and is ready and willing to offer it to us if we live up to our end of the bargain.  So, my conclusion is that, real charity is wanting the best for everyone, and doing our best to help them get to their best, and be their best, and then not being threatened when they are reaping happiness. We are all just trying to do the very best we can with the knowledge we have.  I just hope I can continue to have glimpses to keep me working to get there.

Good Things:
1.  the charity of others towards me
2.  the atonement
3.  glimpses

Just can't stay up to date!

On August 21 B and I drove to her school of choice.  I am not going to lie, I was a little worried about her.  I suppose every mother is.  Anyway, on the 19th, she received her patriarchial  blessing.  And it just so happened that it was a tender mercy...for me!.Not sure how she felt about it, but it was just what I needed to hear to send my beautiful daughter off on her own.  It was a wonderful blessing which in part, mentioned several times her goodness, purity, and virtue.  She has a wonderful life in store for her. 
So we packed the car and drove first to spend the night with Mom and Dad, and then on to school.  We met roommates, unpacked, settled, and went shopping.  We had a good bye dinner, and then it was off to the airport to send mom home.  And you would all be so proud of me,  not one tear! Not because I wasn't sad, but because it is where she is supposed to be.  This is what we raise our children to do, to be on their own.  So many opportunities for them to take advantage of.
She, unlike K, has little to say when I call her. (no, she does not call, unless you count wanting to know how to cook butternut squash.)  I am lucky to get a simple one word answer.  But from what I gather she is having a great time.  Classes, ward, roommates, eating situation, bus, etc., all "good." She doesn't seem unhappy, so I figure all is well. 
On August 31, K left to return to her college of choice.  Although classes didn't start for awhile, she wanted to get up there to have some fun and return to her social life.  She is also doing well, and I know all about her classes, and what she does on a daily basis.  She always has a great outlook on life, no matter what happens.
I am happy for both of them, and know they are where they are supposed to be doing what they are supposed to be doing.  B gets to teach relief society and K is responsible for ward prayer every Sunday. 
As for home, it is quiet here.  Some days I am all by myself until 5:30.  Sometimes I like it, and sometimes I am lonely.  Unfortunately, I am not getting lots done!  Maybe next week.
D is really liking high school.  He doesn't complain about early morning seminary, and even gets his homework done without me reminding him.  He is playing on the JV soccer team and likes riding the bus with the team?!

Good Things:
1.  growing up
2.  happiness
3.  beautiful weather

End Result

The 28 day Book of Mormon Challenge is over...and I think, even somewhat successful.  It was kind of  a busy time to do it, but I have decided there is never an unbusy time for such a challenge.  It was concluded with a FHE to sum it all up with a monetary bonus for children who accomplished  the goal.  Which is how life is.  Although we are not always blessed temporally for keeping the commandments, we are always blessed spiritually.  And more often than not, those spiritual blessings end up blessing our lives temporally.  One child finished before FHE, one by midnight, and the other should be done by now.  Hopefully they will continue to read and reread for the rest of their lives. 
Now, onto  what was learned.  That we have a better grasp of the story line and where things fit in.  There really is a cycle of humility, pride, obedience, and disobedience.  Although I don't consider myself even slightly a scriptorian, I found that I at least recognized each story.  Reading can be done anytime anywhere if you download onto an electronic device, and it is actually easier to find time to read than we thought, just a matter of  priority.  Although it wasn't easy, it was a great challenge, and I think something to do every so often just to bump up our daily reading.

Good Things:
1.  Challenge
2.  Accomplishment
3.  Reaffirmed  truth

28 Day Challenge

Months ago our friends had a Book of Mormon Challenge in their home.  They challenged their children ages 10,12, and 14 to read the book in just one month.   The said what a great experience it was for their family, and how it helped them each understand the story line of the Book of Mormon and come to know the people.  Since that time, I have been wanting to do this.  So, since our family will be together for the next 28 days, we have decided to do it.   (okay, I may have been the only one really wanting to do this.)  I do not remember things, most especially books and movies.  You could give me the same book over and over again, and although each time I would think it sounded somewhat familiar, I would read it again not knowing what would happen.  Needless to say, I am hoping I can really come familiar with the people and who they are, and what they did.  I am hoping by understanding the story line, I can, in the future focus more on the doctrine taught.  I hope my children will come to understand the parallels between a time we do not know, but  how they can learn from.  I hope they gain a testimony of the truthfulness of this book, and a love for the scriptures.  I am really looking forward to the next 28 days...it is not going to be easy, but I know great blessings can be had

Good things:
1.  challenges
2.  already knowing the Book of Mormon is true
3.  blessings

Back Tracking...NOT back packing!

D was part of 6 v  6 soccer again this year.  He really loves that game!  He did great and improved throughout the season.  His team won the championship.  He is looking forward to more practicing with the hopes of making the high school team in the fall.(p.s. I stole this picture from facebook)

Also old news on D is becoming a teacher in the Aaronic Priesthood. Yes, my baby turned 14!  But I am still taller than he is...I suspect only until the end of the summer!  He is growing up to be a fine young man who is mostly considerate, thoughtful, funny, smart, and fun to be around.  He brings lots of humor to our family and we love him.

On the B newsfront, she went to state in pole vault, and triple jump.  She did not do as well as she had hoped, but we are proud of her anyway.  She ended 5th in triple, 8th in pole vault.  She had shin splints ALL season! The athletic trainer said the worst she had ever seen.  But she worked through them and never gave up!

And then there was...

Which included a party for friends and family to celebrate her accomplishment.

Then there was the actual graduation.  B got to introduce the speaker because she was a student body officer.  And her Dad presented her with her diploma!

 

And that brings us to June!

Good Things:

1.  Success and doing our best

2.  Family and friends to celebrate with

3.  Accomplishing our goals

Holy Cow!

What happened to June?  Yes, I am so behind, graduation, recitals, soccer, track, etc.  I have so much to post, but just keep saying I will do that later.  Nope, later is not here yet, so instead just:

Good Things:
1.  Swimming in the sunshine
2.  BBQ's
3.  peace

For Eternity!

Twenty two years I have been married to my best friend!  So glad we can be together forever.  Heavenly Father knew just who I needed to make me happy. (most of the time:))   I am so grateful for G! He does so much for me, takes care of me, teaches me, laughs at me, laughs with me, drags me along, works with me, loves me, even when I am unlovable.  I owe so much to him and his goodness.  I don't know how I got so lucky to be with him forever, but I will take it! He has blessed my life with three of my most precious gifts, He is the fourth. I love you G!

20?!

Really?  Can one of MY babies really be twenty years  old?  I don''t know how that happened.  But it did, quicker than I ever imagined.  I am a bit late, things have been crazy as usual here, Happy Birthday K! I love you, and am so happy you joined our family.   I wished I could have been with you on your birthday, but when you grow up and move away it makes it difficult.  So just pretend I am wrapping my arms around you and telling all the wonderful things I love about you such as:
1. you are beautiful all the way through
2. your eyes sparkle when you smile
3. you have a plan...for everything
4. you are responsible
5. you are nice to everyone
6. you know how to get things done
7. you are sooo patient
8. you aren't afraid to be you
9. your voice is that of an angel
10. you always look for the best in everyone
11. and in every situation
12. you make me proud
13. you are a good example
14. you know what is truly important
15. you are fun to be around
16. you always look for ways to help
17. you are modest
18. you have a testimony...and live it
19. you make me smile
20. you make me happy to have you as my daughter

Hope your birthday was as wonderful as you.  You are loved more than you can comprehend right now, but someday when you have a child you will understand that love, and how you want the very best for them, and would do anything possible to make them happy.  So on your birthday, I wish for you, peace and happiness... forever.  It is possible! I love you, Mom

It's a dress up...I mean Kentucky Derby Party!

Almost like Churchill Downs!  What a great time we had, complete with virgin mint juleps (if there really is such a thing.)  The big winners were G (how he did that with the 8th pick is just luck), Jake, and Holly.  They got some great prizes donated by all the participants.  How I wish my house were big enough for all my friends...that is a good sign when you have more friends than your house can hold! 

Good things:
1. friends
2.  husbands who will dress up
3. laughter

The Final Countdown

Another daughter's final Prom!  How does this happen?  B has just one month until graduation.  This last weekend she went to her final prom, and had a great time.  After hours of sewing and negotiating, this is what she ended up with.  I have to admit, she looks beautiful once again.  This dress was purchased, and cap sleeves added.  I think it looks better with the sleeve.  So proud of her for her integrity! 

Dancing with the Stars - hometown style

 The high school dance team does a big fundraiser with stars from our community  paired with a student. B was paired with her AP english teacher who also teaches at the college.  They danced a east coast swing to ZZ Top "Sharped Dressed Man."  They did a great job.  But unfortunately did not win the competition.  She had a great time, and it was very entertaining.  She looks quite sassy in her 80's attire and big "do."  Yes, that is HER hair.  ALL OF IT!  Maybe someday, I will get the video and post it.  Don't hold your breath!

Preparations

                  It takes a LOT of work to look like an 80's girl!  Remember those spiral perms?

    B and her Stylist - Holly!  She had to go to rehearsal in this get up.  We think it weighed 7 lbs! 

Stay tuned for the finished product and DWTS!

Good Things:

1.  80's hair is out of style.

2.  Friends with expertise.

3.  A sense of humor.