Crinkled Oranges

Friday, April 30, 2010

Our three

daughters.
Together tonight after
Natalie's play.

This was the first time Misty and Tiffany have
been able to see Natalie since they got in. 
And, it is also the first time Natalie has
ever seen Marshall.

There is such a feeling of completeness when
your children are all together.
I think parents must always feel that way.
It somehow feels like the planets
are all in their orbit.

I wish I would have had my camera
this morning at the hair salon. 
Misty had her hair in curlers for her perm. 
I had foil wrapped and sticking out for my highlight. 
Marshall didn't seem to be frightened by us,
which was good. 

This was what I spent my time doing
while we were at Costco.

There are a few things for me
that are more enjoyable than shopping.
This is one of them. 

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Shock and

Awe.

At how organized and clean my fridge is!

Looking at the different
phases of life.
Grandpa meeting his new grandson for the first time.

Life feels very good today. 
We commented tonight that we''ve gotten
more actual talking in during the last 5 hours
than we have in a long time.
(Not quite so many other little distractions)

The fun is on.


Wednesday, April 28, 2010

No time to blog

the last few days.
I've been juggling 3 jobs.

I've had the proctoring job.

I've had the doc management job.

And last but not least,
I've had the Housekeeping job
for Bunny Hollow Bed and Breakfast.
(Which opens tomorrow)

But, I'm not doing that one alone.
I have a housekeeping assistant.
He is doing the vacuuming right now.
(In fact, I'm trying to ignore the faces he is making
as he tries to vacuum up all the scraps of fabric.)

My major housekeeping focus tonight
has been the FRIDGE. 
Yes, the FRIDGE.
You may think that is low on the housekeeping list,
but not for me tonight.
Actually, it usually is low on my housekeeping list.
But, that is why it's high on the housekeeping list tonight.

There is some pride involved here.
Misty and Tiffany, unlike me, tend to be very orderly by nature.
And, for some reason, my fridge organization drives them nuts.
Last time they were both here, Misty opened the fridge and said,
"Mom, I'm impressed, your fridge is pretty organized."
Tiffany and I looked at each other and laughed, as I said,
"Yes, but Tiffany's already been here for a day."

Well, I will show them this time.
My fridge is so cleaned out that there is hardly any food in there.
Now that will serve them right.

P.S.  We're very excited to have our honored guests.
(Even if they are kind of fridge snobs)

Sunday, April 25, 2010

Happy BIrthday

to Natalie!
Cupcakes to share with the cast last night.
Dinner shared with us today.
Make a Wish!
A new hobby.
A Little Instruction.
Some Anxiety.
A beautiful finished pillow.

We love you lots, Natalie.


Friday, April 23, 2010

"Once Upon


a Mattress"
debuted tonight.
It was so well done and enjoyable.



I had first night jitters, and I'm not even in the cast.
But the nerves were all for nothing,
because it went wonderfully.

Natalie was so worried about the dancing parts,
that I worried for her, too.
But the worry was all for naught,
as she danced and sang and performed beautifully.

We had to take the pictures with Gary's phone,
so they're not the greatest.
But we'll get some with her in full costume
at the next performance.

We're so proud of you, Natalie!

Nat and Us

Nat and Friends


It's well worth seeing!
And I'm not in the least bit prejudiced.


Wednesday, April 21, 2010

I started my proctoring job

today,
and I almost ended my proctoring job today.
We are already so organized this year,
with the packets already put together for the teachers,
Last year, it was day to day just trying to stay on top of things. 
But this year is different,
because we learned so much from last year.

Anyway, the state office has been having so many problems with the servers.  They have not been working well at all, and students have not been able to take their scheduled tests.  The district was considering not doing the CRT computer tests and going back to the old paper, pencil, and bubble sheets. Gary went to a big pow-wow meeting at the district, and they've decided to go forward with online testing.  Apparently today was a much better day for testing.  I just hope all the kinks are fixed before we actually start testing next week.

So, as of right now, I'm still employed for the next 5 weeks   Which is good.   And, I get a nice little break next week when Misty and Tiffany come in for their second annual stay at "Bunny Hollow Bed and Breakfast."  I'm so excited to see them.  Misty will bring Marshall, who I can't wait to get my hands on.  We set the trip up for next week so they can see Natalie in  "Once Upon A Mattress" at the Scera Theatre.   We're so proud of Natalie that she stepped out of her comfort zone and auditioned for the play.  I always tell her that If I had a voice like she does,  I would be singing every minute of the day.  I love to hear her sing. We get to see the play for the first time on Friday night.

Monday, April 19, 2010

We drove

by our old house last week.
  In a manner of speaking,
you could say that
it's gone to "pot."
That, or that the indoor plumbing is
no longer working.
(close up view)

Sunday, April 18, 2010

Editorial on Rebirth

There was an editorial in the Deseret News on Easter that had such a very touching message for me.  It inspires me to be a better person.  It makes me want to have a softer heart.   I have seen so many lives that are full of hurt because of the inability to forgive, to make amends, to move on.   It is especially hard if the person, or situation, causing the pain does not feel they have done anything wrong.  But ultimately the unforgiving heart, even when it may be justified, slowly poisons itself.  I always remember the analogy of acid in a pail.  The acid does much more harm to the container then to it's surroundings.  

Here is most of the editorial:

For Christians, the word "resurrect" has a specific meaning. They spell the word with a capital R. It refers to Jesus Christ rising from the tomb on the third day. For committed Christians, that has always been the touchstone of faith, the litmus test for true believers. . .

At Easter, however, along with the "large R" word, it's also worthwhile to contemplate "small r" resurrections — moments in life when a second chance is offered, when people in our lives resurface or treasured memories ignite again in the mind. A glimpse in the Thesaurus shows that "resurrect" can also mean "reactivate," "reanimate," "reawaken" and "revive." And for Christians, the "large R" resurrection should be a call to share that gift in many "small r" ways.

That friendship that has gone dormant? Now's a fine time to make a phone call or pay a visit. If, as the old song say, "Love makes the world go round," then "relationships are what make love go round."

Conversations with lifetime companions about the burnished days past are what folklorists call "triggers" — they call to mind thoughts and feelings that give our lives continuity and meaning.

Easter is also a good time to "consider the lilies," to watch the rebirth of flowers, leaves and other natural wonders. If a daffodil can snap back after a hard winter, surely people can as well.

Lessons can be learned. Easter is a time of second chances.

And, to borrow a thought from singer Julie de Azevedo, Easter may be a time to let someone "out of jail" — to forgive slights and offenses and allow a soul we've confined to the sidelines to get back in the game with us.

Forgiveness always blesses two lives — the forgiver and the forgiven.

But, most of all, perhaps Easter should also be a time to "reawaken" sleeping dreams, former commitments and the courage to stay the course or — when needed — chart a fresh route.

Nobody could ever repay the gift of Resurrection. The best we can do is enhance all its "small r" versions in our lives . . .
I love the small "r: words "reactivate," "reanimate," "reawaken" and "revive."   They give me hope and energy.  I think I would also add another small "r" of "recognize."  If we recognize our blessings, even in times of sorrow,  how much better is the "condition" of our hearts. 

I hope everyone can have many small "r"s in their lives.
We need them.

Friday, April 16, 2010

There are so many things

I want to do.  I was just watching these segments on
KLS Studio 5:   
Bake Sale . 
I want to try them all.  I want to taste them all. 

Which then reminds me of all the cute cupcake fabric that I have to make aprons with.  Then I think of all the cute burnt flower pins I could make to match the cute cupcake aprons. Then I think of all the cute cupcake stickers, stamps, boxes, cricut cartridges, etc. that I can make cards and cute things with.  Then I think of all the (cute) people I would like to give them to.

Then I sit here and ask myself if those are the things I should be spending my time on.  Then I think of all the things I need to do that are not nearly as much fun.  Then I think I better just find some balance and spend allotted amounts of time on the things that are not so fun so I can then enjoy the things that are fun.  Then I think about the fact that, starting next week, I'll being doing testing at the high school every day (with a few exceptions)  for 5 weeks,    Then I think I better get started if I am going to do anything at all.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Decisions

can be hard.  Especially for someone, like me, who hates to make decisions or declare anything definitively.  That is a major difference between Gary and me (is that grammatically correct?).  He will give a definite answer if it sounds logical to him.  I have to know something for sure, and even then I have a hard time committing to it -- just in case I'm wrong.  Once we came up for a word for his suppositions/definitive answers, but I can't remember what it was.  But even if I did remember, I probably wouldn't dare write it--just in case it was not the right word.  Maybe these differences are why we are a good match.  He needs me to call him on things or reign him in.   And I need him as an example of being confident and going forward even if I'm not sure of things.   I'm not sure if this is making any sense.   I think I was just thinking.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Ham and Cheese Pie

and enjoyable times with family.  We always have such a good time when we get together. 

Last night we had "breakfast for dinner." Pancakes, fruit, and amazing syrup (the one I lose all self-control with), and this recipe of Ham and Cheese Pie.  (Only I didn't use ham, I made one without meat and one with cooked bacon strips on top).  I love this recipe because it is so easy and there is no last minute cooking like you do when making an omelet or eggs. 

Ham and Cheese Pie

1 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
      *(or 3 cups of any cheese you want -- I use mexican blend)
1 cup chopped cooked ham
2 tablespoons flour
4 eggs
1 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1. Mix cheese (I actually just use 3 cups of a mexican mix cheese in place of the 3 kinds listed)
 ham, onion, and flour. Spread in greased pie plate, (10 x 1 x 1/2) inches or quiche dish (9 x 1 x 1/2) inches.

2. Beat eggs slightly; beat in milk, salt, mustard, and worcestershire sauce. Pour over cheese mixture.

3. Bake uncovered in 350 degree oven until set, 30 to 40 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes.  8 servings: 230 calories per serving.

Saturday, April 10, 2010

The Staycation

is Over.
But we have lots of memories and progress to show for it.

We got a call from my brother, Gary, on Thursday saying they were in town.  They are still looking at the possibility of moving here to Utah, so on Friday morning we met them at a house they were looking at.  Their son, Cory, and his wife, Stacy, were also in town from California so it was fun to see them.  Here they all are with their daughter Rachel.



One funny thing was that Gary asked me what north our home on 800 East was.  I told him 435 North.  He and Cory looked at each other and laughed.    Ironically, on Thursday when we were taking pictures of the old home on 8th East, Cory was there video taping it for the program for Gary and Lynn's 50th wedding anniversary celebration.  The only problem was that Cory was filming the wrong house because Gary told him he thought it was 465 North.  That would have been so funny if we had seen Cory there filming while we were there taking pictures.  Cory said he was there at about 2 pm, and we were there at about 4 pm, so we missed him by 2 hours.  Pretty ironic though.   (Cory went back yesterday and took videos of the right house.)

After meeting with them we went to lunch, took the cleaned out papers to a shredding place, and came home and worked more on the office.  As I was cleaning out and relocating my cookbooks, all the recipes made me want dessert.  So at 10:30 I made some fudge pudding cake.  I know, we have done a lot of eating this week.  But that's what vacations are for, aren't they?


Gary, pulling a "Tiff" (I'll explain that at a later date)

Here are pictures of our finished office area. To the untrained eye (or someone who didn't know what it looked like before) it may still look cluttered. But it is so much more organized and less cluttered.
It feels sooo good!





Gary's labeled cubby holes
We haven't gotten rid of Gary's trophies.
Just relocated.

Well, the vacation really is over. 
Now I need to clean the rest of the house. 

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Today "Walk Down

Memory Lane" was on the itinerary.
Which is what we literally did. 
It's been my favorite staycation day so far,
but my feet are very tired.

(Warning to casual blog readers: 
This is a long blog entry. Stop NOW!)  

After continuing with our office fling this morning (still not done), we began our "walk down memory lane" by dining in the nostalgia booth at 'Heaps" Brick Oven.  


Brick Oven was the major hangout for us in junior high and high school.  Gary is pointing to a picture in the nostalgia booth that shows the back of his head.  Here is a close-up.  On the left is his cousin, Lynn, in the middle is Matt, and then that is the back of Gary's head on the right.
 (Wow, what a claim to fame this is)

We then began our 3 hour walking tour by heading up the stairs to the BYU lower campus.  Here is Gary standing at the approximate spot where, in 8th grade, we climbed trees after meeting at Heaps with a group of friends.  I wrote something in my journal about that night, and in it said how handsome Gary looked in his cowboy boots and denim jacket.

In Jr. High we would all play on the rolling hills of lower campus.
(me reenacting playing)


We both attended BYU, but with so many new buildings and additions, it looks very different now. I should have been prepared, but Gary pulled his trick of acting like he hit his head on the door while walking into the Y center. I can't count how many times he used to do that.

After walking around the bookstore, we took the path I walked many many times to and from my home on
Cedar Avenue.  Gary walked these paths every day on his way to Wasatch Elementary.     

We got ice cream at the Creamery on Ninth
(aka known as Carson's Market when we were growing up)


and walked up Cedar Avenue to the home we moved into when I was in third grade. 

I hardly recognize it now.  There used to be bushes all across the front of the home.  I couldn't bring myself to go by the house for years after Mom and Dad passed away.   The loss was just too painful.   

Where Gary is standing in this picture is directly across from the front of the home.   
It is Cedar Circle (a cul-de-sac) 

In high school I would sit in the living room and watch, for hours sometimes, for Gary to come by.  He would drive into that circle so his headlights were facing the house.  He would then blink his lights on and off, giving me "the signal."  If I saw it, and flipped the porch lights on and off, he would come in.  Mom and Dad would let me know if they saw the lights blinking also.   I really have no explanation for such behavior.    

We then walked through the tree streets south to Wasatch Elementary.  I started there in 3rd grade and Gary started in kindergarten.

Here is Gary in front of his kindergarten classroom
(forming his arms into 0, meaning kindergarten). 

as opposed to holding up 5 fingers for 5th grade class. 
This is the first elementary class we had together.

Kiwanis park was the scene of many adventures for Gary and his friends.  One night they drove on the lawn to scare some people who were in their sleeping bags.  Gary is mimicking what the campers did as they attempted to jump out of the way, still in their sleeping bags.


This picture is for the benefit of Duke and Turkey Bowl/Kiwanis Dwellers.


These are the trees all of our friends planted at Kiwanis in honor of our friend, Matt Warner, after he died.


We then walked up to the duplexes Gary lived in after 9th grade. 

First at 732 North 820 East

then north a few homes to 762 North.

We then walked over to ninth east and got a drink at
"Stan's Drive In." 
(as shown on the sign, "Since 1950")

 

I remember as a little girl wondering why we couldn't just eat there every night.  It was just a block from our house at 435 North 800 East.   (It was grey when we lived there) 


Here's the view over the back fence.  Dad built the playhouse for Charlene and I and the basketball court for my brothers.  He also added on the extension on the back of the house.  We lived in this home until I was in the third grade.  


We had almost gone full circle by now.  Here's me showing where I went to kindergarten.  The only problem is that Joaquin Elementary has now been torn down. 



Gary wanted me to document this address.  It will always remind him how the pigheaded neighborhood chair told him in a city council meeting he had bought a "pig in a poke" because the property was below the 500 North line which mythically divided high-density and single-family zoning standards.  (Gary & Duke were hopeful of developing a twelve-plex on 350 North but unfortunately the council had other ideas--ah shucks!)

With tired feet, but warm hearts, we then met up with the car. 
We snapped this picture on the way home to show where Gary's home was before
they had to move when he was in 9th grade. 
It sat right there where the North West corner of the Marriott Center parking lot is now


Well, that was quite a walk that brought back a lot of memories. 
We've been very lucky in the paths our lives have followed.