I'm planning to

recreate this apron of Mom's.  

Natalie wants a "bib" for her wedding day so she doesn't spill on her dress.  Since this is kind of a bib style apron, it might work well as a dressy apron.  Of course it will be in a fancy fabric if it works.

Experimenting on desserts for the wedding,

and I remembered the tilted heart shaped cutters I have. 

I think if I add some decorative frosting in the center or around the edges, they will work well for the wedding.

(Have you noticed I haven't mentioned the word "wedding" for quite a few posts?)

Every once in awhile

I feel the need to get my life in order.  In fact, I have that conversation in my head about everyday.  When I sense my obsessions, diversions, or eating get out of control, I go back and browse the book "Women, Food, and God."

It always brings me back to the concept that eating, or spending, or being OCD about anything, is not about that thing, but rather that "I'm hungry for something I can't name, a connection to what is beyond the concerns of daily life.  Something deathless, Something sacred."

I know I shared this quote before, but I have been repeating it to myself all day today.  Buddhist teacher Pema Chodron writes, "Never underestimate the inclination to bolt."   What does that mean?  "Distracting yourself from pain or uncertainty by doing a thousand things instead of feeling or getting emotionally involved."  "There is something else that is happening as well: the refusal to accept--and therefore engage in--life as it is.  In the way things are.  People get old, get sick and die.  Or they die suddenly.  Or their deaths drag on forever. Refusing to love because you want the endgame to be different."

I manifest those issues by eating because it is something I can do, when I can't do anything about what is bothering me.  I bolt from getting involved and opening my heart because I'm afraid it will overpower me or more will be expected of me than I want to give.  I bolt because I'm afraid I can't maintain the higher level I am seeking.

Interestingly, after reading the chapter in the book on "bolting," I was driving over to yoga.  I noticed a car around the corner with someone slumped over and leaning against the window.  Several thoughts went through my mind.  I was afraid she was dead or could be having a medical emergency.  (Probably because I had been thinking about accepting life and death)  I was also reminded of a time my nephew, Cory, pulled up in a parking stall at BYU and became concerned because the woman was not moving and was just sitting there with her keys in her hand.  She had passed away sitting in her car.

So, I turned around and drove by two more times, with still no movement.   Afraid that something was wrong and the elementary school kids would be walking by soon, I parked my car behind her and walked (very nonchalantly) by for a better look.  As I walked by her car she turned her head.  I was very relieved and turned around (very nonchalantly) and went back to my car.

I guess that was an effort on my part to be more engaged in life and what is going on around me.  Or maybe not.      

 

 

We had

Natalie's birthday dinner yesterday.

We also went to a movie, "Age of Adeline" with her on Saturday.  As much as I would like to have a body that doesn't age, I would not want to watch all my loved ones grow old and pass away while I stayed the same.   Fortunately, that is not something I need to add to my worry list.  

Redneck

Or McGyver?  2 men fixing a toilet with bobbie pins and safety pins. According to Gary, it will last forever. 

Fairy Tale

come true.  I wrote this 5 years ago, and share it today on Natalie's 31st birthday.

So here is my fairy tale:

Once long ago, about 25 years ago (now 31 years ago) to be exact, there lived a family with a Mother and a Father and two beautiful princesses. As the family tried to grow, they lost two little daughters, Annalee, first, and Emily two years later. The little maidens were both still at birth. There was sadness in the home, but also gratitude for the two little princesses that already occupied the home.

Then one day a Knight in Shining Armor (otherwise known as Uncle Gary) approached the mother and father and inquired if they would want to adopt a child into their humble home. Of course Mother and Father were delighted as they awaited the birth of the baby, which was to occur in about two months time. They did not share the news with many in the land until the appointed day, as they did not want to set themselves, or others, up for disappointment should the miracle not occur.

Then one day, they got the awaited call. The valiant birth mother had given birth to a little girl and loved her enough to give her as a Gift to the family. The news of the birth was Joyfully received! The one day old infant would be magically arriving (by air) that evening at 8:30 pm in the arms of the Knight in Shining Armor!

There was pandemonium in the land! The princesses were pulled out of their schooling and told the news! Friends and Family rejoiced. Grandparents away on a journey quickly made their way home! Diapers, carriage seat, bottles gathered!

The anticipated hour was soon upon them. Family gathered awaiting the magical arrival. As the Knight descended with his bundle of joy, the family crowded around. The stewardesses alighted from the flying chariot to see who the lucky family of this little miracle would be. (All of this was of course pre 9/11). Princesses were beyond joyful, as they debated what they should call their new little sister. Champagne was offered by the delighted stewardesses, who were amazed by the Knight flying in with that the little child. Champagne was denied, as the knight and family did not drink alcohol, but the gesture was greatly appreciated.

The third little Princess completed the humble palace home of the family. There was Lght in the eyes of the Mother again (as she was told by a friend, who said it had been missing for awhile). The Father was surrounded by his princesses and feeling like a King. The twoPrincesses felt more like mothers to their little princess and took great delight in choosing her clothes and laughing at and watching her every move. (A fight wherein they were both tugging at her for ownership, at 2 days old, was also recorded in the videos of history)

Years passed, and the little princess grew into a Beautiful young woman, who was kind and loving and caring to her family and those around her. She brought light, drama, and imagination to the humble palace home. She blossomed with many artistic talents and the voice of an angel, though her fairy godmother and others in the kingdom often have to remind her of those gifts and implore her to use those talents more. She is beloved among the land and a special aunt to the new generation of prince and princesses that dot the continent and appreciate her for her game playing skills.

The Tale has not ended, as no doubt there are still many surprises ahead (perhaps even a handsome prince?--Now known as Trent). But whatever the future may hold, there is no doubt that the miracle will continue to grow and live . . .

Happily Ever After 

A night

for reminiscing.

Our friend, Matt's, daughter and her husband, Brian, came by for a visit tonight.
They are such a cute couple and have a 4 month old baby.  We pulled out the old photo albums to find pictures of her Dad.  Matt has been gone for 7 years now, and it is fun to share our memories of her dad with her.

Of course, the bonfires were a huge part of our high school years.  In fact, they were such a huge part that the school did away with them our senior year.  I think the picture may explain why.



Here are Gary and Matt on a Snake River trip when they were 15.



Then as we were talking, we found out that Brian's sister is serving in the same mission as Jackson.  I pulled up one of the pictures Jackson had sent in an email, and there was his sister in the picture.

Jackson is sixth from the left and she is second to last.

Small world, isn't it.

It is all Natalie's

fault.

I told the girls that my main intention in blogging every day this year was to share family history stories and pictures.

Then Natalie and Trent announced their engagement, and I've allowed (or forced) wedding plans to seriously derail me.  So, it is their fault that the only thing I have been sharing is my obsession with the colors of teal and coral.

But I am repenting.  Tomorrow.

Everyone is

Home safe and sound.  I'm so grateful for my daughters.

We were a little

Burned with crafts tonight, so we watched "The Wedding Planner" and "My Best Friend's Wedding" tonight.

And the ball

Keeps rolling . . .

A few of the pictures

from the family shower yesterday.

After a very

Wonderful and busy day, we are watching the last few episodes of Downton Abby.   Pictures of the shower tomorrow.  I'm so grateful for family!

I forgot!

Pure happiness

I picked Misty up from the airport at 10:30 and we had time to do some shopping before Tiffany came in at 3:30.   I told Misty that it always amazes me that, even when we've gone 6 months without seeing each other, once we are together it feels very natural.  Misty said her name for that is the Twilight Zone.  Interesting thought.

Look what

Misty and Tiffany have to look forward to!

We have been

watching a special on the history channel about the Civil War.  It is hard to really wrap my head around how horrific it must have been.   5000 dead in one battle, with no way to let the families know their fate, or ability to bury them properly.

The point was made that, in that period of time, it was almost as important that one "die well" (surrounded by family and loved ones) as it was that they lived well.   Yet these men were often put in shallow mass graves, with the families not knowing their fate.  Perhaps even worse than a quick death, were those who languished away with illness, amputations, and infections.

I do know that when we visited Gettysburg, I felt like I was on hallowed ground. I was surprised by that feeling, as I wasn't expecting to have it touch me so personally.  

I couldn't quote the whole Gettysburg address anymore, but this part says it well:

  "We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this. But in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract."

A woman I visit

teach told me about these instagram posts for the Book of Mormon.  A different set of scriptures are given, and there is a question to think about while you read them.  Then there is a General Conference talk to read that goes along with that theme.  Gary and I are really enjoying doing it.  I always want to read the scriptures, but I like a beginning, middle, and end, and just reading a few scriptures without a purpose doesn't work well for me.

So, tonight the Scripture was Mosiah 7: 8-17.   The questions to consider when reading it goes like this.  "There are many temporal things that can bring us into bondage. What is one thing that puts you in bondage?  For the next 30 days, diligently work on this weakness and pray to have it become a strength in your life.   Then it had us read a talk by Matthew Holland in October 1997.  That is a very thought provoking talk.

So Gary and I were trying to pin down what it is that puts us in bondage.  We both thought of the tendencies to be negative, critical, and judgmental.  Most of the behaviors that we discussed are as a result of a either being selfish or having a prideful heart.   Pride is a big umbrella for a lot of negative behaviors.

I told Gary that I am still thinking on the specifics of mine.  It is hard to tell what comes first, the behavior or the result of the behavior.  It can be a vicious cycle.  

I think I am in bondage with my somewhat OCD attitudes. I don't want to stop because "there cannot be too much of a good thing, right?"  Add idealism and a little bit of a perfectionism to the attitude, and that can be a recipe for bondage.   The Bondage of nothing ever being enough.  Getting distracted by things that matter less than those that matter more, because you can't fix them.  Feeling overwhelmed with all of the hard things you see in life and figuring that since you can't do anything about it you just don't think about it.   So, my binding mode of operation seems to be "Keep busy with non-essentials so you don't have to do anything important, because it would be just a drop in the bucket anyway."
I'm just kind of rambling trying to understand.  I don't think I do.  But the challenge was given with this assignment to, for the next 30 days, diligently work on this weakness and pray to have it become a strength in your life.

So my mantra for the next 30 days will be a quote I heard a long time ago.  "Don't withhold generosity."   So, if I have a thought to do something nice, do it.  It doesn't have to be perfect and it may not even make a difference, but do it.  Don't close your heart to what matters and seek distractions with what doesn't matter.

I'll probably read this tomorrow and go, "What was I talking about?"

Gary is a very patient

man.  When he comes in a room, he never knows what you may find.

This morning before my 9 am church meeting, it was rolls and breadsticks covering the counters, along with a fair amount of flour on the floor.  Then when I came home in between meetings, the counter was covered with M&M cookies. Then after dinner, when he came home from his meeting, the counter was covered with dozens of strawberry cupcakes.  As he went to bed, there where blobs of strawberry frosting on the kitchen floor.   That on top of these little mending kits down in the family room.

He did very politely mention tonight that I may want to get some of the projects cleaned up before Misty and Tiffany come in.   I am so excited for them to arrive on Thursday, but really, the only thing I'm really stressing about getting in order is my fridge.  

The gardens

At the Temple were beautiful today.

It's just

It is just about to strike midnight and I have to post or I will lose my jelly slippers. 

These are my latest favorite shoes. I've got silver, gold, and peach.  OCD, I know.

They really are jelly shoes of the 80's but jazzed up a bit.  

(If you haven't already guessed by the last two posts, we went to Cinderella yesterday)

Have courage

And be kind. 

Cinderella.

Gary is home this

week for Spring break.  We haven't been doing anything to exciting, as we are both trying to get caught up.   But, today we decided to try out the reclining seats at the new Megaplex theater in Vineyard.    I'm afraid we may have been spoiled for regular seats from now on.

Gary accused me of falling asleep, but that was not the case.  I had actually had about as much visual stimulation as I could handle and was more than happy to close my eyes for a while.

I think the only show more unrealistic in its car chases than "Taken" is "Fast and Furious 7"

Any Anderson

Family members reading this. Does this look familiar?  It smells very strongly of soap, which should bring back memories.

It is so easy to casually spray paint things I get at DI.  But it is very hard to part with, or paint, anything that has sentimental value. 

Does anyone want it as is?  If so I'll happily give it to you. 

I was

was looking through old pictures to see if I had any of our annual Hall Family Easter picnic.  My Aunt Merlyn always made these chick sugar cookies,
but I wasn't sure if they were in any of the pictures.


 If you look closely at the picture below you will see the yellow chick cookies.

 In the picture below, Mom is getting things out of the picnic basket and I am on her left.  I think I am probably about 11 or 12 there, so I would say the picnic basket we used yesterday is a certified antique.

After a yummy

Sticky bun breakfast, and wonderful General conference messages, we went up the cemetary for a picnic. 

A fitting end for Easter Sunday --  Bunnies running wild in the cemetary -- And, the knowledge that all those who are buried there still live and will have perfect bodies after the resurrection.

Nothing

Is safe with my trigger happy hand.

Have I mentioned

That thrift store shopping is really fun?

The grandchildren

Received the chick cookies and rock candy today.    Luci said "Mmmm this is the moment of good times" and Marshall particularly liked the poppers.