abc's of thankfulness

McKenna gave a talk in church last Sunday. She wrote it all on her own. She did. And she inspired this post. I wanted to get it written and posted before Thanksgiving but I didn't. I still want to do this so here goes..

A - A is for Atonement. I'm infinitely thankful for the Atonement in my life.

B - B is for Beauty. I'm thankful for the beauty that surrounds me.

C - C is for Children. I'm thankful for the four beautiful children in my home and for children everywhere. Children are amazing.

D - D is for Dinosaur. I'm thankful for my own personal Dinosaur who loves me and supports me and who is fiercely loyal.

E - E is for the Earth. I'm thankful for this beautiful blue planet that I live on. For the mountains and the oceans, the deserts for the beautiful diversity that surrounds me.

F - F is for Family. My family makes each and every day wonderful, exciting and challenging.

G - G is for Giggles. Giggles and Laughter. Oh how I am thankful for these things.

H -H is for Heavenly Father. I'm thankful for the knowledge of my Divine Nature. That I am a child of God. That He is my Father and loves me with the deep and abounding love.

I - I is for In-laws. I'm thankful for my in-laws. I married into a wonderful, amazing family and I am thankful for them.

J - J is for Joy. I'm thankful for the joy that I can find in every day things if I look hard enough.

K - K is for Kindness. I'm thankful for the kindness of family, friends and strangers.

L - L is for Liberty. The liberty that I have living in this country and for the liberty that comes with living the commandments.

M - M is for Music. I'm thankful for music that makes me laugh and cry and dance.

N - N is for Nation. I'm thankful for this amazing nation in which I live. For the rights and privileges that are afforded to me by living here.

O - O is for Obedience. Obedience brings me peace and joy.

P - P is for Peace. I'm thankful for the peace that I can find if I look in the right places.

Q - Q is for Quirks. I'm thankful for the quirks in life that make it interesting.

R - R is for Redeemer. I am so very thankful for my Redeemer, Jesus Christ.

S - S is for Seasons. I love the changing of the seasons and the differences that come with each one.

T - T is for Temples. I'm incredibly thankful for these amazing buildings and for the love, peace, and joy that I find in them.

U - U is for Unconditional Love.

V - V is for Values. I'm thankful for the values that were instilled in me by amazing parents, teachers and friends.

W - W is for Work. I'm thankful for knowing the value of work.

X - X is for XOXO. Those are the best. Especially coming from my personal dinosaur.

Y - Y is for you. I'm thankful for Y-O-U, whoever you are, out there reading this.

Z - Z is for Zaniness. I am thankful for the times when I can let my zany side out.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with the warmth and love of family and friends. May the coming Christmas season be filled with your hearts desires.

I'm into Free Range Parenting

And proud of it.

You may remember a few posts back when I posed this question to the blogging community. I asked because my son called me to bring something of his in.

I told him no. *gasp*

Nope. Not gonna do it. Wouldn't be prudent.

Does that mean I didn't want to do it? No. I totally wanted to get his project, jump in the car and run it down to him. But I didn't.

Why? You ask. Because he needs to learn that he is responsible for remembering his work. It's not my job. It's his job. If he wants to get the credit and the good grades then he needs to do the work and remember to hand it in. Not me.

I had a couple of friends post this article from Time to facebook. I loved it so much that I'm sharing the link here. Take some time to go and read it. It's worth it. Believe me.

Can These Parents Be Saved?

One of the highlights? I loved where it talks about the school that instituted a "No Rescuing" policy because one day "a mom rushed in with a necklace meant to complete her daughter's coordinated outfit." Is that crazy or what? I would love a "no rescuing" policy.

I also let my kids walk or ride their bikes down to a local gas station to get a drink. Granted, I have them take the cell phone with them. And my six year old hasn't joined their ranks yet, but one day she will. My 11 year old daughter has walked to her friends house that is close to a mile away from ours on her own. I still get nervous having my youngest walk around the block to play but I'm working on that.

Another thing that I thought of as I was reading this article was that I got a call the other day from the head of "Reflections"(a program here in Utah to help students develop their artistic sides. Great program) informing me about the awards ceremony that was to be held Thursday night.

Both George and McKenna entered this year. I was informed that George would be receiving and Judges Choice for Artistic Merit. Cool! George's artistic abilities have really taken off this year. He has found a love of doodling and drawing that is awesome.

But the this mom seemed very apologetic that George wasn't going on to the council level. And even more apologetic that McKenna would only receive a certificate instead of a medal or a trophy. She apologized about that exact fact saying "We know how hard it is when siblings are involved." What?

There is absolutely nothing wrong, in my mind, with the fact that George received a medal and McKenna received a certificate. Nothing. That is how life is. Sometimes we get the Judges Choice and sometimes we get certificate. Heck often times we don't even get either of those! McKenna has received awards for how well she's done in national testing and George hasn't. We all have our strengths and weaknesses. And kids need to learn this.

Last night as the kids got their awards I think that they did a fabulous job of presenting and making every one of those kids feel great. McKenna and George not only got their awards but they also got a Gift Bag that had some pretty cool stuff in it.

Anyhow....

My kids are pretty much free range kids. Maybe not completely free range because we do have rules but they are not over scheduled or stressed. At least I don't think they are. Maybe I need to ask them and make sure.

They are also aware that sometimes life is going to throw them curve balls. And that life really isn't all that fair. And that sometimes they aren't going to be the winner or the best at something. I and they are okay with that (most of the time). And, as a parent, so am I. I love my kids no matter what and I guess when it comes down to it . As long as they know that....

That is all that matters.

A little piece of me died inside

As I was driving home from dropping my three older children off at piano lessons my youngest asked that dreaded three word question,

"Is Santa real?"

She didn't even give me a chance to answer she just went straight into, "Did you wrap my presents last year mom?" Asking in a slightly teasing and mischievous tone of voice.

My heart skipped a beat...or two. I drove on. Stunned. My six year old was asking me this.

My youngest.

I thought I would have at least a couple more years before this conversation occurred.

I kept driving. My mind working furiously.

I'm really not good at this conversation. In the past I have directed them to talk with their dad who does a much better job conveying the importance and understanding of the magic of Santa Claus. And here I was put on the spot, out of the blue.

This is an important conversation. Especially for "BELIEVERS", of which I am one.

(and yes that word deserves to be capitalized and italicized.)

So I parried her question with a question. "Do you think I wrapped your presents?"

Her reply? "Yes."

"Well I believe in Santa." I offered up to her. Not good enough. Then I gave her the standard "You know, Santa doesn't bring presents to those who don't believe."

"We'll Sally* doesn't believe in Santa and she got presents last year."

I went silent and drove on.

And a little piece of me died.

And somewhere Santa cried.


*names have been changed because I can't remember the actual name that she gave me.

She Shoots

I've had the privilege of taking some family pictures lately. And I've finally gotten around to editing some of them. I still have a TON to go through. This computer is uber slow when it comes to editing large photos. *sigh*

Anyhow I'd thought I would share. This is my cute nephew and his wife and their adorable son.

Just a couple of shots here. If you would like to see the rest head over to my Photog Blog.

So Random

I'm going to give this a shot....

1. I don't know if I'll be able to do it.
2. I applied for a job.
3. It's been 15 years since I was in the work force.
4. My hands were so cold before the interview I sat on them to see if I could get them warm.
5. It kind of worked.
6. I love Tangy Taffy. It's just so Tangy and Taffy-ee...
7. I love the song Party in the U.S.A. by Miley Cyrus.
8. I don't love the video. I think she looks kind of slutty.
9. I had to look on Google to see if I spelled Cyrus right
10. I didn't so I fixed it.
11. I do that with words or names a lot.
    
12. I'm hungry.
13. I'd like a Tangy Taffy.
14. Or something else.
15. The last job I had I worked at a restaurant called The Tiffin Room. They made some good food there.
16. I hurt my tailbone sledding last winter.
17. It still hurts.
18. Especially when I sit on the soft chairs in church.
19. And this chair in front of my computer at home.
    
20. My husband wants me to get it checked but really? What is there that can be done for the tailbone. It's one of those needless parts of the body.
    
21. Kind of like the appendix
22. Which, by the way, I still have.
23. And My husband doesn't.
24. Why is it called the appendix anyway?
25. I should probably Google that little tidbit.
26. But not right now because I'm slogging through this random post.
27. I probably think far too ahead.
28. I don't worry about things in the future but I do think about them.
29. I want to see 2012. It looks really good.
30. Do I think that the world will end then? Possibly. But I don't know. Haven't a clue. The world could end tomorrow for all I know.
    
31. But that would be sad because then not too many people would see this post.
32. Would that matter in the grand scheme of things? Naw.
33. I went back to Rooster Dumpling and Noodle bar and tried the Ramen.
34. It was FABULOUS! Perfect for the cold weather. Spicy but not "hot" spicy just flavorful spicy. It was the Shrimp Ramen.
35. I love seafood.
    
36. I need to buy a shrimp ring for the holidays.
37. My mouth is watering as I think about it.
38. I wish the company that I interviewed with would call or email me and let me know if I got the job.
39. So far the only calls that have come through this morning have all been from my mom.
40. She's the best
41. Have you heard that new song by Rhianna? Russian Roulette?
42. I had to Google Rhianna's name to make sure I spelled it right.
43. I did.
44. I didn't have to Google the word Roulette.
45. Is that bad?
    
46. That song is really good but also kind of terrifying to listen to.
47. And I worry about what the kids these days will do with it?
    
48. Will incidents of Russian Roulette rise because of that song?
49. Hey looky there!
50. I just hit the half way mark!
51. The clock in this office ticks really, really loud.
52. That is why it's in the office.
53. I fell asleep with my contacts in the other night and didn't realize it.
54. Even when I woke up at three a.m. not being able to sleep and when I got up to read my eyesight was all cloudy. I couldn't figure out why.
55. Until the next morning when I went to put my contacts in and they weren't in their case.
56. I probably should have saved that little bit for a "No She Di'int!" Post.
57. We had my brothers and sisters over for dinner last Thursday. Good times.
58. They always make me laugh.
59. We had a baked potato bar. Yum!
60. Bacon in a bottle is really good.
61. So is Ragu Cheddar Cheese sauce with broccoli added to it.
62. I change the radio station whenever the song "I got a Feelin'" by the Black Eyed Peas comes on.
    
63. Not because it isn't a good song it is just played FAR too much
64. I just yawned.
65. Now, did you yawn?
66. Because they say that yawning is contagious.
67. Just thinking about you yawning made me yawn.
68. There was just a loud noise outside my house.
69. I need to go check it out.
70. It was city workers digging a hole in the street to fix a water leak at the apartments next door.
71. Their truck is parked illegally in front of my mailbox and the fire hydrant next to my mailbox.
72. I wonder if they will get a ticket?
    
73. I just remembered that I have to take dinner in tonight to a couple who just had a baby.
74. It's a good thing because I need to defrost some meat.
75. Hey three quarters of the way done!
76. It's 20 after 12 and I'm still in my p.j.'s. Not good.
77. I only have a few things purchased for Christmas.
78. I wish I were more on the ball like other people who already have their shopping done.
79. I have no idea what to get for my husband.
80. Sometimes I enjoy listening to talk radio.
81. I must be getting old.
82. We still have fruit flies. Those suckers are hard to get rid of.
83. We have not raked our leaves yet. I'm hoping for good enough weather this week.
84. I want to make my Christmas cards this year.
85. Do you want one? If so email me your snail mail address and I'll shoot one off to you.
86. I usually put a family "newsletter" in with the card. I know some people hate them.
87. I'm not one of those people.
    
88. I do try to make my newsletters realistic by putting in struggles as well as achievements.
89. My feet are cold.
90. That's probably a sign that I need to get up and moving.
91. Come on brain! Only ten more to go.
92. I can't wait for Turkey day. I LOVE turkey.
93. And stuffing.
    
94. And rolls....oh the rolls.
95. Oh and pie.
96. But the very best thing about Thanksgiving? The leftovers.
97. Yeah. I said it. I love leftovers. I could do a whole post about leftovers.
98. Maybe I will.
    
99. I need to remember that we need to draw names on my side of the family because I don't think we did that last year at the Christmas party.
100. If you got through all of this randomness more power to you. Give yourself a gold star. You deserve one.
     
     

Wordless Wednesday

Fifteen there still time for you

Fifteen years ago I awoke to a small gush of water that was the prelude to the birth of a 9 pound 8 ounce amazing baby boy about 12 hours later.

He was always ahead of the curve physically. In fact he just had his wisdom teeth removed a couple of weeks ago.

Believe me, he's wise enough for those teeth to be coming in. He is wise beyond his years.

Fifteen years ago I held this little (okay not so little because when you have a 9 pound baby it's like giving birth to a three month old...really it is) bundle in my arms.Fifteen years ago my husband gave him a name and a blessing. He was an angel.


He still is an angel. Just a bit bigger.

Happy Birthday Jona!

The post in which I crow about the Rooster

Friday's. Friday's are good days. Ty works 4 10's and Friday's are is day off. After the kids have been ushered out the door to head to school (because the schools don't do 4-10's) we have all that time to ourselves.

On these days we take the time to go out on a lunch date. We have one or two "usual" places that we go to. Lately I've been trying to switch things up a bit because, although I LOVE Thai Village I need a change now and then. Ty's stomach has made it a little more difficult these past few months because it's decided that meat does not agree with it. Thankfully it can still handle fish and seafood but meat causes all types of problems. So Thai Village is a good safe place to go because we know the food is good and they serve awesome Tofu Curry dishes.

Yesterday when I posed the question of going out to lunch Ty was all for it. Then he asked the dreaded question, "Where do you want to go?" *sigh* I don't really want to go to Thai because I'm getting a little bored with sweet and sour chicken (non-breaded) along with Fresh rolls. So I scour my brain thinking of other places that might serve a good vegetarian fare.

And then my mind went back to this post by cjane. When I read that post I thought. I have got to try that restaurant! But it was a little bit further than we usually go for lunch so I kind put it out of my head.

But Friday. Friday was a good day. And the Rooster Noodle and Dumpling Bar jumped back into my frontal lobe and the idea of lunching there took root. I sat down at my computer to see if I could pull up a menu and find out if they did, indeed have something that Ty's stomach could...well .... stomach. They did. I sent the link to Ty who was on his laptop in the other room. (because isn't that how most couples communicate now a days?) He agreed that we should make the trek over to Provo to see what the Rooster held in store for us.

We hopped in our little Blue/Green car and headed down State Street in Utah County because Google maps said that was the quickest way. Google Maps lies. It said it would take 14 minutes to get there. Has anyone who actually makes Google Maps driven State Street in Utah County??? I think not. It took us 35 minutes. Not complaining because we weren't pressed for time right then and we were together so it was all good but just know, Google Maps lies.

Anyway, when we got there there were no parking places on the street in front and we didn't know if it had parking in the rear so we went around the corner and parked. It was a beautiful day and perfect for the short walk to the front door of Rooster.

We stepped up and were greeted by the owner Simy who seated us at the communal table. At first I wasn't too sure about that but it ended up being fine. Things were busy most of the seats were taken and it smelled wonderful. When we got the menu it was a little different from the one online and the one thing that Ty had been planning on ordering, tofu and veggie dumplings, was no longer there. There was, thankfully, another option. Spinach and fresh ginger with peanut dumplings. I was torn between the Bulgolgi Beef Dumplings (don't you just love that name? Bulgolgi? I do!) and a Ramen dish. In the end I went with the dumplings. It was a wise move.

Oh those dumplings were good. Served potsticker style and oh how I love me potstickers. But the flavor! Oh the flavor! And the dipping sauce! *sigh* I even tasted a half a one of Ty's spinach ginger dumplings (and I am not a big fan of spinach or ginger) and enjoyed those as well. The dumplings came with a small side salad. Mine was cucumbers and red peppers in a slight vinegar sauce and Ty's was apples and red peppers in the same sauce. (at least I think that's what the sauce was) It was a perfect compliment to the dumplings.

In the middle of our meal Simy came and asked us if we wanted to have dessert. She was asking us right then because if we wanted the lava cake it took 15 minutes to prepare so she needed to know. Lava Cake you ask? Yes.

Chocolate Lava Cake with Hazelnut whipped cream. Hazelnut Whipped Cream!!!! Oh yeah. We ordered one between the two of us.

We had come on the tale end of the lunch crowd so as we ate many of those who were there when we first arrived finished up their meals and left. After taking our dessert order Simy came back over to the table and said to me that I looked familiar. I told her that I have a blog and that I had actually heard about this place by reading cjane. We had a lovely conversation. Talking about the food and where Simy and her husband came up with the menu.

During this time the Lava Cake arrived. (And yes it deserves to be capitalized).

Oh. My. Taste buds.

It was Heavenly. Heavenly, I tell you. It's not very big but it was so richly delicious that it was the perfect amount for Ty and I to share.

Simy told me that her husband had a job up in Portland where he had worked for 11 years and one day he decided it wasn't what he wanted to do. So they moved down here and he tried his hand in the dental field. And quickly discovered that wasn't where he was supposed to be either. I'm SO grateful that they decided to go into the resteraunt business and open up the Rooster Noodle and Dumpling Bar.

When I asked Simy about their restaurant background she told me that it comes from their love of eating and good food. How cool is that? They try something they like and then figure out how to make it and improve upon it.

When I asked her about why they no longer had the tofu and veggie dumplings she told us that Friday was actually the first day that they didn't have it on there! That they had decided to scale back in some areas and focus more on others. She told me that recently they went to San Francisco and about the Ramen that they had there. This was why the had decided to focus more on the Ramen at the Rooster.

As ate I noticed the man next to us had ordered the Ramen. It looked good. I will definitely be going back to try the Ramen.

And the French Toast. Yes French Toast. On the dessert menu.

Simy recommended it. I'll be giving it a go.

* note this was totally and completely my own review of the Rooster Noodle and Dumpling Bar. I have not nor do I expect to receive anything in return for this review. Thankyouverymuch! I just loved it so much and think that others should know about it and give it a chance.

Inquiring Minds Want to Know

If your child called you from school to say that they had forgotten their homework and they wanted you to bring it to them what would you do? And what is the reasoning behind your decision to either take the homework to your child or not.

And for any teachers that may read this a question especially for you. What would you want the parents to do? Bring the homework to the child or not?

Thankful Thursday

Thanks to the Shark for letting me borrow her banner!

I have much to be Thankful for today so without further ado...

I am Thankful for...

• Cheerios on my kitchen floor and dirty dishes in my sink. This means that my family has food to eat, that my kids went to school with full belly's. Much of the worlds population cannot say this.
  

• Mount Washmore in my laundry room. Even though it is huge it helps me realize that my kids and my husband and I have clothes to wear to keep us safe and warm (and somewhat stylish). Especially with the colder months coming on. I am intent on making a small dent in that mountain today.
  

• For a supportive husband who has believed in me even when I didn't believe in myself. I put my application in for a job as a scrapbook artist at a local stamp company. Ty has always given me positive encouragement about my talent. So even though I was nervous to put myself out there I did it. And I have an interview with the company next Friday!!

• For supportive and loving friends who have, along with my husband, given me encouragement and compliments about my crafty endeavors.

• For clean kids' rooms even if the rest of the house is not. For some reason when the kids' rooms are clean it seems that all is right in the world. I am working on the rest of the house as well.

• For Fall and the memories that come with it. Even if they are hard ones.
  I am thankful for every. single. one.

• For the right I had to vote in our local election on Tuesday. It's a privilege that many people are denied and, sadly, one that much of our nation takes for granted.

• For prayer. Honestly, if you have needs, concerns, joys, sorrows...get on your knees and pray. You will be heard. You have a Father in Heaven who wants to hear from you. He listens. He knows you and your wants, needs and worries. He wants you to talk to Him about your concerns for the weather on Halloween or how you are fretting about possibly going back into the workforce after 14 years. He wants to share your joy as you get the call for that interview. He loves you. I know it because I know He loves me. And He has heard and answered my prayers. And today, for that, I am immeasurably Thankful.
  

Our October 31st

Was filled with Yoga Masters, Chili and cornbread

And crazed zombies with a green mohawk
Long pink eyelashes, pink hair and black finger nails with a skull and crossbones on them
Mario with his fabulous Mustache
A non-sparkly Vampire
And a woodland fairy.

It was a good October 31st.