friends

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it's just such a lovely feeling to have friends. to share junk food with. to shimmy and shake with. to laugh with when really I'm stuck in the murky mud of low self esteem. (I know it's zumba and everyone looks ridiculous, but I always feel like the ugliest girl in the room). to snail mail with. to confide in. to suggest questionable tactics in marital negotiation. to say nice things about my little ones. to make hand-me-ups out of hand-me-downs. to venture into unknown territory with.  to look out for one another in a world of strangers. to make me feel a little bit warmer despite the arctic chill. to look up to them for all their kindness and talents and goodness. it's especially nice to have friends when I probably don't deserve such nice ones. Without them, I would feel utterly alone in a dreary season.

ps. I love to browse sarah jane. so much sweetness.

stocked up

some gifted girlfriends joined me for a day of chopping and stirring and baking with the common goal of stocking our freezers with cozy meals to enjoy on hectic nights.  We each brought a recipe, plus it's ingredients quadrupled. I provided the kitchen and cookware and utensils. And now we have 4 meals each, plus some treats, to pop out of the freezer and into the oven later.

It was a little bit chaotic, and we had some infants in our midsts that just weren't up for outings with the daddies, but we just took turns with kitchen jobs and mothering. The activity definitely created a mess of proportions that would normally send me right over the edge, but no matter because I had such a good time with the lovely ladies that joined me. Minestrone, calzones and enchiladas are now waiting patiently in the freezer and pots and pans and wooden spoons are humming away in the dishwasher. (Marta's great tip: start the day with and empty dishwasher!) Next time I'll try not to do quite so much of the talking, and I'll be a little better prepared to save a little more time, and I'll definitely think to print the baking instructions on a cute sticky label like Miss Marta did. Instead of scribbling in sharpie directly on the foil like I did.  Not so cute.

Hope we do it again soon. Thank you, friends, for spending the day in my kitchen.

almost worth it

it's almost worth sending Mr. J out of town for a week if he brings home cake.

and if, in his absence, grand friends whisk one of my little ones off on an evening adventure involving big trucks, trailers, farm equipment and horses. Henceforth referred to as the rodeo. because, in his words, "merrill loves me."

a national treasure

We recently recognized the anniversary of a major turning point in World War II: Pearl Harbor Day. In June we recognized D-day. Last month we honored Veteran's Day.  These days bring our thoughts to one special man.

Some years ago, Mr. J and I were pleased  to make the acquaintance of Zora. He was 80 at the time, give or take a couple of years, though he looked hardly more than 60. Spry, witty, charming, filled with conviction and wisdom. He was quickly endeared to us; he flirted with me and humored my history-loving Mr. J with his stories of World War II. Zora had been there. Still practically a kid, he was among those that stormed the beach at Normandy. His personal accounts were lucid and matter-of-fact, but utterly lacking venom or bitterness. Together, Mr. J and Zora compared movies and novels with actual history. His humility is inspiring, his memory sharp, and he speaks of his experiences with reverence. He has seemed always at peace with the history he lived and the history he made.

Zora lives on the opposite side of the country, yet he has a warm place in our hearts always, and has a tender friendship with Mr. J. We received news today that our agile, spunky friend has had a stroke. It seems he will recover, but it has reminded us that Zora, a real life hero, is mortal. There are few men left in our country who can personally recount the stories of World War II. Their wisdom, their pain, their knowledge, their service must not be overlooked. One day soon, they will be gone. National Treasures are they, Zora and his unknown compatriots. Always will we consider it an honor to call him "friend." A treasure indeed.

a pumpkin shower

My neighbor is expecting her first baby at the first of the new year. I held a shower at my home last week, for her and about 30 guests. It was fun to pull it all together, keeping it simple taking advantage of seasonal offerings. Here's a peek.

pumpkin cupcakes, polka-dot pumpkin lanterns, a diy abc book for baby, little packets of spices, lovely friends, and a radiant mommy-to-be.

Aunt Jan's Pumpkin Cake:

4 eggs                                

1 cup oil                                 

1 2/3 cups sugar                 

2 cups pumpkin          

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. cinnamon

1 1/4 tsp. salt
optional: 1 cup chocolate chips, stirred in at the end of mixing.

Beat all ingredients together until smooth.  Bake in 9x13 pan at 350 degrees for 25 minutes (20 minutes for cupcakes).  Top with your best cream cheese frosting.  Multiply recipe by 1 1/2 to make a sheet-pan size cake. 

high points

Last week some girls got together for a little joy ride. In a helicopter. Courtesy of a generous grandpa who was also our pilot, steady and sure. Thrilling, to say the least. Smooth and easy, right over the baseball game, right over my little house where Mr. J and Piglet waved from the front steps. So kind of Stina and Aricka to arrange it, so grand of Doyle to humor us with his shiny blue whirlybird.

Here we are climbing in--a little nervous (will I orphan my babies? will the relief society have to see the piles of dirty laundry I left at home?) but completely excited. Elizabeth and Aricka are on the right, coaching everyone on how to get in, how to get out, and reminding us emphatically to DUCK! DUCK! Why? The propellers bend downward and failure to duck could be disastrous. Now you know, should you ever get to travel Magnum PI style. It's a blast!

There I am in the back, headphones and all, a giddy little dork not knowing what to expect. Maneuvers on a dime, feels a little like gliding, and it was pretty cool to listen to the radio communication between our pilot and the airport--we had to stop for fuel. Even that was interesting. Big fat thanks again to my neighbors and their father-in-law. I loved every minute.

pretty sweet

One of my most darling neighbors (I have several darling neighbors) brought me these pretty little chocolates. How kind! For a moment I thought they were too pretty to eat, but I got over it rather quickly. 

If you live near me, you can find them at Sarah's Candy Cottage. If you haven't been there, I recommend a visit. Those little ladies are generous with the samples. 

Good Karma

I'm so glad we could toss a little good karma back out into the universe. Friends were in need, we were able to help. In just a teensy way they allowed us to serve them and I'm grateful. It's nice to throw the love back out there, especially when we've been on the receiving end of the kindness many times over. Even when we haven't, but especially when we have. Makes the world go round.

My boys in the frozen wilderness

Last Friday afternoon, I packed and bundled my boys for an overnight trip in the wilderness, 2 hours from civilization. 4 Daddies, 4 toddlers (boys ages 2.5 to 5), 4 snowmobiles (it's just what people do around here), and a one room rancher's cabin with a concrete floor, wood burning stove, no electricity or running water. Sounds like fun?

(my boys, all ready to go--that's M's new camera face)

(the instigator)

The idea: male bonding and wintertime fun while Mommy got 24 hours all to herself. A nice theory. And a strange feeling, I must admit. I didn't sleep, wondering all night if they were safe and warm and sleeping.

The reality for them: Our boy didn't fall, nay, collapse into sleep until 1:30AM, after everyone else had been slumbering for hours. He awoke at 3:30 and screamed like a banshee until 5AM. "I wanna go home! Go home! Want Mommy! Want Mommy!" Note: our boy doesn't wimper. He wails. To wake the dead. Another collapse into sleep at 5 until 7:30. Also note: had I been present, he'd have wanted nothing to do with me.

(that haze in the photos? smoke, from the fire, they'll all probably get cancer!)

The reality for me: Friday night was spent prepping for Saturday's baby shower, which occupied all of Saturday morning (I was happy to do it uninterrupted, mind you). Afterward I decided to treat myself to lunch and a chick flick. Precisely at that moment my filthy boys arrived home, earlier than planned. And with them, their dozens of layers of clothing and gear permeated with the aroma of campfire. Which meant instant laundry for me, and immediate bathing for them.

So much for 24 hours of me-time. But, they did manage to have a blast. Especially M who is still talking about it a week later, and that makes me happy.

Little Hearts

I'm a bit late, but this week is 

Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week. 

This special friend knows what it's all about. Her sweet baby girl is a walking miracle, despite the many defects that came with her heart. My own grown up B is also a survivor of a congenital heart defect--no worse for the wear. We are are thankful for modern medicine and great faith and all heart babies everywhere. 

productivity

[image via martha]

the blessings of hosting Relief Society at your house (besides all those intrinsic spiritual blessings, of course): increased domestic productivity.

• fresh bed linens
• finished laundry
• paint touch ups (B took care of it without being asked)
• artwork hung--artwork that's been awaiting display for months and months
• kitchen gleaming
• family room  just so
• take-out pizza for dinner + paper plates=no dishes!
• sweet treats for sharing (leftovers for maybe not sharing)
• vacuuming, dusting, sweeping, polishing, scrubbing
• plus story time, play time, lunch time, snuggle time, bath time with the little one. 
• sweet neighbors that bring big fat slices of asphalt pie when it's all over:

And today, I'm tired.  And I had a diet coke. And I'm thankful that I probably will never be asked to teach enrichment. ever. again. 

on the board

did you make it onto my board of fame?

thanks for all your lovely holiday wishes and beautiful photos. I can't bring myself to take them down just yet. Happy New Year!

simple gifts, warm hearts

I always look forward to attending our church service just before Christmas: everyone dressed in their holiday best, warm greetings, beautiful songs, special musical numbers, and all emphasis on the birth of our Savior. Our service today included violins and flutes along with the choir, organ, piano, and Primary children. And M was nearly perfectly behaved the entire meeting. Hallelujah.

The evening brought visits from many friends. All bearing treats of some kind, all welcome. I welcomed the snowy shoes puddling inside my front door, the coats piled on chairs, the laughter and banter, the over-stimulated antics of my little one who loves company. We are learning, little by little, of the many reasons we moved here. Reasons of which we were not aware when we moved in 2007. Tonight, some of those reasons gathered in our home as people, as blessings, as friendships, as all things that make life rich. Though it's chilly and snowy, our hearts are warm because of the many wonderful souls we've come to know this last year. Souls who reach out, who give selflessly, who bring laughter, talents, conversation and wisdom and homemade wheat bread or coconut breakfast syrup or designer sugar cookies. Or who arrive unannounced on 4-wheelers to plow our driveway, though we are capable on our own. Souls who love my child and make him feel safe and welcome and super cool. Who offer to tend him when mommy has to visit the doctor or visit-teach. Souls who drop by with special gifts and sincerely beautiful notes full of grand compliments (Joy: ditto you). Souls who "help" B install an entire bathroom--and by "help" I mean they did it mostly themselves while B watched. Or those who allow us opportunities to share and to give. Tonight, as these dear ones came and went or came and lingered, I felt Christmas in a way I haven't in a very long time.

When the house was once again quiet, B expressed how much he loved having a house full of friends, how good it felt to open the door to so many. I concurred with misty eyes. Our gift--though we are rather undeserving--from St. Nick this year: the gift of wonderful friendships near and far. A simple yet immeasurable gift for our simple little family in our simple little home, filling our simple little hearts as all the sweets have filled our not-so-little tummies. And making me feel like a lame friend for only giving the gift of simple homemade fudge (made with love) to all our dear ones.

PS: and we are grateful to those who pushed my SUV, in 4WD, out of a snowdrift in the middle of the road, 1 block from my house, even if they were laughing at me the whole time.

Happy Birthday Joy!

My lovely friend and neighbor, and mother of our favorite babysitter, is celebrating a birthday today. I'm a bad friend because she told me yesterday that today is her birthday, and I completely forgot until I noticed her blog today. Ugh. I'm so very wretched. I see milkshakes in our future, Joy. Hope your day was as lovely as you, who do everything kind for everyone around (and never complain) and always make people feel important.  Especially M. We think you are "da bomb!"

{photo via Real Simple}

Mommy's Day-Cation

I spent a perfect Saturday here:

with these lovely people:

and this guy:

doing...well, a whole lot of nothing. Chick-flicks, toe-nail polish, delicious meals, gorgeous weather, and plenty of girl talk. Thanks, 'Stina for putting it together. Thanks to the daddies for holding it together while we were all away ;)

Happy Birthday!

to my bestest friend and sweetheart

[photo by Kelly]

To celebrate you will spend the day fly-fishing on the glorious Snake River with "the guys". While you are away, someone else will mow the lawn, pull the weeds and organize the garage. You will come home to a succulent steak & ribs dinner and my best ice cream cake. Then we (without "the guys") will snuggle on the sofa while watching your favorite movies. You will receive a new pimped-out truck with a big ribbon tied around it.  The Aggies will win a football game. I will look like Scarlet Johanssen for 24 hours.  Just for you, babe.

Ok, so I made it all up. But, those are my wishes for you anyway. Have a wonderful day.

xoxoxo

Cyber Wishes

Our handsome cyber pal Jack is 2 today. 

Happy Birthday!

If you were nearby we'd celebrate with a baseball game and ice cream for sure.

Opening Ceremonies

Our hostess, and her family, was delightful,  and the Opening Ceremonies entertaining. I especially loved the children in their native dress and the children's choir. But those drummer were pretty cool, too. As were the acrobatic dancers and those dancers making drawings on the LCD screen and those amazing fireworks. Just what Beijing's air quality needed, right?  But add it all up with some spring rolls, potstickers and Cokes, and it was a great evening. Oh, and in case you can't tell, someone I won't name made cupcakes with the Beijing Olympics emblem little guy on them...

I thought Ralph Lauren's attempt to add a touch of class to Team USA's grand entrance was nice--very sharp  looking. But, am I the only one who thought they looked a bit cozy for 90 degrees? Not loving the ascots...

fun little book

A friend recently gave me this darling gem of a cookbook filled with ideas and recipes for easy, fun, and delicious gatherings. I don't know which to try first!  With the wonderful hot summer days and warm evenings,  I think this beverage is a  must-try:

White Grape Cooler

1 can (12 oz) frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed

1 can (11.5 oz) frozen white grape juice concentrate, thawed

3 cups cold water

6 cups (approx. 1.5 litres) lemon lime soda

Fresh lemon and lime slices

Mix juice concentrates in a large container. Stir in water and chill. Just before serving, add soda and fruit slices. Pour over ice in glasses. 12 servings.

Others tempting me at the moment: Salad de Maison, Tuscan Flat Bread, Lemon Curd, Orange and Kiwi Salad. Thanks, Miss M. I can't stop looking at it and coming up with all kinds of ideas!

friends are good...

some are even great.

I adore these people and I'm so glad they visited with us for a few days.  It's been too many years since we could really visit. I love, in this photos, how everyone is squinting against the bright sunlight and how the breeze is blowing everyone's hair. Sorry about that, little family. Come again soon!