Silly Mom.

I went to the grocery store yesterday, and guess what I forgot, again. Dishwasher detergent. The irony.

Detergent.

So, I had a sink full of dishes and I was out of dishwasher detergent. It's Thanksgiving and I'm not in the mood to find a place to sell me some, so I turned to the internet. I sorted through a bunch of recipes and found a number of ingredients that I had on hand.

Baking Soda

liquid dish soap

lemon juice

I put a nickel sized spot of the liquid detergent in each side of the dispenser. I added about a teaspoon of lemon juice to each side and then filled the rest of the cups up with baking soda. It was a grand experiment. When I shut the door and pushed start I had flashbacks of the Brady bunch episode where the kids put regular dish soap in the dishwasher and have suds pouring out into the kitchen. That didn't happen, however. I did two loads this way today - both of them came out with good results. In each load there was at least one dish or pan that wasn't completely clean, but that sometimes happens with regular detergent as well. I was very pleased. It stirred me a little bit to find other things I could replace with less expensive homemade concoctions. Why not? It also made me think a little about how mentally dependent I am as a consumer on the products I use. I was glad to break out of the box a bit and try something new - and especially happy that it turned out so well!

All Gummed Up.

The following will someday be part of a movie, I'm sure of it. Truth IS stranger than fiction after all. My son told me this story on the way home from my parents' house last night. I laughed so hard I thought I might need to pull off the road. Driving under the influence of laughter, not always a very safe proposition.

Last month, my Dad and two of my sons (ages 12 and 5) were up on my roof. There had recently been a torrential downpour which had caused some leaking. We only knew about it because there was moisture around a ceiling fan in our family room. This upset the 5 year old beyond words. (He is still quite concerned about it. More on that later.) For some reason, a few drops of water on the ceiling spelled certain destruction to him. (I can't, unfortunately, say that it spelled hunky dorry for me either but I hadn't thought of calling in the US Army Corps of Engineers yet.) The fan area is directly below an attic vent on the roof. All of us big people figured that was probably the source of the water and sure enough - it had been installed incorrectly. My Dad, being a very practical man and knowing that kids often learn best  through observation, had taken two of my boys up on the roof with him to watch. The third must have been away because otherwise I'm sure he'd have been up there, too. As my Dad was laying a bead of caulk around the attic vent, his gum got a little stale and he decided to toss it over his shoulder. Q, my five year old must have been uncharacteristically quiet up until that point. He let out a wail and everyone turned quickly to see what was the matter. (They were up on the roof, you know.)

There he was, frozen in time with my Dad's discarded gum right between between his eyes. He did not understand what everyone seemed to find so funny and he continued to wail until the situation was rectified - which I'm sure was not nearly soon enough for him.

Yearbook Yourself

I've been meaning to do this for a long time, so without further ado here is a 1952 me:

Me in 1966:

How about 1968:

Now 1972, looks a lot like 1966 don't you think? I like the hair better. Can't imagine doing that but hey. It worked for them.





















Fast forward to 1990, which is a lot like the hair when I gradutated form high school:





















In 1996, I was a new mom - but this works for me.






















Luckily for me, I like this best of all. I think I even like this better than my Senior Portraits. I like this girl - she's grown up now. She is happy. She has 5 beautiful children and loves being with them. She has a job, and is grateful for it. She's also very tired and needs to get to bed.

Lighthearted.

Today, I was going through some things, getting papers organized and I decided that it was finally time to put my birthday cards away. I came across the card that Q, my five year old "made" for me. I put made in quotations because this is how the sweet card came to be . . . it was my birthday, and we were making preparations for a party.

"Mom, draw a picture of our family, and don't look."

"Don't look? I have to look at what I'm drawing or I can't draw."

"But I don't want you to see it! It's a surprise."

"A surprise, huh? Is if for my birthday?"

"Yes. I'm making a card for you."

"Okay, well then I have to look, but I'll draw the picture and you can do everything else. I promise I won't peek until tonight, okay?"

"Okaaaaaay . . . I guess you can look."

That brought me a good giggle today and I realized that I hadn't posted it yet so there you go, a good laugh.

I don't want to scare you but . . .

If you want to see what we are up against, go to  Mormons Stole Our Rights. It's pretty clear to me that the authors of this blog have at one time been members of the church. 

Or try the Freedom From Religion Foundation. Hmmmm . . . that's not what the constitution states, right?

The next item quotes numerous people with regard to the "failure" of Prop 8. If you are already freaking out, you may not want to read this one. It is pretty graphic in terms of how angry people are. . . which I don't think is a bad thing for us to know. We can't be naive about this. On the other hand, at the bottom, there are a number of other article links which will help you to see that we aren't the only ones in the battle. We are being singled out, but we aren't the only ones fighting for traditional marriage.

What I find interesting is that not one of the persons advocating taking away the tax exempt status of the church has mentioned what groups funded the "NO on 8 campaigns." It makes one wonder. Should we look into that? I mean seriously. I bet it wouldn't take much digging to find that the actual law was violated - and not just the "spirit of the law".

Here is my opinion. Take away the tax exempt status of the LDS church! Please! I can't imagine a greater blessing! The actual church leaders will then be free to lobby anyone they want, be as involved as they feel necessary - ON A PERSONAL LEVEL - and do whatever they please with regard to maintaining laws in the United States. It won't hurt the church. I wouldn't be surprised if they were ready for all of this long before they encouraged church members to rally in support of Prop 8. 

There were a lot of threats made, and what I see happening is that it will become more and more difficult to attend the temple - but we will continue to go.

More than likely, a Temple will be vandalized or there will be concerted efforts to destroy one soon. What will that say? It will probably get some attention. It won't go unnoticed. In the end it will serve good far more than it's instigators anticipate.

Weddings will become more private affairs for church members, rather than openly celebrated events - for protection of those involved. It will only take one wedding photo session, or reception being attacked to move us in that direction.

We will continue to practice our religion.

The first article offered people an opportunity to join a "mass resignation" from the church. I think many will leave the church over this. This will sift the general membership of the church a great deal. 

So, I'm asking again. Are We Ready? 

Are we ready?

Today, I think is the beginning of many changes in our world. Are we ready? The Proposition 8 battle isn't over no matter what the outcome is today. There are similar ballot measures in Florida and Arizona, as well.

Like I said, this is just the beginning. This is the issue that will divide our nation. Twelve years ago I wrote that very thing in my journal. I never dreamed it would come so quickly, though.

Where will you stand today? Where will you stand as the battle heats up? Early Christians were severely persecuted, and often killed, for choosing to stand with Christ. Where will you stand?

I don't vote today on any of those ballot measures, but I will watch with interest. It is certainly a battle which will soon come to my state. It will come to all of us. We will be called the vilest of things by people who are seeking "tolerance." By this world, we will be seen as evil and our hearts judged and found wanting. We can look forward to the things of a better world. We can rely on Christ. We can stand up for Him.

Churches have been criticized for their interest in this issue, which is ironic. There are groups out there, well funded and well organized, working full time to eliminate the family as we know it. They are pouring money into this day in and day out. You probably won't hear their names on the news. I'm not talking about gay rights groups either. You can find them if you look for them. It will scare you, and that could be a good thing. Are we ready for this battle? Are we treating this as a battle? Our opponents are, and they aren't going to stop today, no matter what the outcome is today. 

Alright now, on a lighter note, my five year old son needs me, and so I need to go. He says that 'Moms don't go on computers, and I need to come'. I think he's right - at least that I need to help him out. He even said please.

Energizer Bunny

This has been one of those days. Halloween alone is enough, and thankfully I had the day off. T & Q also had the day off, which we all enjoyed. I missed one appointment today, and didn't even remember that I had missed it until about 10 p.m. Sometimes holiday activities cause me to completely draw a blank when it comes to other schedule items. Today, the Halloween Parade at school blacked out everything else. It will be fine. That's not really the problem.
The problem is that this day needed about 36 hours to give me any chance of pulling everything off. Seriously. I had errands to do, orders to place, clients to communicate with above and beyond all the regular Halloween fanfare. The list just went on and on and got longer as the day progressed. For example, before I left home for the errands Connor's doctor called and said that the Radiologist saw some things on the x-ray of Connor's lungs that he didn't. He needed anti-biotics. I could have told him that. Viruses eventually give up or start getting better - and this one wasn't giving Connor much of a break. Just something else I could take care of at Target.
We have made it through in good shape except for the projects which are still waiting patiently for me - and which have to be completed by tomorrow morning. Have to. I have to take the projects with me for a client to pick up sometime tomorrow afternoon. For the most part, they are simple and it is just a matter of getting it done sometime before I need to leave for work at 9 a.m. . . . and for some reason, I thought I'd be able to squeeze some of it in while D had the kids out trick or treating.
Right.
I said something back there about placing orders. Thank heaven for that on a few levels. I had already paid my bills this morning. I keep them in a fun little magnetic pocket on my refrigerator. When I was placing the order, I noticed that the my debit card expired TODAY. I went looking for the new one, and while I was digging around in that pocket I found a bill that still needed to be paid. Tender mercies. I also realized that nearly every card I carry had a more current card in that pocket waiting to be activated. I took care of the mail which has been piling up in the mail bin (which is where I found the new debit card). I got them activated and cut up all of the old ones. I feel totally fresh. My order is in, my bills are paid and if it weren't for the fact that I have quite a few hours of work still before me, I'd relish that. I'm just glad it's done.
I do want to add how much I love these children I've been blessed with. A was so excited about dressing up and made it about half way through the trick-or-treating. I had more candy to eat tonight than any of the kids did - and they are all sleeping now, but one. It has been a crazy crazy week. That is why I named this post Energizer Bunny. This day, and the entire week, just keep going and going and going - I hope that I have the stamina to keep going with it.

And then some.

This was my day off.

It wasn't in the least bit restful. This morning I headed down to IKEA to pick a TV stand up for my sister. It had already been sold, sad for sis. Q got to be in the play area, however, which he loved. I was able to find what I was looking for in the form of a lamp. I also got a few inexpensive clocks for the living room - and that room is finally starting to feel like a place to be reckoned with. Niiiiiice.

After that, I dropped Q off at kindergarten. Before leaving home, I made arrangements to pick up some contact lenses from the Costco by my Mom's. I went to get those and then headed for the early voting. It was obvious to me by the number of cars parked along the curb, and people walking toward the building that the wait would be far too long. I went home, unloaded all of my goodies and looked up the other locations. There happened to be another along the route back to Q's school, so I stopped there, telling myself that if there was any line at all, I couldn't stop. The parking lot was far from full, and there was no line. I voted and made it to Q's school right on time. That was the real miracle of the day. I went in to pick up Q and noticed that parent teacher conferences were coming up, called my boss for my work schedule next week, and set up a time. On the way to E's school, I called to have her meet me out front at their PT conference sign up tables. I also called T to find out where he was en route so that I could pick him up. The conference times for C & E were during my work hours next week, so I called D and asked if they would work for him and he will be attending their PT conferences.

As I was running around, it occurred to me that we already had crock pot roasted chicken breasts in refrigerator so I warmed them and made some mashed potatoes and heated up some green beans. (We ate just in time for Grandpa to arrive to finish repainting the outside trims around our doors and Garage door. I don't know what my favorite thing is, the new sprayer at the sink & water line to the ice maker in the refrigerator that D put in, or the new paint around the doors. Suffice it to say that these things have all been pleasant changes and I am very very happy for all of them.) As I suspected, the time together was very short, but it was good.

At six I arrived at the home of a couple downtown. I only made one wrong turn, but it worked out okay in the end. We checked everything over and I made a number of suggestions. We went to a couple of stores, and found some amazing glass pieces that will be fabulous in their bedroom. It was really fun, and thankfully they are on a really similar plane when it comes to my suggestions. That makes everything easier.

When I got home, I got the boys to bed - for some reason, the girls wouldn't go. They watched me change the light bulbs - in the process I found a couple more that needed changing. It is really nice to have that done. Other than that, I did not one whit of housework. I have quite a bit of house work and design work ahead of me this week. It's okay, though. It was a very
happy and productive "day off".

Busy Day.

This is my day off.

It won't be too restful, however. This morning I'm headed down to IKEA to pick a TV stand up for my sister. I'm also going to think about a lamp option for my living room/piano while I'm there. (If I'm going there, there will be some shopping.)

After that, I'll drop Q off at kindergarten. Q's school is very close to my mother's house, where I will leave the TV stand.

On the way home, I will stop at a fire station where they are doing early voting. My mom said that she had voted yesterday and it was like a little bell went off in my head - "Oh, yeah. I could do that tomorrow. Avoid long lines next Tuesday. Ding. Good answer."

When I get home, I'm going to replace dead light bulbs around the house with some purchased at . . . IKEA. That's reminds me, need chocolate from IKEA, too. The chocolate will come in handy after I do the cleaning and laundry that has been calling my name lately. I will probably try to squeeze some Lasagna into the oven, too.

Quinn will need to be picked up about three, then Turner, then Elynn, . . . and we will all be home again.

I will enjoy my children for a short while, eat together.

At six, I have an appointment to do some interior design work for a couple downtown. Need to google their address so I don't get lost. That will be fun. I need to remember to bring my notebook. I now have a total of three clients! I am excited to have some people who want my help with design. Little by little, things will come together.

When I get home it will be time to get the kids ready for bed, read scriptures, have family prayer and get to bed.

Better get going, IKEA opens in an hour and I'm not even dressed yet.

Just for kicks, I'll report back tomorrow on what I actually accomplished. That should be fun. You know what they say about the best laid plans.

Happy day off.

Awin speaks.

I asked Awin (as she says her name) what she'd like to do this afternoon. She thought for a moment and said, "TEE BEE. . .DEE BEE DEE!" She had been carrying around the DVD of Barbie's Pegasus for a little bit. We had already done some laundry together, read books in bed  and played "This little piggy" and "itsy bitsy spider" for a good while. She had had a bath, eaten . . . and so DEE BEE DEE it was. She needed a Pi-Woe and Bane-tet and then she was completely comfortable. I sat there admiring my precious little girl . . . the "wight" of my "wife". . . until she smiled and said, "Momma, Doe Way!"

She WAS completely comfortable. For the first time all day, she needed not a whit of help and she wanted me to know.

Love that little girl.

I Awin.

A little hilarious moment brought to you by my nearly 3 year old daughter.

I said to her, "Baby girl, you are the light of my life."

She replied, instantly, "Momma, I not wight. . . I Awin!"

I couldn't help but laugh, and I hope it brings you a chuckle, too.

Finally, something they will all EAT!

"Mom, I totally love this and I am not kidding." 

That's what my 12 year old said at dinner tonight. I was elated. This is not an easy child to please, when it comes to food anyway. The kids made me promise to make it every time I don't have to work on Sunday,df all winter long. That's a deal, because besides being tasty - it's simple!

Chicken and Dumplings in the Crock pot

4 to 5 frozen chicken breast straight to the crock pot. (See, EASY!)

Cover with 6 cups water & 3 Chicken bullion cubes (or Chicken broth - you could make this low salt if you are sodium sensitive).

Sprinkle in: (I just took one good pass across the entire surface of the water) 

Sliced dehydrated garlic cloves

Montreal Steak Seasoning

Costco's salt free poultry seasoning

Cook on high a few hours then add:

1 1/2 to 2 lbs. mini carrots

Prepare dumplings ahead of time, refrigerate and add the last hour before you plan to serve

Dumplings:

2 cups flour

4 tsp. baking powder

2 tsp. melted butter

1 tsp. salt (I used ground sea salt)

1 egg, beaten

3/4 cup milk

Not all of my culinary experiments are this successful. In fact there have only been a handful. This one certainly qualifies however. The other dinner time comments tonight were:

"This is the best soup in the world!"

"Can we have this every day?"

"More Tarrots!"

"It's delicious!"

I guess it might as well be Mother's Day, huh?

I'd love to tell you that I got the job.

But I didn't. I didn't even get an interview. It's okay, though - truly. The Lord has truly been providing for our needs and for some reason, I feel like I need to be where I am. That is enough for now. I'll keep following through on possibilities, but I really am content in the place He has put me - I don't imagine it will be forever and that is probably the thing that makes it day to day livable. (Other than I work with some very fun people.) At some point, the Lord's plan will include something else and I'll be ready for that, too.

Link.

The link to the photos of my application projects is now embedded in that post.