Christmas Comings and Goings

The Nutcracker

Graham on set with Daddy

Graham checking out St. Nick!

O Christmas Tree! O Christmas Tree!

After trying to convince Marty of the benefits of a fake pre-lite tree, he still prevailed! One of my reasons was that it is less likely to catch fire. In our little household this is a serious concern after last year when Marty decided to put 3400 lights on 1/2 of the tree. (He takes serious pride in how well a tree is lite.) He did less on the back and we stuck it in a corner. His family (well I should say his dear mother Tayva) is know for their tree lights. She used to wire the lights to their christmas tree!) This year Marty has decided to try icicles lights because you can get more lights without the weight. See below... the heat and the weight of last year's 3400 lights fried our Christmas tree.
So to the above tree... we hope this is a better year!

(Marty taking off the lights... notice the sticks as tree limbs!)

Angels We Have Heard on High

Feeling it with the giant headphones!
(I'm a nerd!)

Kalani, my student

Recording Studio aka mi casa
p.s Graham slept through the whole thing!

I teach harp lessons. I have for years, but as of right now I have only taken on three students. Finding a babysitter for three hours a week is hard enough! One of the greatest parts about having so few students is, I can really focus on each one and what they need. Kalani is one of my students and is very talented, but she needs a goal to push her forward. Through the late summer she struggled practicing and I was getting a little worried she was losing her passion for the harp. But then she came up with the idea to record some of her music for her Grandparents that are on a mission in Hong Kong. Well, this was the goal she needed! We decided to pick 10 songs and work hard on perfecting them for a CD. I asked Marty to help us record the CD and of course he said yes. (On the side- Marty is truly the sweetest, most selfless person on this planet. He sacrificed his whole night and even acted interested in our recording session! He is editing the recording and took the best pictures of Kalani for the cover of the CD. He is truly the best and I love him!) The night was a success and Kalani played beautiful. Her sister even came over to play a Christmas Duet on the piano for the last song. Kalani was so happy and it made me so happy. I love teaching. It is so rewarding to see someone you care about learn a talent, sets goals and acheive them.

REDBOX

Lean over the keyboard whilst entering your password to foil spies.

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This is really what the top of the REDBOX web-page reads on the reservation page!

It totally made me laugh!

Our Party!

When I was young my Grandma would take Suzy and I to Utah Lake to feed the ducks. It was a highlight for me that still brings a smile to my face. My Grandma would pop fresh popcorn and divide it up into two brown paper sacks. We would ride down to the lake in the back of her sedan (with the pink towels covering the seats... that is another story) and we would hop out and the party would begin. The ducks would surround us as we gave them of our goodies. I loved it! I still do! And that is why today I took Graham to Jamestown (we didn't have enough time to go to the Lake) to Feed the Ducks. I'm so sad that the video I took of him didn't work (I had it on the wrong setting, stupid me) because the noises he was making were priceless. He was so excited that he was squealing. It was a party with me and Graham. I knew he would like it... he's my son, how could he not?
I also know my Grandma was looking down at us smiling on our party.

She taught me well.

Me: "Don't grab the bars... the duck will bite your finger!!!"

Graham's thoughts: "Mom, quit saying my name... I'm trying to feed the ducks!"

This little piggy...

Over the last month I have been "eating meat sparingly." It hasn't really been very hard because I don't love meat all that much, but tonight I really, really wanted some Bacon. Yes, bacon. Bacon is really so good- it is crispy, salty, and full of smoky flavor. So tonight Marty wasn't home and it was just me and my bacon. I only ate a few pieces (which I've been known to eat a dozen at the Little America's buffet), so I thought I did pretty good when it came to giving in!

So do you have any secret foods you indulge in when no one is around?

Do tell!

Will's Pit Stop

Who would have thunk'd?

Something for us all to be grateful for this November!

Simple Math

a big salty pretzel + hand-mouth reflex = Graham forgetting he has on a huge puff coat

open cupboard + bundt cake pan = kitchen expedition

a role of toilet paper and a plastic pumpkin + a happy Graham
=
a 15 minute shower with no interruptions

Who is excited?

Me!

Friday, November 14, 2008

Delicious!

I realize I don't post very often about cooking, which is funny because I cook all the time and love it! My Grandma Sumsion was an amazing cook and would make feasts full of flavor and love. I would look forward to Sunday dinner at her home each week, especially her famous mashed pototoes. My own mother is a wonderful cook and has been my go-to gal for cooking questions as I've learned to cook and bake over the last several years. So I've decided I'm going to start posting great finds like this family recipe. It was my Aunt's, Madeline Westover, another amazing family cook, made famous for her Make-a-Mix cookbooks. This recipe comes from Home Cooking on Your Own. It is festive treat that's not only delicious to eat, but makes your home smell like the holidays! Enjoy!

Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce

1 1/2 cups flour

1/3 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses
3/4 cup hot water
Lemon Sauce (below)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a 8-inch square cake pan combine flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Mix well with a fork. In a small bowl combine butter or margarine, egg, molasses and hot water. Add to dry ingredients and stir with a fork until batter is well mixed. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until done. Top with hot Lemon Sauce.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Baking Time: 30 to 35 minutes

Lemon Sauce

1/2 cup sugar
1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup hot water
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice

In a small saucepan combine sugar and cornstarch. Add water and bring to a boil. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat, and add butter and lemon juice. Stir untill butter is melted. Serve over warm gingerbread.

Variations:
Instead of Lemon Sauce, top warm gingerbread with sweetened whipped cream and sliced bananas or peaches.

I like the Lemon Suace and the whipped cream!

Sleepy Hallow

I just have to say... I am so tired right now so please forgive me if this post trails a bit. We had a fun Halloween and I took our Little Frankenstein to Marty's work and made these breadsticks ladyfingers for the party. This is not my photo, but they looked just like this, but with red fingernails. It was very fun and not hard at all!

That evening we went over to a neighbors house for chili, cornbread and treats. Our neighborhood is the greatest! Everyone was outside (because the weather was so great) with a fire, treats, or festivities. We didn't get one trick or treater at our home, but I was so tired I didn't even care this year. I think there is a theme this month. I'm so tired! I try to keep up with everyone else, but it is wearing on my body and my soul. I've been going down on my medications, but I think I might have gone down a little too much because my heart has really been acting up this week. I feel that I should just be better and done with POTS. But really I'm just adjusting to living with it right now. Maybe I shouldn't be posting about this, but I know there are other people out there that are dealing with their day to day trials... and they are so tired too!

I'm really happy and loving doing so many things with Graham that last year at this time I thought I might never be able to do. I think that I should just stay positive, get some sleep (which daylight savings has totally thrown off Graham's sleeping and my neighbor keeps knocking during his nap so he is tired and cranky and therefore I'm tired and cranky) and I'll start again tomorrow.

I already feel better.

Thanks!

Happy Halloween

Graham and Leo

6 Quirks

My quirky friend Natalie tagged me in this post so here it is: List 6 quirky habits that you have... tag 6 quirky friends & link the person who tagged you.

Quirk 1

I use a plastic shower chair (it was my Grandpa's) in the shower just in case I get dizzy or too tired (because of my POTS) and I find it is the best to shave my legs!

Quirk 2

I very regularly have to rewash what I put in the washer because I forget about it and find it the next day!

Quirk 3

I tickle myself at night and don't really know it. Marty finds me with my arm in the air tickling up and down. It feels so good!

Quirk 4

I could very easily eat an entire bag of Fritos by myself. I blame Fritos and El Pato Sauce for not being able to lose all my baby weight.

Quirk 5

My mouth waters and I have to clench my teeth when I kiss Graham. Especially when he is out of the bath smelling divine. He is too delicious! Hmmm!

Quirk 6

I pretty much start to panic after 10pm if we are not in bed. I like to go to bed on time because it makes it so much easier for me to fall asleep. (Something I'm not great at!)

Well there are my 6 Quirks and here are my 6 Quirky friends I tag:

Stephanie, Suzy, Megan Bluth, Jill, Karen Z, and Kim

Come, Eat, Shop

I'm having a party for my friend Stephanie. She is a rep for Modbe clothing and will be at my home tomorrow night with lots of great Modbe clothes. You can check out their New Fall Line here. We will have goodies and great fun. Please Join us!

Ah, The Holiday!

Marty and I got together with our friends Paul and Christina to carve some pumpkins this past weekend. Here are our masterpieces. The above is for Julia and Andrea! Edward!!!!!!!!!! This is our tribute to vampire love! At first it is hard to tell what it is but just look at the dark areas... yikes... I know! Marty artistically added the EDWARD, which is still making me smile today!

Paul and Christina's haunting Headless Horseman

Growing up Marty's family would go and get a "Ghost Tree" to decorate for Halloween. We have done this the past three years for our little family. This year we decided to get one with leaves and it turned out to be the perfect color and just the right size. Fun decorating and fun traditions.

Marty and Graham with the tree

Before the tree getting!!

Happy 1st Birthday Graham

Fredrick Frankenstein, Frankenstein and Igna
From "Young Frankenstein"

Graham not the happiest about the birthday cake and song. He totally started to quiver during the song and then just let it all out. My poor little birthday boy!!

Suzy, Graham, Dad and Mom

Suzy and I partying!

I've been avoiding writing anything for the last few days because I didn't know what to write. I don't really know how to do the last year justice in a few sentences. I want it to come out right so here is goes. Graham's birthday was on Friday, October 17, and all day long I kept thinking about last October 17th. The weather was the same- crisp morning air, smell of fall, blue skies. I don't really feel the need, or want to write the details, but after Graham was born that night I started having some real health problems; which leads me to today. I'm so grateful for my life. I'm grateful for my husband, my baby boy, by family and my friends. Without you all, I would never have made it! And what would my life be with my Savior and my testimony of his healing power. There are intimate details of my struggle that only He knows and I want to share with you my testimony that He is real. I know many people have their own struggles and afflictions and that is why I want to share with you my belief that the Lord is there and He will help you. I've learned so many things about myself through my pleadings and prayers. I've learned that no matter how hard life can be, no one can take your Hope away. I've learned that afflictions, of all kinds, drop you to your knees and humble you to true humility (not the kind you may think you have). I've learned that modern medicine can only take you so far and that you must trust in the Lord for true healing. I've learned that in quiet moments of closeness between husband and wife can you feel the greatest love. I've learned that when you think you cannot throw up anymore... you can! I've learned to never take one day of your health for granted. I've learned people are truly, truly good. That friends and family would really do anything for you. I've learned to watch the suffering of a husband as he watches you suffer because there is really nothing more you can do. I've learned that the Lord hears our prayers and answers them- specifically. I've learned the power of the Fast. I've learned that what you think life will bring is probably not what will happen. I've learned there is no greater joy than the love of your own child. I've learned that I'm stronger than I thought I was: physically, emotional and spiritually. I've learned that when you are at the bottom and you have no more of that strength you can ask for it from the Lord and he will give you just enough to help you through. I could go on, but I want to write this quote that is very often on my mind. It is from one of my very favorite books. It is from the begining of These is My Words when the author dedicates the book. It reads,

"For everyone that has stood alone on a hill in a storm."

To me this is a metophor about affliction, trials and life. I can close my eyes and imagine myself on the hill with the wind and rain in my face, cold and afraid. Starting to worry I fear that I am alone and then with that last small part of me I gain the courage to look behind to see if there is something to be afraid of coming from behind. When I realize that the fears of the unseen are being rapidly replaced with the images of my husband and son, my mom, dad and siblings, my husband's family, friends and ward members are there with me, waiting out the storm.

Natalie...

The Pumpkin Laterns are up!

New Do

Well it has taken me a few days to post about my new brown hair because I wasn't so sure about it. It has felt very much like a wig, but it is growing on me. I have always wanted to do the dark brown hair, but have been afraid. I took the plunge, nearly cried all day Saturday and am now smiling (on Thursday) with my new brown hair!

ALEX and ANNIE

Last week we were able to be with Alex and Annie during all their wedding celebrations. They are such a beautiful couple and I love them both so much. I have been friends with Alex since we were tiny and I taught Annie harp lessons for years! They are perfect for each other. I could not be happier for them. Marty, Graham and I had a great time celebrating with them.

I love weddings!

birfday

I love my Birthday every year. Marty always makes it a big celebration. We ate a lot of food, shopped and watched movies. It was a perfect weekend. And that is what is so fun... it last for days! Suzy made the little cheesecakes in the photo and they were so yummy.
Thank you to everyone for your nice messages. I love you all and my life would not be the same without you. Thanks for reading about our life and commenting on it. It is oh so fun!