Gardening

above:

Grandma Ethel and Bryan (my younger brother)

probably taken in the summer of 1985

below:

Grandpa Whitey and Grandma Ethel

Circleville, Utah (birth place of many outlaws, most notably Butch Cassidy)

I planted some peas today.

I LOVE fresh peas from the garden.

I've never really had great luck with planting peas, but I am optimistic this time.

Planting peas reminds me of my Dalton Grandparents.

Their garden was huge (at least it seemed to me.)

I would sneak out to the garden and eat peas until I couldn't eat any more.

If there was enough left when I was done, Grandma would make peas and potatoes--yum, my favorite.

Another favorite memory was Grandpa taking a little plastic bucket out to the garden and picking radishes and turnips. I have planted both this year as well. Grandpa would pick the turnips and radishes, and pull up a lawn chair under a big shade tree and turn on the hose to wash the fresh veggies. Cut the tops off, and we would sit and eat them all afternoon.

In the top picture on the bottom left hand corner is one of Grandma's flowering cabbage plants. How did she grow those babies? I still think she used magic manure.

I loved the rock planter that she is standing next to. It was always filled every year with red petunias. I seem to remember that my mom would take the petunias down to her every spring around Mother's Day.

(And I probably should not tell you that the orange/red rocks that you can see in these photos may very well have come from Bryce Canyon National Park, since it is slightly against the law to take anything out of a national park.)

In the bottom picture on the left side you can see the little pink poppy blossoms that still remind me of Circleville.

As I was weeding this afternoon I noticed that there are hundreds of those poppy plants growing in my garden (they are about 2 to 3 inches high). I can't wait to see them bloom.

I don't know why I am so sentimental when I garden. Maybe it's just the time of the year.

The photo above is a forsythia bush. They are blooming yellow right now just like this one.

In 1986 my Grandma lived at our home for a few months while she was sick just before she died. I was 16 years old. I just remember when she got really sick, she sat on the couch near the window and watched the blossoming forsythia bush just before she died. She died on April 21. So, every year when spring comes I look forward to the forsythia bushes to bloom because they remind me of my Grandma. I guess I could dig a little deeper and compare it to the rebirth of spring and how it compares to the Resurrection and that we will all live again just like the blossoming forsythia bush blooms again each spring. I will see my Grandma again.

1/2 marathon

Before the race.

This is where we lined up for the Start of the race.

They had these markers beginning with 6 min mile, 7 min mile, 8 min. mile, 9 min mile.

And then the 10+ min mile.

I thought that was kinda rude that they didn't have a separate starting point for me and my 11 min. mile.

Oh well. It all worked out.

I forgot to take pictures in the tulip fields at Thanksgiving Point.

I think I was too cold to remember that I had my camera.

Plus, it was probably prohibited unless I paid the extra $10 admission to the Tulip Festival.

Mile 5...along the Jordan River Parkway.

This girl was nice.

She kept a steady pace and I stayed a polite distance behind her for most of the race.

I got a kick out of her retro Nike swoosh shoes.

For a while I thought that maybe they had stopped marking the miles because it seemed like about 5 miles between the 10 mile marker and the 11 mile marker.

Or maybe I was just running much slower.

The battery was dead on my iphone so I couldn't consult "Map my run" after 10 miles.

That's probably a good sign that I just need to run faster.

This was right after I crossed the finish line.

Once I stopped and got my medal I realized that I had no choice but to fiddle with my camera and take a bunch of pictures because my legs hurt to darn bad to take another step.

Eventually I did manage to make my way to the water cups that were off to the side.

Then I sat down and stretched my legs while they read off the raffle winners.

As badly as I wanted the Garmin watch, I silently prayed that they DIDN'T call my number because I was certain that I would not be able to get up and walk to the stage fast enough to claim my prize.

Yes, it was cold (34 degrees) at the start.

Yes, my knees were hurting by mile 3.

Yes, there are some chafe areas.

And lots of other details that I will spare,

But, I am proud of myself considering that I have a pin, a plate, and a screw in one foot and a staple in the other foot.

And just one year ago I absolutely could not have walked 1 mile,

not to mention run down my own driveway and back.

So, I am glad I did it.

And my time was 3 hours and 23 seconds.

I could have shaved off those 23 seconds if I had not been taking pictures along the way.

Thanks Amara.

BTW, Amara and I were neck & neck until we crossed the STARTING line and then Amara got her second wind and blew right past me and I never saw her again.

It's raining

These are my peppers.

In 6 months they will be sitting in my storage room in the form of salsa and pepper jelly.

Really, what I am thinking when I look at this photo is that I really hope that it isn't raining like this tomorrow.

Because I don't like to run in the rain.

I am supposed to run a 1/2 marathon tomorrow.

Earth Day

Ok, I know Earth Day was yesterday. But I wanted to get this posted anyway. I have lived in my house for 3 years and I am proud to say that I have not ever purchased Window Cleaner since moving into this house.

Instead this is what I use: homemade window cleaner. (1 c. water + 1 c. alcohol + 2 T. vinegar)

I know that I could use newspaper to eliminate streaks, but I don't. It just seems like it would make my hands dirty. Some people do not like to use a recipe like this because of the smell of the vinegar. But it only lasts a few seconds and it really doesn't bother me at all. I think it works great. I get water spots on the shower glass in my bathroom and I really think that the vinegar helps get the water deposits off the glass very easily.

It's a bit cheaper, too. That is always nice.

There are other recipes out there. Some are extra strength and have other ingredients like ammonia. I haven't really needed anything more than what I have been using so I haven't tried them.

Sorry Earth. the homemade dishwasher detergent was a bust. I won't even try that again.

Diapers

Audrey & Amara and anyone else who wants to know...

The diapers probably can be sewn but I'm lazy.

So, I buy them at Walmart. They come in a 6 pack or a 12 pack. there are 2 styles--prefold and flatfold. They want flat fold. That means that they can be folded down to whatever size will fit the baby. So, if it's a premie, they can even be cut smaller if they need to. or folded differently to fit individual needs. The prefold ones are folded and sewn together so they are less flexible in their uses.

They are back by the baby stuff, but not the regular diapers, they are near the newborn clothing. they are usually just on the bottom shelf in a big stack. Just double check the label. Sometimes the prefold and flat fold are mixed together. I heard that you can get them at Babies R Us, but I haven't ventured up there lately since I can pick them up close by.

I usually just pick up a package of diapers each time I go to Walmart, but that hasn't been too often lately. And I needed over 160 diapers. I did get a pack from someone that was the prefold. I was going to take them back, but the package had been opened and they weren't all there. I am going to set them aside and donate them to the homeless shelter (do you think they have a need, Audrey?) if not, I will find a women's shelter or something for them.

I have put together 10 kits. I am starting on the next group of 10. I have almost enough diapers for that set of 10. So, I am pushing for diapers. (that's what I have been pushing for in RS for those who have asked.) I do still need 6 sets of socks and some soap. I have exactly enough gowns and pins. And I am still slowly sewing blankets. Thanks for your help.

Project 40

10 Newborn Kits all put together and ready to be delivered to the Humanitarian Center.

30 more to go. I thought it might be easier to manage if we broke it down into groups of 10.

Still needing a few dozen diapers--88 diapers to be exact.

It was so cute putting those kits together.

Deciding which color of gown to put with which color of blanket.

Talking about whether it will go to a boy or a girl.

Wondering what they look like and what their name might be.

Wishing we could see their faces when they were wrapped up in their little blankets.

Holding them close to see if they still smelled like heaven...

15 minutes of fame

Some of you may know this...

Rick has a co-worker named Dale. He has been doing Beachbody stuff for years. He was one of the first guys to be a coach. He talks about it at work ALL THE TIME. He has half of the staff at UVRMC coming to his house and doing P90X workouts. He has his own pilots license and flies to LA from time to time to work out with "Tony".

So, we've slowly joined the band wagon.

We pretty much love to get our butt kicked on a daily basis by Tony and the gang.

Recently we ordered Shakeology which is the Beachbody version of protein drink.

They contacted Dale a few months ago about being in a commercial for Shakeology. He mentioned that he had some friends/coworkers who were doing the program. So, they asked Rick if he would familiarize himself with the product enough that he could be in the commercial, answering questions and stuff. Rick thought it was worth the effort--they might even score him some free product.

So, after some phone calls to arrange scheduling and such, the Beachbody crew showed up at our house this afternoon for the big shoot.

I had to send Cole outside to ride his bike for an hour so that he didn't interrupt the interview. He didn't complain too much. They filmed for about 30 minutes. I'm sure they'll edit down to about 12 seconds. Can't wait to see it. As they were setting up, Summer whispered to me, "Do you think she knows Tony Horton?" So, I asked her if she knew Tony and she whips out her phone and calls him. Seriously. So, we chatted with Tony for a while on speaker phone. And he said, "Do your best and...." "Forget the rest!" about 5 times. I don't know why I think this is funny, but I do.

All in all it was an interesting end to an otherwise regular day. To see more about the program you can click the Shakeology image or the P90X image on the right--that's Tony in the picture.

BTW, Rick is a Beachbody coach. if you want to know more about Beachbody, P90X or Shakeology, call Rick. You can become a coach yourself in no time!! Coaches get 20% off the products. Rick has some samples if you are wondering about this Shakeology stuff. You can also checkout some of the P90X workouts, too.

April Showers...

I decided that because it was rain/snowing this morning when I got up, this was appropriate.

Last week when my mom was here, we did one of her favorite things...we went here and bought some fabric. why? not because we needed any more, that's for sure. Anyway, this fabric was too cute to pass up, so I picked up a couple of yards and made Summer a skirt and Sierra an apron.

Click on the photo it if you can't tell--they are umbrellas. too cute.

Now we just need the May flowers...

Boy Camp

While we were in Las Vegas for a medical conference/anniversary/birthday/spring break getaway, the girls went camping with my sister and her family. well, she has 2 girls. So, it was explained to Cole that he was not invited because it was a "girl camp".

The very first thing that Cole said when we walked in the door at Rick's mom's house was..."Dad, we have to go to Boy Camp"

Nobody really knows what "Boy Camp" is, so Rick made it up. The following morning he had tickets to a race thingy out at Miller Motor Sports Park. One of his friends that he likes to go out there with couldn't go, so Cole got to go.

He was so excited when he got up that morning.

We packed a little bag of goodies for him to take.

the only problem was that they arrived during the lunch break so there weren't any cars on the track. By the time the cars started racing, Cole only had about 30 minutes of attention span left. So, there was not as much race car viewing as Rick had hoped. Oh well. They left early.

About half way home Cole said, "Let's go back". Rick said, "Too late."

But there was another surprise for "Boy Camp".

We got our rebate back from REI and had a 20% off coupon for one item, so Cole got a bike for 67 cents. WAHOOOO!!

When they stopped at REI, Cole still had no idea about the bike. He kept telling Rick, "I'd really like a bike." FINALLY Rick showed him his new bike. It's been 48 hours since the new bike purchase and I think that he has put about 100 miles on the bike. he doesn't even take off his cute little bike helmet when he comes in the house.

(not really an action shot, but here is the bike. He seems to think he needs to stick his tongue out every time he sees me with the camera...note: he IS wearing the bike helmet so that when he tires of digging in my flower bed, he can just jump back on the bike!)

Some thoughts about Scouts.

This is me talking with my hands at Pack Meeting once again.

OK, it is time. Time to blog about Scouts.

Back in August when Brother G. "extended the call" to be the Cub Scout Master, my first thought was, "are you kidding? I don't know if I even believe in Scouts." Seriously. Then I started to cry. And I cried for like 5 days.

I guess this is what I was thinking about the whole Scout thing...

I believe that in our culture (Mormonism) most parents reluctantly allow their sons to participate in Scouts at the age of 8. The Mormon Church was the first organization to sponsors Scouts back in 1913, just 3 years after Scouts was introduced into the US. Notice that I didn't say SUPPORT their sons in Scouting because I don't think that they support them. But, by golly when it's time to tally up awards and merit badges and be accountable, many of those parents are quick to grab the Scout book and start signing off everything they can. It seems that to be deemed a successful parent of a son, one must be able to say, "my son is an Eagle Scout." And all of the glory goes to the parents, right. But what happens between the age of 8 and Eagle Scout is where things get all messed up. The last few months have reaffirmed my original impressions of Scouting. I think that there is a big lack of support for Scouts, especially in the younger days, then when it comes times to do the hard stuff, the parents haven't shown enough concern and support early on and so they have to play "catch-up" to get that Eagle award.

OK, I'll try to be specific. We have about 20 boys in our ward in Cub Scouts. The first month that I did pack meeting, there were 5 boys, some of them didn't even have a parent. The numbers have been up slightly since that first month. But I can count the number of boys on one hand who have ever showed up on time, with at least one parent. It was recommended that I should have an "on-time" drawing to help (bribe) the boys to be on time. It doesn't really help, the same boy keeps winning.

I've had one mom who keeps saying things like, "CJ just loves Scouts, you're doing such a great job, blah, blah, blah,". I finally said to her, "how do you know? You've never been to pack meeting." (Seriously, I can't believe I said that, but I did.) she said, "well, CJ isn't our oldest child, we have older children that just require so much of our time. We were very committed with (oldest child). We just don't have time for Cub Scouts like we did the first time around."

Thanks, that makes me feel so much better. It all makes sense now that I know where my place is. All of that time and effort that I, the committee chairperson, and the den leaders have put into the program is just not as important as all of your other commitments. good. now I know.

I was voicing a few weeks ago my concerns about the Blue and Gold Banquet. I was worried, #1 that I had NEVER been to a Blue & Gold Banquet, and #2 that I had to idea how many people would show up considering the low numbers at Pack meeting and den meetings. This same mom said, "well, we'll be there. It's a big deal. We try to support THAT."

Whatever.

I have been thinking about a lot of different things that pertain to Scouts since last weeks General Conference. Even though the speakers do not necessarily coordinate their messages, there seemed to be an underlying theme of families, and returning to the basics. That parents are responsible for the spiritual education of their children.

This is what I think parents are teaching their sons when they discount the importance of Scouts...

they are teaching them that they can be a part of something and only give half of an effort,

they don't have to show up on time or at all if they don't want to or if something better comes along.

They don't have to participate in the activities/lessons/merit badges to pass off the requirements. That mom or dad can just sign something off right before the deadline and it will be fine. It's almost like they don't even have to be honest.

One boy showed up to the Blue And Gold Banquet and I swear he had NO IDEA WHATSOEVER how to participate in the flag ceremony. And he's 10.

One boy will only come/participate if the den leader goes to his house and picks him up. The parents can't even be responsible enough to get him dressed and down the street to den meeting.

here's the thing...

I wish that if parents were too darn busy to bother themselves with supporting their sons in Scouting, then they should not have their sons in Scouting. It's a waste of my time, the den leaders time, and everyone else who is trying to make this program work.

I have developed a testimony of Scouting in the last few months, however, I do believe that many parents have not realized the importance of Scouting. there is no such thing as commitment, work, responsibility.

I read today that Lance Armstrong will not be participating in a cycling competition/training in the Netherlands later this month as he had previously planned. The reason is that he withdrew from the competition so that he could participate in the Pinewood Derby with his son, Luke. Way to go Lance.

Here are some things that helped me understand the vision of Scouting...

First, if a prophet God thinks that we need Scouting, then I think that we need Scouting.

Here is what President Monson has said, "In this world where some misguided men and women strive to tear down and destroy great movements such as Scouting, I am pleased to stand firm for an organization that teaches duty to God and country, that embraces the Scout law. Yes an organization whose motto is "Be Prepared" and whose slogan is "Do a good turn daily."

"the Aaronic Priesthood prepared boys for manhood and the weightier duties of the Melchizedek Priesthood. Scouting helps our boys to walk uprightly the Priesthood path to exaltation." (ensign, Nov. 1993, 48-50)

"Brethren, if ever these were a time when the principles of Scouting were vitally needed--that time is now, If ever there were a generation who would benefit by keeping physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight--that generation is the present generation." (ensign, Nov. 1991, 47.)

Elder Mark E. Peterson said this: "If Scouting would not make better Latter-day Saints, we would not have Scouting in the Church. But because Scouting does make boys better Latter-day Saints, we take it into the Church...you cannot divorce Church work from Scouting. When you are building Scouting in your boys, you are building the work of God and helping to establish the kingdom of God on the earth."

wow, strong words. I guess it's good that I have had this experience with Scouting before Cole reached Scouting age. It's been good to build my testimony about Scouting before I had a son involved in the program. I just hope that he has leaders that have a testimony of Scouting.

PS.

Thank you to my friend, K who I work with in Scouts. You are awesome and you don't step on my toes at all. At least I don't think you do--I still don't really know what I'm doing.

Thanks Audrey for guiding me and K.

Thanks to Erica for blogging about Cub Scouts. We used your idea to have the boys decorate their own cakes for a cake decorating contest for our blue and gold Banquet. It turned out great.

Thanks also to LeAnn, melissa and Julie (friends from medical school days) who have also blogged about their boys turning 8 and making it a big deal for them. I think that when parents make a big deal about getting a scout uniform, then the boys also see the value that is placed on Scouts. I appreciate your examples.

Today is our 15th Anniversary

to celebrate, this is what we did...

First, we are in Las Vegas.

I slept in while Rick went to some classes for a medical conference.

I ate an apple and a diet coke for breakfast.

I blogstalked for a while.

Rick met me in our room when it was time for lunch.

We decided to go to the mall to see what we could find to eat.

We had a sandwich. Yum. and a Nutella crepe. Double yum.

We walked back through the mall without making a purchase.

We drove back to Caesars Palace where we are staying.

We watched a Faith, Hope, and Charity (Sunday School lesson) by Glen Beck.

I had a nap while Rick watched the news.

We went to dinner for our anniversary.

We thought about going somewhere fancy (since it was our anniversary AND because Rick's portion would be reimbursed).

We thought about going to the same restaurant we ate at when we were here 15 years ago when we were here on our honeymoon.

We had a salad at the food court. It was one of the best salads I've ever had. Even though I had to drink Diet Pepsi.

We talked about going to a show (cirque, blueman group, Lion king). then we decided that was too expensive and decided to see a movie. Except that the movie we wanted to see does not start until tomorrow. Oh well. We'll catch it later this weekend.

So, now we are back in our room waiting for our show to start...30 Rock.

This is what we have decided:

We are boring. We both know it. And we are happy. I love you, Rick.

Blue and Gold Banquet

OK, seriously. I have tried to recruit a Historian for our Pack. Well, you'd think that I submitted the name of the Stake President or something the way that they laughed at me. Soooo, to make a long story short. Summer is the Pack Historian. Which means she takes the pictures at the meetings and compiles them into a Pack History Book along with the awards, newsletters, and other important information for the future Scouts and leaders in our ward.

Well, Rick had to work the night of the Blue and Gold Banquet, so Summer had to wear her other hat (other mother hat) and stay home with Cole. That means that I did not have an official photographer. So, I gave the paparazzi camera to the table of leaders at the front of the room and asked them to take photos of the evening. Seriously. You'd think that it was the first time any of them had seen a camera. The photo above is the best they could come up with. No kidding. That's going to look great in the History books.

And for the love of Pete, you'd think that they could make a Scout Uniform that was even the least bit flattering considering that I paid $40 bucks for that shirt.

OK, if any of you know my Dad AT ALL...

This looks more like I photoshopped my own head onto my dad's body with this ridiculous hand gesture. What the hell am I doing with that left hand?

And some stupid leader sitting on the front row took a picture of me doing it.

And yes, I know I don't have any patches on my shirt.

I couldn't afford the patches by the time I paid for the damn shirt.

That's all.

Actually, I have a lot more to say about Scouts, but I have a rule about limiting my swear words to 2 per post. Maybe another time.

Newborn Kits Update...

This is a little sneak-a-peak at some of the supplies.

Here are the stats:

socks: need 8 more pair

diapers: need 100

soap: need 28 bars

blankets: have about 10 completed/donated.

Need help serging/sewing 30 more. (Supplies already purchased--just need free labor)

gowns: ENOUGH

pins: ENOUGH

Thanks for your help, everyone.

Thanks to Audrey for all of your publicity.

I took a little bit of time off from this project over the last couple of weeks to tackle the Blue & Gold Banquet and to do a little yard work, and sewing for my kiddos and my mom.

My sewing machine is going in for a yearly service/tune-up this week while we take a little Spring Break. But, by next week I'll be sure to break some child labor laws as I recruit my girls to help tackle this project and get it done before the weather warms up and we kiss winter good-bye once and for all.

Thanks again for all of your help.

I can barely talk about this project without getting teary eyed.

Happy Easter

This is a picture of my mom when she was 2.

(She's the girl on the right)

My aunt Dolores says that my Grandma Ethel made the bonnet.

Dolores tells it in her own words...

"It is so funny, but I can look at that picture of Nan Nell and remember her like it was yesterday, and I remember her bonnet. Mama made it and yes, we called them bonnets. Usually the front came forward to shade the face, but I think Mama must have pushed it back so the light would be on Nan Nell's face. They were made with several layers of fabric, some of it felt, and trimmed with ribbon and pinking shears. Also, she made shoes for infants using felt, with embroidery on the front and pinking shears. I remember them all so well. All the little girls had bonnets! The boy in the background is J. D. Reynolds, Shirlely's older brother. He and his sister, Ann, were my age. Shirley was born in the Richfield hospital the same day as Nan Nell and always looked skinny and anemic. Somewhere there is a hilarious picture of Nan Nell and Shirley in their "buggies", no strollers in those days"

I wish I had found this picture a little sooner and I would have made my girls an Easter bonnet.