easing the pain

My plan was to start my new exercise and diet regimen next week along with the new year. Being in physical pain from sore muscles and mental anguish from seriously scaling down on sugar, refined flour and most things from McDonalds just sounded like too much at once. So I started the exercise program this week. Now after I limp down the stairs, I can still grab a handful of peanut M&M's.

It's a good day

I am happy today on the 24th of December. In years past I have been cranky, stressed and on the verge of crazy. So I thought it would be nice to remember why this year is different.

1. I took Boo on a walk and felt snowflakes melting on my face.

2. I spent hours wrapping presents yesterday.

3. I was at the mall at 9:00 a.m. to get the last thing I needed. No lines or crazy drivers in the parking lot.

4. Stopped at McDonalds to get the kids breakfast and left my favorite employee a Christmas tip. (Don't ask why I have a favorite McDonalds employee).

5.Cass and I listened to Pandora Christmas station, while cleaning until we couldn't stand it anymore and switched to "Glee" station.

6. Baked a cheesecake.

I have a great children's book called "The Gift of Nothing". The last pages of the book reads "So Mooch and Earl just stayed still and enjoyed nothing and everything. It kind of sums up how I feel today. Merry Christmas all!

Balmy

The past few days it has been too cold to take Boo on a walk in the morning. Four degrees is too cold. This afternoon the sun was out so I loaded on boots, fleece pants, a smart wool shirt, puffy coat, beanie and gloves and took Boo into the foothills. It was beautiful, and at 21 degrees felt balmy. I actually had to shed the puffy.

Decisions

During the week of Thanksgiving we were in Puerto Vallarta, these were the kind of decisions I had to make.

1. Should I shower today?

2. Is it time for another ice cream cone?

3. SPF 15 or 30? Sun or shade?

4. Ocean or pool?

5. Magazines or book?

Finisher!

I would say I am a good starter. I have great intentions of finishing things but it doesn't always happen. Early in married life I realized that Derek and I see things differently in this regard. He would come home from work and see that the floor was mopped, but the bucket of water and mop were still in the corner. I thought that just having a clean floor was pretty amazing. He likes to use the term 90 % finished. I say "That is still an A-".

Last night I finished this knitting project that I started last week. It is a dishcloth in case you were wondering. It was fun and it does feel good to be 100% finished. Oh wait, I better go put my knitting needles and yarn away.

Making me smile today

My kids had no school today and my 14 year old still likes to help me put up the Halloween decorations. With so many smiling ghouls around, I am feeling a little more happy about the cold weather.

Baby Jane

This is Jane. Isn't she precious? She moved to San Diego last weekend with my baby brother and his wife and her big sister Maggie. Time to plan a road trip.

Wednesday chores

I am not sure what it is about making bread that is so fulfilling.

This is what I have done so far today. Walked the dog, and made two loaves of bread, eight oversized hot dog buns, and a dessert twist. Oh, and unloaded the dishwasher and made my bed.

Somehow it feels like enough.

Fabulous Fourteen

Cassidy turned 14 yesterday. She and a friend went to Nordstrom and had Mac do their makeup, then they had their hair done, and finally had a friend of Lindsay's take pictures. She might not appreciate the ones I chose to post, but I love them because they show her personality. She had tryouts for the high school tennis team this week and found out today that she made the team.

Happy Birthday to me

This is what I got for my birthday this year, a Bosch mixer. My youngest wanted me to get a Kitchen Aid because of the color options and cuteness, and I was tempted. I ended up going with the Bosch because my Mom has had one since she got married and it still works. It has made many loaves of bread. I have fond memories of homemade bread and homemade strawberry jam. My Dad has been baking all of their bread since January. Impressive. Yesterday I baked bread and made homemade pizza. I felt provident. Now I just need to continue for many years to have the machine pay for itself.

Girl's Camp

June is gone. It passed by unbelievably fast. For me, much of it was spent preparing for and attending girl's camp. We go to a beautiful spot above Heber called Aspen Lakes. I had a bad attitude when we left and kind of just wanted it to be over. All I can say is that it was worth it. I came home being really grateful for the experience. Here is my list of things I was thankful for.

warm sleeping bag

campfire songs

feeling 14 again (except for my aching back in the morning)

the picturesque landscape

sharing the experience with Cassidy

testimony

beanie/hats to cover my hair

insect repellent

french braiding skills

friendship bracelets

my husband's time and trailer

9 Lives

If you can't tell from the picture...this is our cat Rosy stuck under the hood of my SUV. This afternoon I heard some meowing in the garage and finally surmised that it was coming from the car. I popped the hood and couldn't see anything but I could hear that there was a cat inside. Luckily Derek was home because once we got a flashlight and spotted Rosy, it took a while to figure out how to free her. Derek ended up having to take out some screws that attached to a pan of some sort, and loosening it enough to tilt it down and release Rosy to live another day. The strange thing was that the car engine was hot so we are not sure if Rosy was inside when I drove to a tennis practice for two hours. 

Adding On

Every year when it warms up we pull out

the stored outdoor furniture 

and gain this additional room. 

It quickly becomes my favorite.

It is secluded and comfortable. 

The view could be a painting.

Welcome home summer.

priceless

I am so happy that I have this picture. 

I love the look on my Mom's face.

I see admiration, devotion and love. 

And on my dimpled face,

contentment, security, joy.

enter only

At the junior high school there are two entrances into the parking lot and one exit. We are usually pulling in to the first entrance because it is closer to Cassidy's class. With only minutes to spare before the tardy bell rings. After I drop her off I wait until the second entrance is clear and drive past to the exit. Some other parents decide they want to bypass the crowded parking lot so they exit at the second entrance. There is a sign that says enter only, but there is room enough for the cars to enter even though a car is exiting. This morning as I watched my neighbor deftly maneuver past the incoming traffic, I wondered why I could never do this? I could, but I never would. Why? It must be the same reason I have to let the person in front of me check out first when they open a new register instead of getting there first.

South Fork

I am officially taking over the blog.  One of these days Pam will notice.  This afternoon Pam and I rode to the top of South Fork in Provo Canyon.  It's a beautiful ride along Provo River and then South Fork stream the whole way.  This was Pam's second ride of the year (my third) and her first real hills.  She did great!  Her heart rate monitor wasn't working so I'm going to post my stats from todays ride.  Not quite the elevation gain as yesterday but a solid ride.  One small problem on the way down as I passed a Mtn Biker on the trail and Pam was a little behind.  As soon as I went by the Mtn Biker decided to do a "Farmer Blow".  Some of it ended up on Pam!  :)

Birthdays

Today I turned 41.  I usually hate birthdays as I view them as somewhat infantile and end up fighting with my wife over that point.  Birthdays should cease to be celebrated after age 11.  What's the point really..  Your celebrating your entry into this world while - point of fact - you had nothing to do with the actual event!  I view it as another excuse to spend money and throw a party.  Anyway...  I actually enjoyed my birthday today.  Went to work for a few hours.  Played some golf and then somehow was talked into riding my bike from our house to the top of Squaw Peak and back.  I have been thinking about doing this for a year or two but usually toward the end of the biking season when I'm in better shape - not when I weigh 210lbs and feel like a slug from winter hibernation.  All I can say is WHAT WAS I THINKING!!!!   My maximum heart rate is calculated at 180 and I think my heart rate was stuck at 165-170 for 80% of the climb with a spike to 179!  No wonder my chest hurt!!!   All this reaffirmed that I am woefully out of shape.  I did manage to burn 1600 calories on the ride so I celebrated with two HUGE pieces of cake when I got home!!  :)  I really enjoy biking and plan on riding a lot this summer.

Spring Routine

Rain, shine, or snow, I try to take Boo for a walk every day.

I sometimes have to make an exception for wind chill factor,

ice, and  being extremely uncomfortable.

 

This is how Boo looks at me when he thinks he deserves a treat.

 He lays down near the end of our walk.

I can't decide if he is tired or just showing me who is in control.

Some of my family is in Hawaii right now. I am sure they will appreciate these pictures :)

Girls Night Out

Last week we had an impromptu girls night out. Lindsay's friend Atty works at a salon so we went  and enjoyed being pampered. Cassidy and I opted for glitter toes while Lindsay went with the wash and style. I wouldn't say that I am much into bling but there is just something fun about glitter on your toes. It was fun to laugh and spend time with each other. We need to do things like this more often.  I love my girls!

How to say "No" to Salesmen

I have trouble saying no. Why does saying that kind of feel like admitting I am an alcoholic? Door to door salesman have always been particularly hard for me to say no to. A few years ago I printed a "No Soliciting" sign and taped it to the side window. It was such a good thing. I didn't have to worry about buying overpriced things that I didn't need, or hurting someones feelings and thwarting their efforts to have a better life. Then the sign fell off and I really didn't notice it was gone until a few days ago when a door to door salesman rang our bell. First he called me "queen of the castle", then told me all of my other neighbors who had bought his product, asked me what my first job was and where my work ethic came from....blah, blah, blah. He was good and it was freezing outside and I just wanted to get rid of him, so why not just say no? Instead I said "Okay what are you selling?" Magazines. I read a lot of magazines so I thought  at least it is something I will use. I pick out two magazines and he writes up a bill for me. $162. Are you kidding 2 magazines for one year? Oh well I didn't specify one year so that was two magazines for two years. What a bargain! At this point why, when I was outraged at the price did I not say "No" and go inside. Good question. Instead I said "there is no way I can buy two so I will just buy one." I then wrote a check for $84 for a two year subscription to one magazine. When I came inside I was so mad at myself. I couldn't believe I had just paid $84 for something I didn't need or want. My husband was home at the time and when he heard that I had bought something he could not believe it. I said "I think I can cancel the order but I have to send this receipt back in the mail and then in ten days they will mail you a refund". He said "give me the receipt". He then walked across the street and asked for the check back. I promptly printed another "No soliciting" sign and breathed a sigh of relief. This morning I googled "How to say No to salesmen" and they actually have some good ideas, but I won't be taking that sign down any time soon.

Cinnamon Bear Popcorn

Last night I went to a cooking class. It was great to get new ideas, watch someone else  cook, and taste everything to see if I liked it. The cinnamon bear popcorn sounded a little scary but was really yummy and pink. If I knew about this recipe before Valentine's Day I would have made it with cinnamon lips instead.

Cinnamon Bear Popcorn

1/2 c. butter

1/4 c. corn syrup

3/4 c. sugar

Cook on stove until boiling. Reduce heat to low and cook for five more minutes. Remove from heat.

Add: 1/2 tsp. vanilla

2 c. mini marshmallows

red food coloring

Stir until just melted and add 3/4 c. cinnamon bears. Pour over 12 cups popped popcorn.

Pam's note: I would add more cinnamon bears next time. If you use microwave popcorn it is better to use light since there is already plenty of butter in the sauce!

Ode to Opal

Derek's Grandma Opal died today. It was time for her to go. She was suffering. I am happy that she is not in pain anymore. She is with people she loves and has wanted to see for a long time, so why am I crying? She was a wonderful cook, a hard worker, she was funny and kind. She loved unconditionally. She liked to crochet and embroidery. She made us laugh. Goodbye Opal. We love you.

The best part of my yesterday

Yesterday morning when Cassidy was ready for school Derek's car was parked behind mine so I took his. I found a new button that heated the steering wheel. While navigating the junior high drop off, I kept thinking "this has got to be the best part of my day so far". My behind was heated and now my hands too. A little later in the day I was at Derek's Grandma Opal's house. I was working on a blanket that I am crocheting and Opal was telling me a story about Derek. When he was little he loved yogurt but could not pronounce it yet so when Opal was babysitting Derek while his parents went on a trip around the world he was constantly asking for "Yogi". This made me laugh because I can never keep yogurt around our house for long because Derek is always eating it. At this point I thought never mind about the heated seats, this is the best part of my day. Then last night Alex had his first state playoff hockey game in Salt Lake. They were playing Brighton, who beat them in the state championships last year. Alex scored two beautiful back hand goals and the game ended in a 4-4 tie. The game then went into a sudden death shootout. Brighton shot first and scored. Alex was up next. If he didn't make the shot the team lost (no pressure). He shot high over the goalie's left shoulder and scored! Next Brighton missed and Timpanogos scored. It was such an exciting game. I strained my vocal chords yelling crazy things like "that's my boy!"It was definitely the best part of my day.

Boo the injured babysitter

Yesterday Maggie and Finn both came over to visit. It has been a while since we've seen little people at our house. Maggie didn't need any toys, Boo was enough entertainment.

 

Finn wanted Boo to get out of his way so he could move around the train. "Pam can you move him?" He also wanted me to draw faces on all of the train magnets so we got out the sharpies. He must get that from Thomas.

Last week Boo cut his foot. We had to take him to get stitches. After many ripped off bandages and a few less stitches we finally broke down and bought the cone. 

What's for dinner?

Tonight I tried a new recipe from The Pioneer Woman called the "Favorite Burger Ever".  My family really liked it. The caramelized red onions were my favorite. The boys had to add extra tabasco sauce for added hotness. After my son downed two burgers he said "Mom, that was your fourth great dinner in  7 years. I think that's a compliment.

What I'm loving today

On Saturday I went to a scrapbooking crop and they had this cute button bouquet at a silent auction. It is so fun. I love red, and there are some unique old buttons, the best thing is that these flowers will last a long time. Oh, and they also jiggle. Now I just want to make more.

without brownies...

I am not sure when or how it started, but every Sunday night I make brownies. I use my Mom's recipe because it is comfort food. These brownies are cake like, and usually taste better the next day. We have had a string of unsuccessful Sunday dinners around here (new recipes, bland, tough, generally unappetizing). None of that seems to matter if my family knows they can have brownies later. My saving grace!