GETTING READY CONTINUES

We finally got our dates. We enter the MTC in Provo on July 7, 2014. After a week we leave to spend time training in SLC for 3 days. Then its home to St. Louis. On July 21 we leave for Guatemala for 18 months. With our dates in place we are...
Packing another box or two. Our great room is filled with boxes that need to be carried down stairs. We have decided to sell our dinning room table since it has become too small for our growing family. Our yard has become overrun with weeds so it's time to do some yard work. We have finished our first round of shots but we have one more round to go. We have a wedding to attend in Oklahoma, talks to give and friends to visit but most important we are trying to hold, hug and talk to our grandchildren as much as we can.
Life can be a challenge when your making changes but it's a good challenge.

OUR CALL

After months of paperwork, doctor appointments, and interviews we have our call to Guatemala, Guatemala. We still don't know the exact date we will be leaving but it should be in less than 2 months we have been told.


Now it's time to get visas, shots, pack up the house and take care of all the details associated with moving for 18 months to a foreign land. As long as I take each day one at a time I don't get overwhelmed and can stay excited.

THE WEEKEND

The week end was again one of extreme busyness. Going out with friends on Friday night was enjoyable as was going to Wicked at the Fox on Saturday afternoon. Working to accomplish goals and regular housework made me look forward to a quiet Sunday with an early 9:00 am church. As always a call seems to change our day.

Kent received a call from a family he baptized on his mission some 46 years ago. They will be in Oklahoma City on the 18 through the 20 and wanted to know if we could come. Kent said yes. We invited the kids but Andrea and family were busy. Ben and Becca said they would come with us so after Sunday lunch the next hours were spent coordinating plane, car and hotel reservations. A nap seemed to elude us. Maybe next week.

Today, I am back trying to accomplish goals. I don't understand how I got so much more done when I worked full time. I guess it's like an acquaintance said, "growing old isn't for sissies."

NEED FOR GRATITUDE

The problem I’m having with my goals are when it comes to the scriptures, Ensign and the words of the prophets I tend to read and then ponder and reread. This doesn’t go too when with achieving goals that are so specific. However, the likelihood of me achieving goals that aren’t specific is even less likely to be achieved. So, today I have been reading the ensign and rereading and pondering the First Presidency Message. I haven't finished my exercising but it needs to and will start now.

There are many things on my list that will make my life easier but everyday living keeps me from getting to the things that need to be done that day. This is why I keep a gratitude journal. When I see all the negative and I can’t get things done attitude creeps in I stop and write in my journal. Things fall into place and I’m ready to begin again with the right attitude.

THINK ABOUT CHANGE

In a little over a year Kent and I will be putting in papers to serve a mission for our church. We have the option of going for 6 months, 12 months,  18 months or 23 months. Where and how long we serve will be impacted by how well we prepare. I don’t do New Year’s resolutions but I have set Mission Preparation Goals. So for the next 12 to 18 months I will be working on these goals. I chose to write in my blog what I'm doing so I have an accountability because is a public forum individuals are more likely to succeed.

The first goals I’m setting are more specific goals. The second goals will be less specific but just as important to me.

Lifestyle Goals

1.       Exercise 8 miles a day – at least 5 times a week (I'm currently at 2 miles a day)
2.       Eat clean, whole foods
3.       Eat out once or less a week
4.       No fried foods
5.       Plan a weekly menu based of foods that can be prepared ahead of time or in a crockpot
6.       Read 8 quality books written by general authorities
7.       Read Ensign and Smithsonian magazines each month
8.       Read “Preach My Gospel”
9.       Keep gratitude journal going
10.     Continue with daily scripture study
11.     Keep spiritual journal
12.     Find ways to give meaningful service especially in community
13.     Develop a healthy lifestyle

Relationship Goals

1.       Set up a retirement budget and try to live it now
2.       Send out more thank you and birthday cards
3.        Get a smart phone for Kent and have the children teach him how to use it so we can real time talk to grandchildren
4.        Convince one of the children that they want to be responsible for our finances and house while we serve a mission (use guilt if necessary)

Household goals

1.       Pay off house
2.       Set up how to unclutter and store our entire household so we can rent our house while we are gone
3.       Check all appliances and plumbing to make sure they are in good working condition
4.       Place all warrantees in folder that can be given to family member willing to care for our house while we are gone

Person goals

1.       Continue to encourage Kent in his photography
2.       Work on my art and scrapbooking
3.       Learn how to paint with water color

That is a good start. I’m sure I will find other things that I need to do that I’m not aware of. I'm glad I have given myself over a year to get this plan into action. Also I am already doing a number of these things I'm sure I will succeed.

 

STAVANGER, NORWAY

Stavanger – the first Norwegian city we visited. Like the people in the Netherlands, riding bikes, walking and hiking were national pastimes. As we toured we learned so much about the people and their desire for a healthy life style. I sure there are overweight, smokers in Stavanger but I didn’t see them. We felt that this was such a beautiful city with very friendly people. It's hard to say inspired when there every thing on the cruise ship is a food event.

BACK FROM THE NORTH

We loved our trip. That being said no one told me we would have to worry about 3 hurricanes in the frigid north Atlantic.

This is Greenland. The waters were so clear they showed every reflection.

THIS IS IT!

Today we are off for a trip to see the norther lands of the Vikings. Tonight we will fly over the atlantic and tomorrow we will be in the Netherlands (don't call it Holland - that would be like saying you were going to California when you were visiting St. Louis - so we are told).

A BOX OF SUNSHINE

Source: katherinemariephotography.com via Lorrie on Pinterest

I haven't done any projects from Pinterest lately so I thought it was time to do something. I have a friend going through a very hard time so I decided to make a sunshine box. My box has almost exactly the same ingredients as the box on Pinterest. The difference was instead of having Tiffany Box Blue ribbon my ribbon is teal. I don't know if its better but it was much easier to find. By the time I found all the boxed items and candy I was tired of looking for the unusual items. I used yellow scrapbook paper to line the box and covered it with yellow tissue paper. It was a fun project and it is hoped that it will bring a little sunshine into my friends world right now.

WHAT I HAVE LEARNED

I heard someone say, “There’s no pride in being what you are but in what you do with it.” I have thought a lot about this statement. As a school child I was intimidated by those who were so very intelligent. As a mother I was in awe with those who were knowledgeable in every situation. At church there were brilliant scriptoriums. And so the list goes on. I saw only my limits.

Today, as a 60+ year-old I realize that I have great intelligence but I have dyslexia. I haven’t allowed my handicap keep me from graduating with a master’s degree and having a successful counseling practice. By taking classes and workshops I became the mother I wanted to be. I have read the scriptures daily and studied inspired writings for decades. I now know more than I ever thought possible.

There are things I wish I had learned or tried doing but for the most part I am happy with what I have accomplished with my life. If I have learned anything about living this life is it is by small but consistent effort that great changes have come into my life. I also believe what I read by Hugh B. Brown, “You can do anything you want. You just can’t do everything you want.”

THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF PINTEREST

Like millions of others I’ve become a fan of Pinterest. I have enjoyed wasting time on Pinterest especially when I have insomnia. It’s amazing what you can find there. Recently I’ve noticed a trend on Pinterest. It appears some people are confused as to how to lose weight and become healthy.

Many friends have wonderful workout and diet tips pinned. It’s obvious this is something that excites not just my friends but also the general public. The motivational quotes to get you up and moving, reminders that you will regret not working out but you will feel pride in your accomplishments or love yourself in the morning, “right now is the time to move off the computer and begin exercising” are truly inspirational. Once you decide you are going to exercise there is enough exercises to leave even the best personal trainer awed. You are going to find detox ideas, perfect recipes for any type of diet, even entire menus for Thanksgiving for those who are looking to keep their family healthy. Did I mention you can find diets you didn’t even know existed?

What I find ironic is these very same individuals with diet and workout pins have also pinned the best decadent desserts and meals. There are incredible variations of brownies, cookies, cakes, puddings and pies you ever could imagine. If you prefer a cake mix rather than beginning with just a bowl and a pantry full of ingredients you can find out how to convert that ordinary mix into something amazing. Not to be outdone by desserts you can find dinner, salads and bread recipes to make any mouth water. In the food and drink section you will find all the cheesy, buttery, deep fat fried meals your heart could ever desire. How about sweet pork tacos and with spicy ranch dressing, chicken cheesy lasagna, white cheddar and parmesan mac and cheese, spicy Dorito casserole, cornbread mixed with yellow cake mix, cream crepes or strawberries filled with cream,  well you get the idea.

So today I did 8 miles on my elliptical before I planned dinner. What shall I fix? Well without any guilt it will be Cheesecake Factory Chicken Marsala, with a BLT Pasta salad, followed by some Reese's Peanut Butter Bars. Perfect!

Wait, what am I thinking. I will broil chicken with a toss salad and fresh fruit for dessert.

THE INFAMOUS LAPTOP

We have never been high tech travelers. We have our cell phones but don’t text or have apts. I traveled with a Kindle until it stopped working. It was very frustrating because I didn’t have anything to read on my trip.

Recently Kent has been traveling to Los Angeles for a court case. He needed to work with the client, pre court hearings, interviewing witnesses and finally this week was to be the trial. Kent decided that it was time to break out a laptop computer.

 At the first stop of his trip, St. Louis airport security, his laptop was stolen. Security was right there as well as many cameras. Within 20 minutes his laptop was recovered and he was at the gate ready to board the plane to Los Angeles. All was well and he considered himself very fortunate.

Once in Los Angeles the judge informed him that the court was a little behind schedule and their case wouldn’t start until next Tuesday. Kent came home to enjoy family time and get some work done. Kent’s law partner decided to remain in Los Angeles. He would take a few days off and enjoy the cool temperatures (70 degrees) and the beach. Kent left the infamous laptop in his law partner’s room thus avoiding the possibility of losing the laptop while going through airport security.

The next day Kent got the call informing him that the laptop had been stolen by a member of the hotel staff and the hotel was looking into it.  All other laptops in the room were untouched. It appears that we are destined to travel low tech.

FRUIT KABOBS

Source: get-thinspiration.tumblr.com via Lorrie on Pinterest

Making fruit kabobs was relatively simple. Using 10 inch skewers I started with the 2 blueberries, 2 purple grapes, a strawberry with the green removed, cantaloupe (instead of orange segments) pineapple and 2 green grapes. I found having the kabobs were not only fun but helped everyone want to start with something healthy. I know, I know, pizza is a healthy food.

One day I might have a rainbow party and use the fruit with the orange segments I made at Christmas. It is amazing how quickly I forgot how much work they were.

JELLO SAILS

Source: karaspartyideas.com via Lorrie on Pinterest

I love family time. Having the children and grandchildren (grandpuppy) over is the best of times. Last night was one of those times. We were celebrating Kent’s and Becca’s birthdays. When the grandchildren were young we would go to a favorite restaurant to eat but now that the children are older it isn’t all that fun at a restaurant i.e. Red Robin.

For dinner I fixed inside outside pizza, jello sails, toss salad and fruit kabobs. Dinner was colorful, delicious, fun but most of all the entertainment was out of this world. At the end, puppies and kids cried when it was time to go home. Grandma was exhausted but happy. Today I will talk about the jello sails. They were easy to fix and fun to eat. The only criticism I received was the orange wasn’t a good flavor with the blue berry jello. My thought was eat the orange when you take the sail off and then eat the jello.

TERIYAKI CHICKENT AND RICE

Source: whilehewasnapping.blogspot.com via Lorrie on Pinterest

This looked like a quick dinner and that's what I needed tonight. It was a quick but not flavorful meal and to be honest, adding ketchup to soy sauce is just wrong. If I made it again I would leave out the ketchup and add other flavors such as pineapple or ginger. I also would use the sauce to marinate the chicken (using raw instead of precooked chicken) before adding to the uncooked rice. Well, so much for the quick dinner.

BEEF FAJITAS

Source: bhg.com via Sara on Pinterest

I haven’t had much to blog. I live a rather boring life when Kent is out of town. Now he is back in town and life is good.

We had a Cinco de Mayo party to attend Saturday and I needed to bring a main dish. I chose Beef Fajitas. Since I was going to make enough for a crowd I decided to use the recipe that used the crockpot. I liked the flavors of the fajitas as did people who commented on them. I think the only think I didn’t like was just a personal preference. I just don’t like meet cooked in a crockpot. It doesn’t have the same flavor as grilled, fried or baked meat. I knew that I didn’t have time to fry the meat so this was my only choice. I think I might make these again but I will use olive oil in a sauce pan instead or a crockpot.

Balsamic Honey Glazed Carrots

Source: sowonderfulsomarvelous.com via Sharla on Pinterest

I tried this yesterday while also trying out a fresh beet recipe. I left out the honey. I remember hearing a lady talk about carrots and putting honey on them. She said that carrots were so naturally sweet it was just wrong to kill the taste with honey. Since we all liked carrots this reasoning made me skip the honey. I will note that I did add a small amount of very sweet orange that added flavor but didn't mask the carrot taste. I also used baby carrots that I removed the greens from but left a small amount of stem. The result was a wonderfully flavored carrot dish.

SOUR DOUGH BREAD

Source: wholeintentions.com via Mandy on Pinterest

Sour dough is an old fashioned idea updated. This past year I had a friend bring a start for friendship bread which is a sweet form of sour dough bread. I also have recipes for sour dough biscuits, cookies and chocolate cake. I used to keep  a sour dough start in my refrigerator but found I didn't make bread often enough to keep it fresh. I also discovered that we prefer bread without a strong sour dough taste. As long as I kept the start refreshed then the bread had the right taste for us. The longer it sits the more it tastes like San Fransicso sour dough bread.

Seeing this on pinterest made me decide that I might try it again. My husband loves a real crusty bread so I kept it moist during baking. You can open the oven every so often and spritz with water or you can do it the lazy way and just put a pan of water in the oven and keep it moist that way. I also placed a most towel over the loaf as it was rising.

PANERA (ST. LOUIS BREAD COMPANY) MAC N' CHEESE

Source: smells-like-home.com via Jena on Pinterest

This weekend I made St. Louis Bread Company’s mac n cheese recipe. I am not one to make mac n cheese but it was to be served to die hard mac n cheese lovers. I think the only change I made was I didn’t add a dash of hot sauce. It wasn’t my favorite side dish and those who love mac n cheese gave it a “its good” rating. I get better reviews when I serve Kraft Mac n Cheese which is cheaper, faster and easier to make.  

PINEAPPLE CHICKEN

Source: undressedskeleton.tumblr.com via Meridith on Pinterest

This dish was one of my favorite pinterest ideas so far. The soy sauce gave an Asian taste but it was truly an American dish which I enjoyed. The taste was mild but had a lot of flavor for only having 3 ingredients. I changed it a little, however. I didn’t cut my chicken breast into pieces and while the chicken was broiling I reduced the marinate by simmering over a low heat for about 10 minutes. I then added the pineapple and poured over the chicken. Served with a simple fruit salad this was a wonderfully light but filling dinner.