39 Years Ago

39 years ago today Craig:

• Sent a dozen roses

• Told me he loved me

• Asked me to marry him

January 24th is a favorite day to remember.

• We still are married.

• We love each other more than we could have imagined 39 years ago.

• The roses?  They are in our front entry.

Little Susie Homemaker

 I have been having fun with a new bread recipe.  It is called 5 minute bread.  You can Google or Youtube it to get the scoop on how to make it.  The premise is that it takes 5 minutes of Your personal work to create delicious homemade artisan bread.  It truly is the easiest bread ever and Yummy.
To make the white bread you simply mix together 1 1/2 T yeast, 1 T. salt, 3 C. warm water, 6 1/2 C unbleached flour.  Stir until moistened.  Let sit on the counter with a lid over the bowl (but not air tight) for 2 hours.  Cut a grapefruit sized hunk off with a serrated knife.  Shape the dough into a ball or an oval. Place on a cutting board that has a little cornmeal sprinkled on it to prevent sticking.  Cover with a towel and let rise 30 minutes.  the remaining dough can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 14 days.  Preheat the oven containing a pizza stone on the middle shelf and a metal pan on a lover shelf to 400 degrees.  After the dough has raised slit an X on the top and slip the raised dough onto the hot pizza stone.  Toss a cup of tap water into the heated metal pan and close the oven door.  Bake 30 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.    UMMMMMMmmmm. 

 This is strawberry freezer jam with strawberries from the Farmer's Market.

 This is the finished product of a brave new venture.  Bottled chicken and roast beef!

 Here are a few more bottles sitting with delicious homemade applesauce.
Below is the newest addition to our kitchen appliances.  A pressure canner.  Jan and I first used it Thursday.  We were nervous wrecks.  Would it explode?  Would we die of botchilism?  Fortunately, Cindy (my sister) happened to call during a crucial moment and was able to assure us that we were doing everything correctly.  Before we were done I was calling Shannon to tell her to buy chicken and apples. I would be at her house in the morning and we would make her a collection of the same.

Quick Update

It is a beautiful Saturday.  I have been on an invigorating walk up the local hill.  I sat on a large walk and looked over the valley.  There is a small beautiful lake a very short distance away. There was a gentle breeze, birds chirping, and quiet.  A wonderful beginning to the day.

This week I have visited my darling parents, visited cousin Rhonda and her husband, worked in the temple, talked with our children on the phone, had fun conversations with Jan, had a small dinner party (with our good friends, Sheri and Kirk), made bread, exercised, worked on emergency preparednesse and genealogy.  Fun stuff.
Today I will learn to make corn tortillas.  Yum.
But, best of all, Kelli returns from 3 weeks to New Zealand and Australia

Hi everyone,
Apologies for not keeping up on your blog nor mine.
Lots of things have happened.  Will I remember them and write about them? I intend to just not today.
Isn't that obnoxious?

Happy Thanksgiving

Craig and I are in Utah for Thanksgiving.  We have been to visit his mom.  She is happily established and living with her daughter and family.
We are staying with Joel and his family.  We have played games and eaten yummy meals. 

We are looking forward to our Thanksgiving Feast.  We will be sharing it with Kelli and our niece, Alyssa and (Joel;s family).  It will be a relaxing fun day because none of us have to cook, set the table, or clean up.  In fact right after dinner we are going to the movie to see Tangled.  The new Rapunzel movie.  Rather than confess as to where we are having dinner let's just say this is me tomorrow...

The only way this could be better is if ALL the family were here together.  I miss them all:  Mom and Dad, Shannon and her darlings, Rebecca and family,  Jeff, our nieces and nephews, Jan.   Next year is the 'ON' year.

Speaking of Jan...look at her blog.  She has the most beautiful Christmas Stockings for sale.  Some she made.  Some are purchased.  I dare you to tell them apart.  Please help her out by inviting your friends to her blog too. http://jananddarien.blogspot.com/

The Sky From Our Backyard

 A Double Rainbow

 That random branch is growing over the fence in the backyard

Southern California has been having beautiful  skies lately. I am often gasping over it.  Beauty yearns to be shared.

60 Years

Last night we celebrated Mom and Dad's 60th wedding anniversary.

60 years is a long time.

But not long enough.

They are simply NOT satisfied.

They are planning on having an even larger celebration for their 70th.
Surely, theirs is a marriage that will be FOREVER.

50 family members plus 2 friends gathered at our home.  

We sampled beautiful bites of the desserts Mom is famous for.

Then we sat at Mom and Dad's feet as they shared the 10 Secrets of Their Happy Marriage.

As they recounted these secrets Mom and Dad were delightful.

How could I have been so fortunate to have Royden and Geraldine as my parents?

Watching them is great training for anyone.

Mom still sits on Dad's lap.

They treat each other tenderly.

Yes, they can annoy each other but humor is often their response to the other.

So, do you want to know the SECRETS?

Here they are:

Put one another first

Have a sense of humor

Flirt/ hug/ kiss

Share responsibilities

Work together

Play together (vacations)

Sincere Compliments

Be appreciative

Listen

Be dependable.

Our nephew Stephen video taped their explanation and interaction.  I hope to be able to post that soon.  You just won't believe how adorable my parents are.

P.S.
Mom wants to add to the list:
Don't speak ill of your spouse to others

I'm Alive

Dear Blog.  I am alive.  It has been a long time since I wrote on you.  Do you miss me?  I miss you.  Will time slow down?  Just not sure. 

Jan and I have made our way through 500 boxes (Yes, I exaggerate...a little bit) and found places for most of her prized possessions.  There are still a few lingering things that are too precious to discard.  It is amazing how attached we can be to THINGS.

Coupled with moving Jan IN is the work we have begun moving Craig's mom OUT of her home to live with her daughter.  Now that she can't live alone her THINGS seem so unimportant.  Most of them are not necessary.  She doesn't even remember them and certainly doesn't need them.

Some day when I depart this earth and reminisce I will wonder why I had such a large house stuffed with THINGS....meanwhile, I need to go Christmas Shopping so I can give some THINGS to my family for Christmas.

Hospital Day

Hanna, my dear mother-in law, suffered from a stroke a few weeks ago.  She has been in a rehabilitation center for several weeks.  Today is her long awaited surgery.  I spoke with her last night.  She has experienced serious memory loss. She is unaware of her problem or why she isn't in her own house. Her kind nature surfaces most readily in her acceptance of the situation.  It breaks my heart to hear her wonder why she can't go home or why so and so isn't visiting or calling (when they just did) or reminding her who her grandchildren are or where we live.  


Her surgery was successful but her memory will never be the same.


Craig called me at the temple where I was working today to tell me that Mom had called him to ask for help getting Dad to the hospital.  He had a Stroke this morning!!!!


Despite receiving the alarming news during my shift it felt wonderful to be surrounded by 'brothers' and 'sisters' whom I work with and have grown to love who know how to care and love and express concern. As I departed I was reminded by some to place his name on the prayer list, prayers were promised, love and concern were expressed in words and with loving eyes, advice was given by medical professionals, and faith was shared.  It felt as though the I left the temple strengthened and surrounded.  

Dad is OKAY.  The initial stroke symptoms subsided quickly.  The CT scan indicates there was no bleeding in his brain.  It appears that he did not suffer from the classic stroke but a TIA.  We are very relieved.  He is resting comfortable in the hospital and will remain there overnight.

Mom and Dad are grateful that within in an hour there were 4 of their children at their side supporting them.  Craig and Scott gave Dad a blessing.  Peace.  

What a day.  Craig's Mom.  My dad.  

We are home

 

Jan and I are home.  We arrived almost 2 weeks ago to find that her pod had been delivered with 500 boxes (kidding) containing her precious belongings.  Now she is trying to find a way to squeeze the beauties into her bedroom :) and  the kitchen. 

We had a great trip.  We slept in lovely hotels.  Made a few stops along the way.

A highlight of last week: Craig and I were invited to share our experience at the Restoring Honor Rally with a group of friends.  40 people came!  We were thrilled.  It was a great night at Lura's house.  She is an amazing hostess.  Her home accommodated us easily.  And of course it was decorated to the hilt with Fall colors and smells.  It was breathtakingly beautiful.
At the conclusion of the evening it was determined that the group wants to continue meeting!  WowEEZowDow!

Restoring Honor Rally, 8/28/2010

"These are the last days."  How many times have I heard those words?  How many times have I thought them as the situation in the world seems to worsen?  But, it has been the 'last days' for a long long time.  Are these really the last or is there a LONG way to go still?

Modern day prophets tell us not to be fearful but filled with Hope and Faith.  God is at the helm.  All things will work according to His plan.
This land is choice land. America. The Declaration of Independence.  The Constitution.  Founding Fathers.  Abraham Lincoln.  All gifts from God.

  America has a Divine Destiny. Craig and I love America.  We study the lives of the great men who dedicated their lives and honor to it's birth.  We honor those who have dedicated themselves to protecting America.  

We feel helpless.  Does our vote matter?  Are there good, honest people who stand for American principles?

Last week Craig and I joined with more than 500,000 people who feel the same as we do. We stood between the hallowed memorials of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in Washington, D.C. 

The masses cheered, applauded and hooted:

The miracle of the Geese occurred, 

as the  national anthem was sung,  

for heroes,

when told that America is a chosen land with a Divine Destiny, 

at the suggestion that America will be stronger as each person bends their knees and prays, 

is honest and pays their tithing!  

They clapped!  

They were from various religions but all AMERICANS.

They were from many states even countries.  They clapped!  We are not alone.  Over 100,000 watched the event on Facebook.  Many watched on C-Span.  More wished they could have attended but were unable.  We are not alone.  There is reason to Hope.  I have Faith.  I pray for Charity.

(We stayed with our friends, Scott and Debbie Jones in Virgina. A big Thank You to them!)

Some other highlights of our trip:  The Washington D.C. temple is beautiful inside and out.

We walked and walked and walked in the hot muggy heat.   We loved it though.

Scott and Debbie Craig and I spent a marvelous day at Monticello.  Thomas Jefferson an amazing man.  It was wonderful to get to know him better.  This gorgeous home was designed by him.  It is filled with his ingenious ideas...and so are the beautiful immense grounds.

The 3rd try is a charm was a true adage for our arrival at the Jefferson Memorial

Another favorite experience is walking through Arlington Cemetery. 

These hallowed grounds have been a cherished place to me since 6th grade when President John F. Kennedy was laid to rest there.  

  We were grateful to make it just in time for the changing of the guard....which to see was a dream come true.

I am a different person because of this trip.  Attending the Rally was a highlight of my life.  Craig feels the same.  Scott feels the same.  Why?  Because: we sacrificed to attend, we have never seen in our life that many people!!!! Never....not even in Disneyland at Christmas time.  We are one of MANY who love America and it's founding principles.  There is HOPE!!! Rejoice Evermore...

This baby doll is Ledger.  He was given a blessing last Sunday by his daddy. It was a wonderful moment. Most of our family were there which made it even more wonderful.  

Ledger is as sweet as he looks.  He rarely complains.  He is easily comforted.  He sleeps well and smiles easily. He loves to be snuggled and held. Between his parents and 4 siblings he is held plenty! I witnessed him laugh twice. Ahh, sweet moments.

  Here he is with Mommy and Daddy.  Isn't his hair great?

This is a Happy Woman

I am sick of looking at this blog post, aren't you?
One would think that nothing whatsoever is happening the this poor woman's life.  Is she stuck in a time warp?  So it seems!
Acutally, we have had wonderful family events happening in the last 3 weeks.
Here are a few:
We had a sleep-over with 2 darling Grandsons-Corbin and Cooper
Our nephew Bradley and his wife Jammie were sealed in the Redlands Temple.
A family in our ward was sealed.
My sisters and I spent a day at Disneyland.
I have gone on home visits with ward RS leaders.
The Temple Matron spoke at our Stake Daytime Relief Society. 
For the first time in my life I accompanied a soloist!!!!  (this is BIG)

We spent Father's Day at Kelli's!
I cooked dinner in our Sun Oven
I attended a Sun Oven class
Our nephew Michael returned home from the Chicago South mission.  We went to the airport to greet him.
Michael spoke in his ward on Sunday-What a good, tender hearted young man.  We love him.
My darling niece, Lauren is having a baby soon-so a Baby Shower for her!

Of course, there are great pictures to go with all of these events BUT,  there is no time to try to play around w/ loading photos.  We are off to Utah to visit FAMILY!!!!

This is a Happy Woman.

Mothering

Mothering.  Does it come naturally?  It feels like second nature to me.  Yet, there are many a child who would proclaim that it didn't come naturally to their mom.  Perhaps it comes from modeling.  In that case, I am a winner.  My mom was and still is a great model for mothering.  For anything, actually.

I am so grateful that my children allow me to keep my 'mothering skills' sharpened by helping out with their children.  Being with little ones brings back those dear memories of my own nest being filled with busy, precious little ones.  

So that Shannon and Derek could celebrate their 10th wedding anniversary I offered to have their 2 little fellas stay the night.  Another chance to keep those skills sharp!    After a quick trip to Target for  entertainment crafts and toys I was prepared. Craig and I had such fun with them.

Sleeping away from home isn't always easy for young'ns.  Corbin (the oldest) missed Mommy and Daddy.  A few tender tears were shed.  Aunt Kelli was visiting.  She took him back to bed and offered a prayer, rubbed his back and offered words of comfort.  Kelli, you will be a good mom!

Here are a few things we had fun doing together.(pictures won't load...I keep getting a "failed" message.  Does this happen to anyone else?)

While the children were here a baby mourning dove fell from his nest-conveniently into a pot on the patio!  It's daddy watched over him for awhile then gave up.

We didn't know what to do.  After much thought and watchfulness we decided to do nothing.

The birdie spent the night in the pot.

It was still there and alive in the morning.

Before beginning Sunday School class Craig asked for advice.  The combined genius of the class decided we should put the bird back in the nest-somehow.

We came right home and did it although the nest had been abandoned my mommy and the sibling!

About 4 hours later Mommy came back.

Oh my goodness the little birdie was jumping up and down with delight!   Mommy was home!  AND she brought a surprise!  Food.  Yippeee!!

Does mothering come naturally?  That is up for debate.  Children getting excited about surprises ---Now that's 2nd Nature!

Corbin and Cooper were pretty excited to learn that there was surprise waiting in the truck for them.  I wish the camera had been there to take a shot at 2 little boys wearing lime green goggles and holding water guns!  Reminds me of a birdie I saw!

Arizona Highlights

This has been a marvelous week.  There is something heavenly about having a newborn in the house.  Every moment seems precious and new.  Of course, we know that he was recently in heaven.  But what was he involved in?  Was he attending classes?  Who were his friends?  Who is missing him? 
WHO IS HE?  Does he know who else is coming to our family?

I could go on and on about Ledger but there are 4 other darling children here that I have had a ball with.  Some highlights from our time together:
1.  We went to the movies.  Have you seen, Diary of a Wimpy Kid?  Steele, Slater and Carter have all read the series of books.  So they were excited to see the movie.  They enjoyed it but not as much as I did.  I could hardly stop laughing. 

2.  The Phoenix Zoo is a Hot--literally.  Snow Cones saved the day.  We were able to endure the heat as long as the cones lasted.  Once they were gone we hurried towards the exit.

3.  Italia turned 7.  Party time for her!  Sweet little girl.  She was ecstatic about each gift. 
4.  Pool fun, trampoline fun, War, walks, kept us busy

5.  A special Air Mail gift arrived Friday for Rebecca's birthday...her dad!  I booked a plane ticket for him that very day!  The grandchildren were thrilled to have him come.  That night they begged him to tell them a bedtime story.  He has an amazing imagination-REALLY.  The yarns he spins are wild.

6.  Can you believe all the birthdays this little family has celebrated in such a short time?  Rebecca is an amazing mother (her children read on their own, do chores, eat veggies, read the Book of Mormon as a family and express gratitude every night).   She adores her husband and he will do anything for her( like do the dishes or buy her diamond stacking rings just because she had a baby!).  Her father and I are proud of her and marvel at all she can do.  We Love her immensely.

Craig and I leave for home on Monday. We are sorry to leave.  Blessedly we do have cute grandkids at home.  Nevertheless, we will be back soon.  Speaking of backs...here is a cute one.

Craig and I will be driving home on Monday.  We are sorry to leave.  It feels wonderful to be with this darling little family.  But, we will be back!   

Ledger

It is a boy!  A sweet, cute, peaceful boy.  He needs a haircut!  It is a little shabby around the ears and too long on the neck.
Ledger is his cool first name.

Ledger has several dimples! 
His sweet disposition is a joy.  Ledger rarely fusses. He loves to sleep.  Rebecca has to wake him to eat in the night.  He could probably sleep all night.  We realize any of this could change any minute. We will enjoy it while it lasts.

Ledger's siblings are thrilled with him.  I have to stand in line to get the opportunity to hold him.
Rebecca did it right!  She has built in babysitters.  Why didn't I think to have a baby when mine were old enough to understand what I meant when I said, "go get me the ____" or be able to hold the baby and make him smile.
Yes, he smiles and I don't mean he has gas that causes his lips to curl.  The first time I witnessed it his mommy was speaking lovingly to him.  He turned to look at her and smiled.  Really :)

Today he did the same thing to me.  He loves me!!!!