Sugar Cookie Moments

One of my favorite memories from childhood was making sugar cookies with my mother.  After chores were finished she would pull out the big yellow bowl and add ingredients to it such as flour, sugar and eggs.  Once the dough was ready, she would give each of us kids our own pile of dough to roll, cut, play with and eat.  The memories of those times fill my mind with the fragrant smells of buttery sweet and a sense of safety and comfort.

So, when the MyMy asked if we could make sugar cookies as her birthday treat for her class, I knew that although the day had been long and the week had been so busy that she was also in need of those sweet feelings to calm her soul.

This year is a big year for the MyMy.  She is turning 12 and with that, she is leaving the stage of childhood that will only be lived through her memories now.  Although the MyMy has been excited to turn 12 and to have new experiences that come with the age, she has also been very hesitant about it too.  She has enjoyed being our little girl, and frankly, we have enjoyed it also.  Like her, I am not sure if I want that childhood stage to pass either.

So, with those thoughts in mind.  We pulled out the mixer, set the butter on the counter to soften and began the task of making dough, rolling out cookies, baking, deciding on the color of frosting and then decorating the little sugar cookie men with candy and chocolate chips late into the evening.

The MyMy was still in need of assistance from me in learning the art of making, baking and decorating sugar cookies in which I was grateful, because soon, she will be able to pull out the recipe and mixer and make cookies all on her own.

After making cookies, I sent the MyMy to bed and started the task of cleaning up.  I was glad to have that time to myself to reflect on her cute little life and how she has grown and wondered where the time went.  I realized that my time left with her will go quickly too and recommitted myself to making sure that there will be opportunities for sugar cookie moments- meaning letting life and all of it's deadlines go to spend time with a beautiful girl who is growing up much too fast.

Happy Birthday MyMy!  I promise, you and I both will enjoy your 12th year.

Christmas 2012

It has been 9 years since I have been home for Christmas, and like the Christmas song, it is always in my dreams, so it was a nice surprise when Derrick found out that he had a couple of days off.  We packed up the car and headed up north in hopes that our girls could experience a white Christmas.

Growing up, Christmas Eve was my family's big holiday.  The evening started with a several course Finnish Christmas dinner set by candlelight.  I always loved having the room only lit by candles- so magical.  After dinner, Joulupukki, the Finnish Santa Claus, always surprised us with presents on the doorstep.  The evening always ended with my dad playing Christmas music on his accordion and all of us kids dressing up and performing the nativity.

This year was no different, except for the fact that the grandchildren now perform the nativity.

We also had snow.

Christmas morning we enjoyed a nice breakfast, compliments of Grandma, then took off to Soldier Hollow for some tubing.  Fun!

 That evening, we took the girls to Temple Square to see the lights for the very first time.  Beautiful!

Hope you all had a Merry Christmas too!

Italian Cooking Class

Aunt Ani spent a week in Italy taking cooking classes and decided to use those skills in teaching all of us the finer points of Italian cooking.  The girls learned how to make pasta from scratch by making a volcano out of flour and filling the cavity with eggs and olive oil.  After mixing, kneading and resting the dough, the girls were able to roll and cut the dough into long pasta pieces.

We also learned how to make Italian pizza which is a little different from what we know, but very yummy.

When Aunt Ani cooks, there is always a enough food to feed an army.  We had pasta with a meat sauce, pizza, three different kinds of bruchetta and two salads- one that mixed cantaloupe with salami, olive oil and chives- very tasty.

Grazie, Aunt Ani- we loved being Italian for an evening!

Grateful

The turkey is thawing in the refrigerator.  The bread is drying and soon will become stuffing.  The groceries are purchased.  The plans are made, just waiting, ready for the big day.  I guess, that I am also waiting for the big day too, because here I sit in front of a bright screen, in the wee hours of the early morning, unable to sleep.

My restlessness has caused me to reflect on a Bing Crosby song, "Count Your Blessings, Instead of Counting Sheep".

When I'm worried and I can't sleep

I count my blessings instead of sheep

And I fall asleep counting my blessings

When my bankroll is getting small

I think of when I had none at all

And I fall asleep counting my blessings

I think about a nursery and I picture curly heads

And one by one I count them as they slumber in their beds

If you're worried and you can't sleep

Just count your blessings instead of sheep

And you'll fall asleep counting your blessings.

So, here it goes:

I am grateful for warm, soft sand that squishes between toes creating a feeling that life is oh so good.

I am grateful for sun rises of pinks and orange with rays of sunlight creeping over the mountains with promises and hope for a beautiful day.

I am grateful for artichokes, melted butter, and squeezed lemon that tantalizes the taste buds.

I am grateful for the magical sounds of children's laughter while running through sprinklers, twirling sparklers, and chasing butterflies.

I am grateful for vine-ripened tomatoes that come straight out of the garden.  Something that has been a rare occurrence since my move to Arizona.  Oh how I miss you!

I am grateful for pants that are long enough to cover my very long legs.

I am grateful for the sound of leaves crunching on the ground, the brisk air, and the smell of fall.

I am grateful for walks along the river where my mind can work and resolve both small and big problems.

I am grateful for soft, baby's skin that smells of baby lotion and everything that is good in the world.

I am grateful for opportunities of painting bedrooms, shopping for winter formal dresses, helping with homework, driving to swim and soccer practices, cheering on sidelines to two, beautiful girls.

I am grateful for being able to lie down each night in the warm, safe and comforting arms of my husband.

I am grateful to a loving, Heavenly Father, who has provided all of the above, plus so much more, for me.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Zombies, Nerds, and Gross Stuff!

As I was driving home the other day, I noticed a woman on the side of the road.  Her hair was messed up due to the wind, and she was walking with a gait.  My heart skipped a beat realizing that I just saw my first zombie, and I realized that the zombies have finally made it to Arizona.

Then, as I was setting up tables for the Thanksgiving feast for our youth's annual "young at heart" dinner, my skin began to crawl because I could hear the zombie's breathing sounds with the roll of each table.

And now as I walk, I carry a golf club to keep stray dogs and zombies, of course, away.

Zombies are appearing in my dreams, daily conversations, and my thoughts.  All of this has made me  realize that maybe I am addicted.

What started out as a we should watch something Halloween like since it is October has turned into an obsession.  I downloaded season 1 of Dead Man Walking from Netflix, and truth be told, we just finished watching season 2.  Zombies have invaded our television sets for one and a half months.  This is completely out of character for me.  I hardly ever watch television, and when I do, it is something like  House Hunters International or something from the cooking channel.  I am not used to seeing blood and guts, or anything gross. I am also an early to bed kind of girl since my day begins at 4:45 each morning, and yet my nights have turned late due to zombie viewing.  I am slowly morphing into the scary and gross side of Halloween.  Teenagers- they do that to you.

To celebrate the month of haunting we decided to have a "gross night" activity for our youth.  Invitations were sent out to "outgross" each other.

  We had a panel of judges and plenty of gross performances.  Smoothies were made from raw eggs, tuna fish and hotdogs for consumption.  Boys licked "items" out of baby diapers, and girls ate cereal using their shoe as a bowl.  Kids dared other kids to lick suckers that had first been in a dogs mouth.  Even surgery was performed and guts were touched and tasted.  The audience snickered and ewwed all night.  My stomach still turns thinking about those gross memories, but yet it really turned out to a very fun night.

Blood and Guts Surgery

Diaper Digging

The month ended with "The revenge of the Nerds".  They came out in full force- at least in my neck of the woods.  Eleven of them showed up at my house to trick-or-treat and then continued on their nerdy way to grapple candy from other houses.

Nerd MyMy

Now that October is over and I must wait for season 3 of Dead Man Walking to appear on Netflix, it is time for me to put zombies, nerds, and other gross stuff to rest.  Hopefully this blog post will give me some closure.  Until next year my zombie and nerd friends!  It will take until next year to get the smell of tuna, really ripe fruit and hotdog smoothie out of my mind.  Until next year!

Missionary Man

About this time two years ago, a young man walked into our church one Sunday.   He was nicely dressed- bright blue dress shirt, tie and black slacks.  He had come because he liked a girl that just so happened to be Mormon.  He noticed her happy attitude and admired her family dynamics and realized he wanted something like that too in his life.
The boy frequented often, wearing the same bright blue shirt, and sitting at the back of the church all alone.
Derrick was the Young Men's President at the time and noticed this young man sitting in his weekly lesson.  Introductions were made and a familiarity began.  After about 6 months of church attendance, the young man started meeting with the missionaries.  Lessons were given at our home and as a family, we joined in.  It was surreal watching the events unfold- line upon line, precept upon precept being understood.
As the boy grew in knowledge and faith, other things began to change in his life too.  He was transforming right before our very eyes and soon he realized how divine his nature is because, he was, and is a Child of God.  That in itself is a very beautiful story, but the story continues........
This young man, Javier, was baptized a little over a year ago in July by Derrick.  Ward members and missionaries were there in attendance and it will always be a very special memory for me.
The progress continued in this young man.  He purchased suits.  He was eager to bless the sacrament.  He frequented the temple doing baptisms and he anxiously visited church sites and even attended general conference.  They asked him to help in primary, give talks with high council, and even teach in elders quorum.
Javier visited with us on Sundays and this is where he learned and practiced basic concepts such as prayer, priesthood ordinances, preparing lessons and talks while building his faith.  We grew in those concepts too, but most importantly we started realizing how much we love and adore him.

Now, Javier is serving the Lord as a missionary in California.  The summer was filled with paperwork, missionary shopping, preparing for the temple, his farewell and open house.  The night before he left, we all gathered for his setting a part and said our last good-byes trying to hold back the tears.  He has been on his mission for 2 months now, and although the time has gone slowly, his letters show growth.  He is changing from a boy missionary to a missionary man.

Surprise Weekend

Last week Derrick surprised me with a weekend up in Cedar City, Utah to catch a small taste of fall.  We drove up the canyons and admired the beautiful colors.  The weather was perfect, the scenery amazing, and of course the company was spectacular.  Thanks family, I loved every minute of it!

Slash, Aah-Aah!

This last week was Homecoming week for Mohave High School.  The LuLu had her first major assignment since becoming a student council member.  She had to dress up as an 80's band member for the float she and her comrades made.  The theme for the week was Rock of Ages.  The LuLu went as Slash from Guns N Roses.  She had the perfect hair for the part.  Don't you think?  

Good-Bye Summer!

Summer is leaving us and it is time to look ahead, but where did the summer go?

It went to girls camp in June.... 

Nail polish, hair stuff, spa treatments? This is my kind of girls camp!

Hiking to the Peak

The whole gang!

a visit to Utah in July...............

Whole town water fight.

Red Neck Swimming Pool

Woof-em's at the Isaacson Family Campout

Olympic Park in Park City

Maya at the top of the world! Heber City in the background.

Aunt Ani shopping with the girls.

and the beginning of another school year in August.  

First day of 6th grade for MyMy and 10th grade for LuLu

Farewell to those long summer days, water fights, fireworks, and camping. We will miss you!

Camp Surf!

Hey Camp Surf? Hey What?  Hey Camp Surf? Hey What?  Show us how you roll-e-oh.  Show us how you roll-e-oh.  My hands are high, my feet are low and this is how I roll-e-oh!

Oh Camp Surf how I miss you!  You were so good to me.  Your days were full of sunshine, and lessons on kelp, the tides, and visits to the jetty.  Your evenings were engulfed in s'mores, camp songs,  and silly skits.  Your nights were enjoyed with the sound of waves crashing nearby on the shoreline and moonlit walks to the bathroom so very far away.

Kelp Fashion Show

Sea Star at the Jetty

I miss the "family style" meal times with ocean-side views, composting food bins, and transitions set to music; even though we never won the coveted "Tikki" for eating our fruits and vegetables, having great manners, and excellent cleaning skills. (We were robbed!)

"Sugar, ( insert-do, do, - do, do) Oh, Honey Honey (insert-do, do-do, do). You are my candy girl, and you got me wanting you."  (dessert song)

Meals served family style

The egg-drop competition had to be a hi-light for me.  I loved earning materials through competition and then using those hard-earned materials to save our egg from extinction.

Spending a few relaxed afternoons solely on the beach watching the 5th and 6th graders learn how to surf and boogie board was very fun and relaxing too.

I even enjoyed walking and walking and walking all over the San Diego Zoo.

Archery, the climbing wall, gaga game, a visit to the estuary, camp pranks, camp showers, collecting seashells, cleaning the cabins and even being members of a CSI group (cranium, skull, investigators)-so many things accomplished in one week. So much fun, fun, fun!
( I should have been a camp counselor during college, or a camper as a kid!)

Campers wearing mustaches and monocles investigating skulls.

Yes, it was worth missing the second to last week of school to tag-a-long with my amazing 5th grader on her school field trip to San Diego, California, and spend a week at the YMCA Camp Surf.  I loved it!

The withdrawals have been tough though, although it is always nice to come home and sleep in your own bed.

And, this is how I roll-e-oh!            
                                                     The End!

Jungle Book

The MyMy performed in the school's annual play.  The play this year was Jungle Book.  The MyMy was exuberant, charming, and happy all throughout the play.  Until next year........Look for the Bare Necessities of Life!

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

Back in May, the LuLu announced one day that she was going to run for Sophomore Class Representative for her high school.  The parents were shocked at this news and even questioned her desire.

Conversations, such as this, were ongoing throughout the process.

Parent:"You realize that you are going to have to attend all school activities."

LuLu: "I know."

Parent: "But, you didn't want to attend  any of the activities this year."

LuLu: "I know."

Parents: "Do you realize that you are going to need to plan, organize, and decorate for these activities?"

LuLu: "Yes."

Parents: "But you have never volunteered or even helped when we have had stuff like this prior."

LuLu: "I know, but it is because I don't like doing that kind of stuff."

Parents: "Then, why are you running?"

LuLu:  "Because if my friend gets elected also, then it will guarantee us having a class together for next year."

This of course makes perfect sense to a teenager and not so much to an old and outdated parent.

Anyway, the process began.  The LuLu filled out the applications, wrote her essay, and got her letters of recommendation.  She took her Constitution test and passed.  She had her interview and passed.  She was ready for the campaign.

We asked her if she needed campaign posters and some sort of slogan.  The response was no.  Then a couple of days later, the LuLu came home stating that she needed posters and some sort of a slogan and they needed to be hung the following day.

The parents and the LuLu had a very late night and a very early morning coming up with slogans and posters.  It was decided by all that we would play on a few ideas.  Since the LuLu is so tiny and petite one idea was "great ideas come in small packages".  Another idea was to add a spin to The Hunger Game series by stating that the "odds will always be in your favor."  We even threw in a CTR reference (Choose the Representative), although only a few would get the connection.

The posters went up the next day with some help from her friends.  The competition was getting fierce and the LuLu was worried about her odds.  We asked her if she needed to prepare a skit or speech to perform in front of the school.  The response was once again no, she only needed to speak in front of the teacher.

A couple of days later, the LuLu was in a frantic state.  Yes, she needed a skit, speech, something and it would be performed in front of the freshman class.  Both Derrick and myself had other commitments and could not help at this point, although we suggested using a scene from the Hunger Games.  Text messages begged for wigs and white face paint to be purchased, and then were hastily bought and delivered to early morning seminary.

The big day finally arrived, and we were all excited and anxious about the election results.  LuLu performed her skit and gave her speech.  She said that it went well.  We were all hoping for the best, but also preparing for the worst.  The competition was fierce, or so we thought.  It turns out that LuLu had this  election in the bag from the very beginning.  No one ran against her.  Somehow that little fact was never  mentioned.  Her friend made it too and so they will have at least one shared class next year.  Whew!

Congratulations on your slam-dunk win LuLu.  We know that you will be an amazing class rep. and will do an excellent job!