Friday, November 26, 2010

24th!

My cousin did a series of posts about her husband during their anniversary month and I thought it was a neat idea. So I’m stealing that idea from her.
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So much for copying a good idea. Life has been too crazy. A series of posts became one post.

I didn’t date much in high school, or in college, for that matter. My first date was while we were visiting Payson, Utah. We were living in Lewiston, Utah at the time. I was almost a junior. I was visiting with one of my Payson friends and kind of haphazardly suggested that we grab her brother and her boyfriend and go to a movie together. So, we did. We went to the drive-in and saw “Young Frankenstein.”

The other three dates in high school were also girl’s choice affairs. Two were dances and one was a Young Women’s activity. For that one we had it on April Fool’s day and we colored the food weird colors. We each asked a boy to come to the dinner with us. I asked the boy in the other ward to go with me to this activity. (Yes, boys were limited at that time in Lewiston…they were either dating someone seriously, or my cousins. Very few were available.) He was one of the popular boys in the school and I was surprised when he said he would go with me. The leaders tied our hands together so we were one big chain of people and we had to eat that way. My date was left handed, but valiantly ate with his right hand so he could get along with all the right-handed people.

I was in college before boys started asking me out, and that was rare. I had a low self-esteem, but I had a mask of confidence. To look at me you’d never know I felt poorly about myself. I also didn’t have much training where boys were concerned. I didn’t have an older sister to teach me the ropes, and my oldest brother was 10 years old when I started college. Not a lot of education to aid in the dating scene. Some of my guy friends (Garfield and Bruce and a few others) helped with that. They taught me that boys were afraid of rejection, that if I smiled at boys the battle was won, and that I had a lot going for me.

Here are a few of the boys I dated in college:
-Ben—one date
-The one who told me on our first date that he came to BYU because he knew he would find a wife. I told him it was going to be quite a while before I got married. On our second date he told another boy in the ward that it would be a while before he got married. That was our last date.
-Joel—We went on three dates and he had decided that I was the girl for him. I had to write him a “Dear John” letter during the summer.
-Raymond—who didn’t like the fact that I’d never been outside the United States
-Paul—who believed in keeping his woman bare-foot and pregnant. I let him know I was not the girl for that.
-And then there was Tom! I can count the number of boys I dated on both hands so this is the entire list.

Part 2: Tom is very persistent and optimistic.

Tom and I met in January 1984. It was my third year at BYU and about 1 year after he had returned from his mission. The first time I met him was at a ward dance. He was trying to get my roommate to go skiing with him, and she wasn't taking him up on it. For some reason his persistence didn't impress me then. Tom and his roommate were made home teachers to two of my roommates while the other roommate and I had another set. That's when Tom started winning me over. I was impressed with how much he cared about my roommates and what a good home teacher he was. Soon he was coming over twice a month to home teach and 28 times to goof off.

Tom's persistence and optimism have really paid off through the years. No matter how hard things got he always was looking ahead and seeing the silver lining in the clouds.

Part 3: Tom is fun and impulsive.

One of our best dates was the night we went dancing on campus. We didn’t know anyone at these dances, but there were always a number of ward dances going on. After we danced for a while we ran through the sprinklers. Then Tom showed me how the statue of Brigham Young could do the funky chicken. The statue has been moved now so I don’t know if it will work, but back then you could run across the cuad and the vertical lines of the Administration building passing behind Brigham created an optical illusion that made it seem like he was dancing. Another good date was the night we bought items from the bulk section of Smith’s. Just 3-4 pieces of each kind of candy. The cart was filled with plastic bags and a little candy. We went on a few dates, but mostly just enjoyed doing things together as friends.

Just before leaving on my mission Tom and I played a joke on a mutual friend and went to church "engaged." I had on a cheap, fake diamond and all. During that weekend Tom also kissed me for the first time...my first kiss ever.

Part 4: Tom is supportive.

Most boys wouldn’t take me seriously when I first told them I was going on a mission. They usually did a double take when they realized I was serious. Tom and Bruce were the exception. They were excited that I was going on a mission and totally supported me. Tom wrote about every six months, and his letters were just right. He talked about scriptures that meant something for him and new insights he had about them. He was very encouraging, and wrote the kind of letters a sister missionary needs to receive. Over the years Tom has supported me in everything I do. I don’t think I could hold the calling I do without his support.

Part 5: Tom is a cut above the rest.

He’s the only man I dated more than three times.
He’s the only man I’ve ever kissed.
He’s the only man who had Heavenly Father’s stamp of approval!


Thanks, Tom, for keeping life exciting. Twenty-four years ago I thought I was in love. Now I know a little more about love and look forward to learning more about it with you in the years to come.

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Eleanor Roosevelt


I need to make one of these!

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Heroes

This has been a kind of melancholy day. Some people come into your life and make such a difference that you miss them after they are gone and remember them always. I've been remembering someone like that today.

Four years ago today we got a phone call from Joe Rudd who was the high priest group leader. Tom was one of the assistants. Joe said, "I have bad news. Tim Perry passed away today." Tom and I were so totally shocked that we sat in the living room for several hours, our minds so numb we could hardly think. We couldn't believe it.

Tim was our age, and was our home teacher for a short time before we moved into our house. He helped us with car repairs at least once, but I remember his visits to our home the most. Words can't even explain what a great person he was. I always picture Tim on the other side working with my brother. He was that kind of person. He is one of my heroes.
Tim Perry

Monday, November 15, 2010

Never knew...

My cousin has some really good ideas and I decided to lift a couple from her. Here's the first one.

I never thought...

I never thought I'd spend so many years in a family of boys.

I never thought I'd enjoy boys as much as I do.

I never thought I’d love a dog like I do Buffee.

I never thought I'd have to choose my husband. My patriarchal blessing told me to CHOOSE wisely...I never thought more than one would be interested.

I never thought I'd have a miscarriage. I never thought I'd have two of them.

I never thought it would take 17 years of renting before we would buy a house.

I never thought my mom would get cancer, and survive.

I never thought my siblings would struggle with drug abuse. I never thought one of my siblings would die young.

I never thought my siblings would struggle with marriages.

I never thought Heavenly Father loved me and accepted me exactly the way I was.

I never thought I'd struggle with infertility.

I never thought I'd have a c-section. It never crossed my mind that I'd be prepared for that possibility a week before it happened.

I never thought I'd leave the country for my mission even though I really wanted to.

I never thought I would counsel people on the effects of verbal and physical abuse.

I never dreamed that my three year old would learn from the experiences of others and decide to always live the word of wisdom. I never thought that same three year old would bear a testimony (by himself) about the importance of making correct choices.

I never knew my children would be so strong that they would be able to counsel me during the rough times, and have the faith to give amazing blessings.

I never knew I was a leader…until Heavenly Father gave me the opportunity while I was on my mission. He sure thought more of me than I did.

I never thought I'd be a lunch lady like my grandma!


It's amazing to see Heavenly Father's plan in my life and how well it turned out...through all the good and bad times.

Thinking of the things I never knew made me think of things I always knew.

I always knew that at least two of my sons would serve missions.

I always knew I would know my husband for a long time while we dated (nearly 3 years), would be engaged for a short time (2-1/2 months) and would be married for all eternity in the temple.

I always knew I'd serve a mission while I was young...as long as marriage wasn't on the horizon.

I always knew Heavenly Father wouldn't steer me wrong; that He would always tell me what was best for me.

I always knew He would be there for me. I just had to overcome my own feelings of worthlessness.

I always knew that I was worth more than I thought I was…stronger than I thought I was.

I always knew I'd serve as Relief Society president...I dreaded it.

I always knew my husband would be a high priest.

I always knew we would be blessed with wonderful children. I really can't take too much credit for how they turned out.

I always knew I would graduate from BYU.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Adventures in the kitchen

We've been eating new foods this week because of the Bountiful Basket we got on Saturday. Here are a couple things I've made.

Collard Greens--When Johnathan found out we had collard greens he wanted to be invited over. He hasn't had them since his mission in Indiana. He liked the result. So did Tom. The rest picked at it, and James refused to even try it. I don't like my food slimy or too spicy so I thought this would be a good one to try. Don't let our experience talk you out of it. It's a good recipe if you like collard greens. Tom said, "This one can stay on the menu!" Too bad he's the only one who cared for it. Next time we have collard greens I have another three recipes I'd like to try.




Collard Greens Recipe
INGREDIENTS
2 lbs collard greens, tough stems discarded, leaves chopped
2 Tbsp medium onion, chopped
1 large garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons bacon fat (I chopped the cooked bacon and threw it in. Why have it left over?)
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 Tbsp dark sesame oil (Dynasty or comparable)(Didn't use this because I didn't have it.)
Chili pepper flakes, a pinch
Salt, a couple pinches
Sugar, a couple pinches
METHOD
1 Use a large skillet with a tight fitting cover. Melt bacon fat and heat olive oil on medium heat. Sauté onion until transparent, a couple of mintues. Add garlic and and sauté until fragrant, about 20 seconds.
2 Mix in the greens, sesame oil, chili pepper flakes, salt, and sugar. Cover and cook until tender, 8-10 minutes.
Serve with barbecue sauce. (I put BBQ sauce in the dish and served it that way.)
Serves 4.
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/collard_greens/


Brussel Sprouts--Again, James wouldn't even try this. Tom really liked it. Hannah and I thought it was ok. I won't buy brussel sprouts, but if they come in a future basket we'll use them. I used left over cornbread in this and that made it a tad sweeter than it would usually be.



Brussels Sprouts Cheesy Casserole Recipe
Cheddar cheese adds a nice cheesy taste to brussels sprouts!
2 (10 oz.) pkgs. frozen Brussels sprouts (mine were fresh and I steamed them for a bit.)
2 slightly beaten eggs
1 1/2 c. soft bread crumbs (2 slices)
1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese (More cheese is always good!)
2 tbsp. chopped onion
2 tbsp. butter, melted

Cook Brussels sprouts according to package directions; drain. Cut sprouts into fourths and set aside.
Combine eggs, half the crumbs, soup, cheese, onion, and dash pepper. Fold in sprouts.
Transfer to a 1 1/2-quart casserole. Combine remaining crumbs and butter; sprinkle atop sprouts. Bake uncovered in a 350 degree oven for 35 minutes.
Makes 6-8 servings. --www.cooks.com

I served this with baked bbq chicken.

And last...not new, but I'm so excited at how it has been turning out! The key is the quinoa flour I added. The bread holds it's shape better, is moister and has a heartier taste to it.

Gluten-free bread


On top is the bread. Below is a hamburger bun. The little ball things are drops of dough that were frozen. I'll use those to make cinnamon pull aparts later.

Gluten-free flour mix
1 cup rice flour
1 cup potato starch
1 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup corn flour (not cornmeal)
1/2 cup tapioca flour
2 cups quinoa flour
6 tsp xanthan gum or guar gum
Mix all together and store in an air tight container. Use at a 1:1 ratio to replace regular flour.

Betsy's Favorite White Sandwich Bread
3 cups gluten-free flour mix
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
3 1/2 tsp yeast
1/4 cup oil
1 3/4 cup warm water
1 tsp vinegar
3 eggs
Mix dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. Place yeast on top. (Don't mix it in!) Combine water, oil and vinegar. Pour water mixture over yeast and let sit for 3-5 minutes. Mix well, then add eggs. Beat on high for 5 minutes. Turn on oven to 375. Grease pan and spoon batter into pans. Let rise for 20 minutes. Bake loaf pans for about 35 minutes. Bake English muffin rings (or hamburger buns) for 20 minutes.


Tuesday, November 9, 2010

How many ways...

can you spell the word "MOVIE"?

moovee
muuvy
mooovey

Here was my choice during Relief Society on Sunday...

muvie!

I also had a rough time spelling "HOBBIES."

I'm grateful for the wonderful sisters in our ward who didn't mention my poor spelling!

Saturday, November 6, 2010

New foods

I just picked up my first Bountiful Basket!

We're excited to try some new foods. Tom was really excited when I started researching and found out that fuyu is a persimmon. He loves them.

We also got some collard greens and brussel sprouts.

So, PLEASE send me some good recipes. I've never eaten them or cooked them before.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Grateful for...

Technology!

I don't know how we lived without caller ID. I'm so glad I can look at the number on the phone and then tell Hannah, "It's for you! Answer it yourself!" I've also screened lots of political calls, and once in a while it has been handy to see who called and maybe didn't leave a message. It also helps to answer the phone knowing it's likely going to result in a food order, thus eliminating the surprise factor. lol

But the best is still the internet and computer technology that allows me to touch bases with my family in Honduras. This photo shows Mama and Papa...Francie and Jose Angel with a couple beautiful granddaughters.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Swoosh!

That was October. Where did it go? I don't know. Do you?

Since my last post my life has been filled with the typical things...Relief Society, work, Relief Society, kids, Relief Society, kids' homework...did I say Relief Society? Please understand! I'm not complaining. Although this job has been very busy and taken lots of time, I'm enjoying it. I just don't have enough hours in the day and wonder where all the time went.

One of the highlights from the last couple weeks was this excerpt from Tim's email...

don't worry about the naturopath thing it will eventualy pass and you will be okay. some things just take time and seem like they will never end, but it will and just as the song "if you could high to kolob" says "there is no end to glory; there is no end to love; there is no end to being; there is no death above." so if we focus on what we are aming for everything will be a lighter burden and we will beable to make it to our goals. then if we stick to verse 4, that will help us alot to because it is like the iron rod. if we follow the things that we have been taught then we will be able to make it with no worry. everything will be okay.
i love you mom. i hope you have a wonderful day!
bye
timothy

Great advice! Especially when I know he has personal experience with it. Tim always struggled with school, but he never gave up. He kept trying and working at it. It's great to see the growth he is making and the man he is becoming.

Looking forward...Tom and I have decided to work together on another goal. This time we are limiting our sugar intake. No sugary treats except twice a week. Wish me luck!