Thursday, May 31, 2007

One Year Ago Today....

May 31, 2006, Andrew entered the Provo, UT Missionary Training Center. This year flew by at lightning speed! After 3 weeks in the Provo MTC, Andrew went to the Lima, Peru MTC for the balance of his training prior to his departure for the Peru, Trujillo Mission. He has grown leaps and bounds since these photos were taken
Katherine and Megan saying their final good-byes. This was rough on Megan.
Elder Hostetler with "Papa Smurf" and me. We are not sure how or why Andrew gave that term of endearment to his dad, but it stuck. Andrew's friends know exactly who "Papa Smurf" is.
Along with an entire spectrum of emotion, Andrew was tired of waiting, tired of photos, and just plain tired and hungry as we arrived at the MTC. He was not sure if he wanted to eat before we arrived, then he decided he was hungry and we were afraid of being late if we went in search of food.




Birthday Girl

Happy Birthday, Carmen!
I could not ask for a better person as a daughter-in-law and a wife for my son.
We love having Carmen in our family. She is smart, talented, focused, energetic, kind, and, with a degree in Building Construction, can build or fix anything. I am trying to figure out how to have her live near me so she can do projects at my house!
I love you, Carmen!

Wednesday, May 30, 2007

Lego-Mania-No Batteries Required

Calling Lego-Maniacs..
Summer Toy Recommendation... No Batteries Required! Unplug your children and introduce them to Lego Building. This will sharpen their Math skills without them realizing they are doing schoolwork over the summer.,
Legos are quite possibly the number one toy, in my opinion. I still have 24 year old Jeffrey's extensive Lego collection, all categorized and sorted by color, shape, and theme stored here at my house. This is more than I can say about any other toys or electronic games we have had over the years. There are so many great things to say about Legos. They are an attraction for many ages, interests, and skill levels. Even when my boys were in High School, they could be caught building with Legos on occasion. As an adult, I have found it relaxing to sit and create, build, and plan a Lego design. Visit Designmom today and register to win LEGO cuff links... yes... see photos of all sorts of cool jewelry made with Legos, the classic toy.

Why my sister may have a love/hate relationship with Legos....
PS- This is not for those with a weak tummy.... When Katherine was born, my boys were 11, 14, &16-Legos were still a big part of life. Their perspective of keeping Legos picked up changed once Katherine started crawling and putting everything she found directly in her mouth. After repeated requests to keep the Legos picked up, Katherine provided me with an object lesson. While changing a messy diaper, low and behold, a bright blue Lego piece was in the "mix". I called Jeffrey and Andrew to SHOW them why keeping the Legos picked up and out of a crawling baby's reach was so important. Luckily, she swallowed a very small (one section) piece and did not try a larger piece that could have choked or injured her!

Monday, May 28, 2007

For The Record


For The Record...
I spent more filling up my car last week than I did on groceries! Yep..$99.00 at the pump. When we first married, $99 was an entire month's food bill (I know, I know, that was 27 years ago)
The feeling I had spending $99 at the gas pump was similar to the sinking feeling I had the first time I spent $99 on Groceries in one week, not one month.
On the same record:
Thank you to all Gas Station owners who decided to finally keep up with the side effects of rising Gas Prices. Finally, the pumps do not turn off automatically at $50, no, not even $75, now they are set to go off automatically at $100. My gratitude for this change is a double edged sort of gratitude. No, I am not happy about the price I pay at the gas pump, however, yes, I do not miss having to wait for the sale to reach $50, complete the sale, and re-scan my credit card for part two of the ridiculously expensive gas purchase. Eliminating this annoying step may ( I mean-just may-no guarantee) take the edge off the sinking feeling I have as I watch the numbers go high and higher by the second.
When I started driving, gas was 35 cents per gallon. I felt generous to contribute $2-$3 worth of gas to the family car gas tank. At that price, the contribution was actually noticeable!
What was the price of gas when you started driving?

Memorial Day Picnic

Enjoy these random photos from The Wellington Ward Memorial Day Picnic
With approximately 300 attendees, perfect, and I mean perfect weather, along with awesome people on my committee and in attendance, the Annual Memorial Day Picnic was incredible. One of the gauges I use is that at ending time today, no one was leaving. Everyone was enjoying the music, food, and fun in the very best Florida Memorial Day Weather I have every experienced. No humidity yet! This is unheard of for Memorial Day in Florida!
The Basic Agenda is:
Softball Game (HP vs EQ) We added the Women vs Girls today
Flag Ceremony
Salute to the Veterans in our Group (I have them come up front during the Flag Ceremony, Pledge, and The Star Spangled Banner sung by the group)
Lunch- Lots of Burgers and Dogs, etc
Live Band Performance (members of our Ward)
Games: Pie Eating Contest (we have a 4 year champion)
Tug O War
Egg Toss
Volleyball
Face Painting
Kiddie Games (ie. Duck Pond, Lollipop Pull, et)
Hula Hoop Contest
Bubble Gum Blowing
Relays (i.e. wheel barrow, 3 legged, etc)
In the planning and implementing of this annual event, my goal is to meet the needs of the wide variety in age and interest. This is a fun project and I am grateful to have so many dedicated people to work with.
My Amiga, Nohemi y me!The Live Band, "Last Chance" They added so much fun to the day!



Megan entered the adult Pie Eating Contest
Isaac coaching dad, Roman
Rebecca, Cindy, and The Lance Grandbaby (Cindy is moving to Utah this week)
Michael (above) Melvin (below) You can only guess what they were saying during a sports event!

Megan and friends A Very Happy Day
Traditions, such as this picnic, keep our Ward strong and working together. We are each others' family.












Ricky and Daughter

One of the fun things about having my children and their friends growing up is watching them as parents. This is Rick E and his 2nd daughter. She is 16 months old and absolutely adorable. It is so fun to see Rick be a dad to his two little girls.
Happy Memorial Day Rick and his sweet little girl!

Dont Laugh Too Hard and More To The Story

Memorial Day...
Never, have I been known for any great athletic prowess in any sport, yet, for comic relief purposes, I post my attempt at playing softball today at the annual Memorial Day Church Picnic. It has been a long time since I tried to swing a bat to hit anything. It just looks so easy for everyone else. Our Ward has a tradition of EQ vs HP Softball game every Memorial Day (the young buck Elders won). After the men's game today, the women decided they wanted their own game..hence, my great batting attempt. Be impressed with my form! I was in charge of the picnic so felt I could not stay to play for most of the Women's game, for which the women should be very grateful. The short amount of playing time was, for me, totally fun. (See story below)
Yes, I was trying to hit the softball! (see story below)
When I was around 14 years old, the Young Men and Young Women in my Ward decided to have an impromptu softball game on a Saturday afternoon. It was the dreaded Team Captains picking their team members. Not being known for my athletic abilities, I was used to being picked dead last. You can imagine my surprise when, I was 1) Picked first and 2) Appointed the Team Pitcher! What did they know that I did not? Oh well, I thought, how hard can it be, I will be just fine pitching.
The game started, and I threw the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and FINAL (4th) pitch. It was time to change pitchers. Obviously, I was not a pitcher.
Quickly I realized why I had been picked first and chosen as the pitcher. It was because of my DAD's athletic ability. The boys knew my dad, played sports with him on occasion, and respected him as a gifted athlete.They assumed I would have the same gifts and abilities.... wrong!
Because of who my dad is, big things were expected of me.
I have used this incident many times to ponder an even larger realization, one that everyone can relate to. Because of who my Father is (my Father in Heaven), big things are expected of me. Because I am a Child Of God, Big things are expected of me and I have the support to make those "big" expectations a reality. I may not have the ability to represent my earthly father well in athletic settings, yet I can represent my Heavenly Father well at all times, in all things, and in all places.By representing my Heavenly Father well, I am able to represent my earthly father in the areas that matter most.

Sunday, May 27, 2007

Picnic Detour


Seed-spitting contest cancelled due to lack of SEEDS!
It seems that the seedless watermelons are standard now-even on Memorial Day Weekend.
I am in charge of the Church Memorial Day Picnic tomorrow. Planning for some 300+ in attendance, I attempt to cover the wide range in age and interest.
The Watermelon Seed-Spitting and Pie Eating Contests have become the two favorites.
I have searched high and low for SEEDED watermelons. I tried Publix, Costco, Albertsons, Wal-Mart and a few Produce markets...no seeds. Finally, I was driving by a truck parked at the side of the road full of hundreds of watermelons, I was certain this would be the mother-lode of seeded watermelons...NO seeds. The man explained to me that he no longer grows or sells seeded watermelons due to the decrease in demand. In recent years, the demand for seedless watermelons has far exceeded the desire for those with seeds. I am sure I am not the only one who had to cancel a long enjoyed seed spitting contest as part of our Memorial Day festivities. In the place of this contest, a watermelon-eating contest will be introduced.
Mmmmm....not too long ago.... I had to search high and low, not to mention pay an arm and leg for a rare seedless watermelon.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Memorial Day Weeked

This Memorial Day Weekend, I pause to give thanks for those who made freedom possible. It is humbling for me to contemplate the shoulders I stand on as I enjoy living in freedom and peace in this great country, The United States of America.
Have a safe and Happy Memorial Day Weekend!

Friday, May 25, 2007

Giveaway

I heart free stuff!
See Designmom today to enter a great giveaway! Her site and links are awesome! A great way to welcome Memorial Day Weekend!

Cabbage Patch Kid-napping

Blast From The Cabbage Patch Past
See Photos Below....
In the late 90's, perhaps you spent hours in line waiting for a certain Beanie Baby or purchased Happy Meals that you did not eat, "Just For The Teeny-Beanie Baby Happy Meal Toy" so you could complete your collection. At this moment in time, you may be desperately searching for the latest Webkinz stuffed animal. Haven't heard of Webkinz? You must not have a little girl in your daily life. Webkinz are the latest "drive parents to stand in line, search the web, call all over the country, enter every give away contest" toy. Locating a Webkinz takes a savvy village of parents all networking to find which location or website has received the latest shipment, what they have, how many they will sell, etc.
Recently, I stumbled across the Mother-load of Webkinz being unloaded and placed on store shelves. Yes, right there in front of me. I was speechless. What to do? All these Webkinz in front of me. I ended up purchasing about 30 of the little creatures and placing them on ebay. With what appears to be a shortage of these toys, I was certain they would sell "like hotcakes" ,that people would fight over them, that they would sell for ridiculous amounts of money.... Wrong-O. NO Takers. The ebay Webkinz market is saturated. A simple sign at my Grocery Store Ad Board did the trick. Every person in town is hounding me. The Wellington Webkinz world is happy-at least for today.
Experiencing the Webkinz and Beanie Baby Craze combined pales with the Cabbage Patch Kids frenzy of the early 80's. the fights, the riots, the days of camping at stores, and yes, even the Kidnapping....
Below are photos from December 1983. My sister,Jenni, was visiting my family in Florida for Christmas. I should re-phrase that, My sister, Jenni, and her children (aka 2 Cabbage Patch Kids) were visiting my family in Florida. Jenni's Cabbage Patch Kids were receiving the utmost care and attention from her, daily walks, changing clothes, watching their favorite cartoons, sitting in their own seats on the airplane, wearing seat belts in the car...you get the picture. One afternoon, we came home and in the place of the Cabbage Patch Kids was a Ransom Note (see below) My sister's children had been kidnapped! (To this day, I maintain, I was not involved...I really was NOT)Read and see details below....

After searching the house and interrogating the family, it was evident that the dolls were really gone. Time to step up the search and involve the community. We did what any frantic parent would do... we called Channel 12 News and The Town-Crier Newspaper. Both were on our doorstep within the hour interviewing Jenni and trying to help solve the case.

Jenni was perched outside on our little Blue Honda and handled her first Press Conference like a champ. She was headline news that evening.. yet. still no dolls. Then, another note....


This final note was written backwards, requiring the reader to hold it up to a mirror for reading. Once Jenni followed the instructions, she would get her babies back, so the note said. She followed the instructions and the next day, her babies were returned, unharmed. They were placed in a bag on our tree in the front yard.
With the trauma of this event far behind us, I am allowed to say...This kidnapping was orchestrated by my dear friend and neighbor, Lene'. My mom thought that my dad and I planned the entire caper. My dad was innocently outside on a ladder working on getting our house ready to paint. Lene' had mentioned the possibility of the kidnapping, so I was quite certain that she was the culprit and that the babies were fine the entire time.
Although the Beanie Baby and Webkinz collecting are huge crazes. The 1980's Cabbage Patch Kids phenomenon was an amazing time. Without the internet, parents had to stand out in lines for days just for a chance to purchase one of the newest babies from the Cabbage Patch. A brick and mortar, hands-on location gave the best chance of becoming the proud parent of a Cabbage Patch Kid

Thursday, May 24, 2007

More Recital Memories...

Blast from the Past....
Speaking of recitals, these photos are from Curt's first piano recital.... June 1989, Royal Palm Beach, FL. Who can name each person in the photos below? I know you all want the name of the hairdresser for the cute blonde chickie! I will check to see if she is still working in Wellington at Pizzazz!

Fact: Not one (maybe one) of these people live in Florida at this time. Who can name not only names, but where each person is?

The Hundred Dresses

The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes
Incredible read! An absolute must for all parents to read along with their children. This beloved classic addresses the ages old issue of teasing, taunting, and bullying. Reading this with your children will provide the opportunity to discuss both sides of being bullied, bullying another person, and forgiveness. A dialog of how to treat those who are different or have special needs will go hand in hand with your discussion of this book and it's vital message.
As the parent of a "different or odd" child who was literally bullied out of a school, I know, first hand, the depth of teasing, unkindness, and bullying.
I purchased this in anticipation of summer reading and planned to read it over the course of a few evenings with my 7 and 10 year old daughters. We read the entire book in one sitting! None of us wanted to stop. We cried together and comforted each other as we discussed how to never be a part of treating someone unkindly and how to handle a situation if we are the recipient of unkindness.
The watercolor illustrations by Louis Slobodkin are gorgeous. I wish I had purchased this in hardcover. It is a classic "keeper" to be read more than one time over the years.

Sweet Mini "Burgers"

As Delicious as they are Cute! Memorial Day... The Official opening of summer grilling season, picnics, backyard get togethers, and fun food! These Sweet "Mini Burgers' are a favorite summer treat to make. One of our girls even won a prize at a Summer Dessert Bake Off with these. See below for ingredients and directions.

Upon close inspection, you will note that this is a simple way to make a cute and yummy treat. Great presentation!

Green Coconut="Lettuce"

For each "Burger" you need:
2 Vanilla Wafers
1 Mini Chocolate Peppermint Pattie
Coconut that has been dyed green (just a pinch of coconut on each)
Water
A Pinch of Sesame Seeds
Procedure:
1) Dye the coconut (set aside)
2) Open the Peppermint Patties (set aside)
3) Count out 2 Vanilla Wafers for each (use the ones with the smooth and even edges)
4)Place One Wafer, top side down, on a cookie sheet
5) Place one peppermint pattie on top of wafer
6) Place in 350 oven for 2-3 minutes- just until chocolate gets shiny and is ready to melt
7) Remove from oven (work fast here)
8) Place Pinch of coconut on top of peppermint pattie
9) Gently press the second wafer on top of the coconut and pattie. Press gently so pattie will not crack open, yet firmly enough that the melted chocolate will stick to the top wafer.
10) When "burger" is assembled, using you finger tip, make a small dot of water on the top center of the "bun" and immediately sprinkle a pinch of sesame seeds in the wet spot before it dries.
I usually use 2 boxes of Vanilla Wafers and 2-3 bags of peppermint patties for a large crowd.
Enjoy!

Wednesday, May 23, 2007

Candy Grams

This is one of the Candy Gram Cards we made for Teacher Appreciation week. I have made hundreds of these and no two are alike.
I just stand in the candy aisle and as I stare at all the candies, I think of phrases and sentences to use with each candy. This is not the best example or my best effort, yet you get the idea.
This one says:
Dear Ms Werner,
Being your student was MOUNDS of SNICKERS. You have helped me to be a SMARTIE that will help me to get high SKORs NOW AND LATER. Sometimes I am slow as a TURTLE or act like an AIRHEAD, yet you are always an EXTRA SWEETHEART to me. My wish for you is that on PAYDAY, you will be able to go on a shopping SPREE to 5TH AVENUE or even to the MILKY WAY!! I hope that summer is not too much of a FAST BREAK. I hope you get to TAKE 5 minutes peace for yourself. Put your feet up, relax, and say M&M this summer. You have worked hard this year. Love, Katherine
Name the candy and I have most likely used it in some phrase or another over the years for every occasion. Birthdays, Congratulations, Welcome Home, Going Away, Thank You, New Baby, I love you, etc. There are some great ideas from Cindy at Skip To My Lou on my links. Read under her Teacher Appreciation Section. I have used most of the ideas she suggests in one form or another. Her list is great.
Enjoy! Let your imagination go!

Tuesday, May 22, 2007

I Feel A Party Coming On


This Glass Jar Beverage container has been calling my name. For $29.95 at Costco or $89.99 elsewhere, actually, a few "elsewheres"! One guess as to where I purchased it this morning. Mine is slightly different from this photo. Instead of just plain glass, my glass is embossed with grape clusters and leaves. Even better....very, very pretty.
This is so beautiful, I will have to plan a party just to use it! (Not hard for me!) The neck of the jar is wide enough for filling with ice, lemons, limes, or oranges and for cleaning with ease. I am so excited to add this to my "party waiting to happen" collection.
Costco had a similar beverage jar last year and it was recalled due to an issue with the spigot. The model I purchased does not have that issue.
Let's see... a baby shower for Beth is first on the party agenda. I know there will be other exciting occasions to use this beautiful beverage server, if not, I will invent them. It is looking like my traditional punch bowl will be taking the summer off.

Monday, May 21, 2007

My Mother's Day Gift


One of the great things about having older children is the "toys" they give as gifts. They know just what gadgets (like my ipod nano last year) will be perfect. For Mother's Day, I received a Kodak Easy Share sv710 Digital Picture Frame from my grown children.
I have seen these and said, " I really like those, yet would not buy one for myself"
Low and behold, the Mother's Day Fairy heard me and had this delivered to my doorstep. I love it! I am excited to load it up and enjoy my digital photo slide shows at a location other than my computer.
Now.... where are the Tech-Savvy Golden Children when I need to figure out all the bells and whistles of my new toy? Slower than they could, I will figure it out. I am intimidated by anything Technical, yet feel such a sense of accomplishment and pride when I finally do conquer something in the Tech-world (yes, it is truly amazing that I can even blog)! That loud cheer you heard around the globe a few weeks ago-- it was me figuring out how to scan an old photo AND get it to the right file in my computer. The loud scream you heard a few moments later was me not being able to figure that out TWO times in a row. I think I have it now, so stay tuned for my upcoming exciting scan blast from the past! Who could it be?

Recital and Performance Memories

Yesterday was Katherine's Piano Recital. Watching her and the other children perform brought back a flood of recital memories. For many years, I have watched and enjoyed my son, Curt, an extremely accomplished pianist, perform at Piano recitals, Church meetings, and a number of events. Yesterday, I was reminded of all the times I would sit and hold my breath and pray for him the entire time he was performing at recitals and competitions. At the end of an especially difficult piece, I would let out my breath, relax, and breathe a sigh of relief on his behalf. As an accomplished Pianist and Organist, he was our Church Head Organist from the age of 13 until he left for college and Missionary service to Venezuela. He showed amazing responsibility at such a young age. An example of dedication and service for me!
As for other recital and performance memories.... read the end of this post.....





Going back some 41 years, my first memory of 'performing' publicly still gives me anxiety. It was the middle of a Kindergarten day. My mom came to pick me up from school so I could sing for her Relief Society group. I was to sing all 3 verses of "I Am A Child Of God"--alone! My later recollection was that the song had 20 verses! I stood up to sing, got through the first line, spotted my Grandma H., and headed for her lap! The performance was over and I don't think I have ever made it through a vocal solo again!
Those who know me would find this hard to believe as I am comfortable speaking to groups of all sizes and ages in various venues and on a broad range of subjects. I always say I would rather speak to thousands over play the piano or sing so even 1 person can hear me.
Any performance memories for you?


Saturday, May 19, 2007

Harry Potter #7

Calling all Harry Potter Fans
The Palm Beach Post is having a contest in anticipation of the July 21 release of the new Harry Potter Book #7, 'Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows'.
Predict the how the book ends!! Readers are asked to submit their version of how they think Book #7 ends. The person(s) closest to the actual outcome win a prize and will be featured in an upcoming Palm Beach Post article regarding The Harry Potter Books.
Yes, I admit, I have read all the books and look forward to this one. I like the books better than the movies. I started reading them when there was controversy claiming they are evil and I wanted to be able to take an educated stand for or against them. I totally enjoyed them! I find them to have the basic literature themes of good vs bad, light vs dark, etc. I don't take them so seriously.
This subject (of Book #7's ending) has provided much discussion in several corners of my world.
How do you think it ends?
Want to enter the contest? For those who have never won anything... this could be your lucky break!Submit your summary in 150 words or less by June 8 to: rachel_sauer@pbpost.com or mail to: Harry Potter Contest, The Palm Beach Post, PO Box 24696, West Palm Beach, FL 33416.


Friday Night Bath

Over the years, each of my children have enjoyed a bubble bath with cousins at our house or at Grandma Hogie's house. This tradition continues at our house regularly and last night was no exception. While we were downstairs enjoying a heated game of Phase 10, Jaimie (or neighbor girl who is like our own child), Megan, and Katherine filled the tub and experimented with various Bubble-Making Potions! The entire house still smells lovely!
This was when the bubble level was 'tame'!
Fun Times create Fun Memories.


Weekend Fun

Alison and Jeffrey arrived Friday afternoon! The fun is just beginning!
A friendly "Chicken Fight" was part of the fun!



Friday, May 18, 2007

Book Review

The Measure Of A Man a spiritual autobiography by Sidney Poitier
Summer has not even begun and I have completed one of the books on my "To Read This Summer" List.
My decision to read this book was out of a great respect and admiration for Sidney Poitier and his work and his life. Reading about his early beginnings, his struggles, and how humble beginnings motivated him to continually push to excel in all areas. He points out what a blessing having nothing was and how few people in this country have that blessing any more. A great man and a great book. Sidney Poitier's influence in Theater and American Culture is far reaching. Love this man and am thankful for his insight and wisdom.
A Side Note: Maybe this is just me, but I have to state this huge pet peeve of mine when it comes to Literature, movies, entertainment, and language in America or any other Culture. The F#%* word is totally offensive and NEVER necessary to make a point. Yes, this book contained that word and other curse words regularly. It was not necessary and in some cases detracts from the beauty of the message. I don't consider myself a prude. I am very open-minded, yet, as a people we have lost the art of civility in speech and language. We have lowered our tolerance as to what is acceptable. As a people, I know we can and should elevate our definition of what is and is not acceptable in speech and language. Is it just me?

Thursday, May 17, 2007

Summer Reading Recommendation

As a child, these books by Virginia Lee Burton were two of my favorites. Now, my children love their timeless, sweet messages.
Megan and I were going through our children's books tonight deciding what books to read for summer. She placed these in her "My Favorite--Must Read" pile.
You and your children will love the sweet personality of this Little House and the timeless message of "progress" and what it means in our lives.
In Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel, I can still remember wondering how it felt for Mike and his steam shovel to be stuck in the hole they dug, yet being so excited about them getting to live in the basement of the new Town Hall. The positive personality of The Steam Shovel is prominent in my memory from childhood reading. Mike Mulligan and his "can do" attitude are inspiring.

Enjoy making your summer reading plans! These books have remained favorites over 5 decades for a reason! I am sure they are on the shelf at your local library!