... favorite things ...

Life has changed so much since the girls are grown and gone. I can't believe it's been 8 years since the first two left home. Lora was home summers till she married -- then the empty nest really hit me.

But there are some very special things I like about this new life. Larry is so good to cook for, I can fix almost anything. I like to cook. Baking, on the other hand, is becoming a lost art in this household. If we tried to consume a whole recipe -- well, you wouldn't recognize us. Instead, we have a piece, maybe two, then carry the rest to the guys (4 single guys in their 20's) next door. But usually, I just don't bake.

For supper this week I've made pasta a couple nights, then made a cream sauce and added parmesan cheese. Some nights are salmon, some chicken (Larry will even eat thighs now!) with rice or pasta, and then some steamed or stir fried veggies. Last night we had chunked zuchinni, tomato, mushroom and onion. I added a dab of sugar and butter to the mixture to give it the stewed flavor. Lucious! Larry has always praised my cooking, so serving him is fun.

After dealing with first graders all day I'm just pooped. On those nights we have "Larry's soup". He makes a mean doctored Progresso chicken vegetable soup. He adds onion, zuchini, mushroom, and more seasoning, and you'd never know it came from a can.

Another new favorite is a chicken chili. Sometimes I just add canned (black, kidney, or garbanzo) beans and seasoning to a canned chicken tortilla soup, plus tabasco and pepper flakes. Other times I soak different kinds of beans ahead of time (don't forget to add the soda -- else you'll remember even longer! :) To the chunked chicken and beans, I add tomato sauce, tabasco, hot pepper flakes, black pepper, frozen (or canned) corn -- till it tastes spicy and flavorful. Warm cornbread with butter and a glass of cold milk tops it off. Leftovers are good as first time around.

You may have special toppings, like sour cream, shredded cheddar, or crumbled crackers. You may have other special scratch dishes. Share your "special" dishes, with your household, your friends -- with me!

This week I've spent a lot of time studying our finances. I CAN'T BELIEVE how much we are spending eating out. Surely food has gone up in price, but it's always cheaper to eat at home. The secret (as Sandra Lee says:) is keeping it simple. Of course, "simple" is has many definitions!

But thank goodness for the privilege of having lots of good healthy food so accessible. This is a part of our blessing in being Americans. It's always fun to share. A plate of cookies, a bowl of soup, an appetizer. Hey, the guys next door even took our left-over donuts. (Larry went out for favorites when Joy, Ian and Luke were here last month.)

And Larry's cooking! He is a week-day oatmeal buff, adding raisins, cinnamon, br sugar, and recently -- walnuts! After having it melt-in-your-mouth creamy at a coastal diner, we're working on the simplest way to copy. Currently he's stirring it on the stove top -- and serving me every morning. I'm blessed!

Think of your favorite dish, serve it often with colorful sides to compliment it. Make it a special night with feet up and a movie or favorite series. Eye-appeal and color are often indicators of healthy food.

Enjoy!

... thankful...

We're home ... from a long anticipated visit with Larry's brothers and parents traveling from the East ... and a long anticipated 3-day-respit. Both were good.

It was so good, as always, watching Ian and Luke enjoy life. Hearing Ian's deep musings, (" ... so what is 'ur fab'wit, Gwamma?" "Favorite? Favorite what, Ian?" "Fab'wit cumput'r." "Oh! What is my favorite computer game?") We were sitting out on Uncle Tim's patio while most of the rest of the family were eating inside. Ian loves using Dad's laptop, playing the games Gramma Lynn bought for his birthday. It's just funny hearing a three-year-old voice a question like that -- and that he would even ask someone else's opinion rather than just voicing his own. Hmmmm. Must have earned that somewhere....

I enjoyed the time visiting with the family, being with the brothers and sisters-in-law. We're so blessed -- just to get along so well, AND to enjoy one another. Larry's dad and mom are gracious, proud AND grateful for the family, and tickled to see the great-grandkids play.

Luke was fascinated with Mom's choice of a tablecloth for the birthday party. He spent 10 minutes going round and round thetable naming the trains, especially citing each repeat of Thomas. And Ian was mesmerized with Mom's creations in the frig. What a love gift! Amazing how gifts to please someone else so often end up blessing you!

The party was fun, watching family help put together toys or play with the boys. Someday maybe there will be more little cousins to play with. We're really thankful, after 30 years of birthdays, Christmases, Thanksgivings with just our immediate family.

But now, back home, alone, a little tired, I'm so so so thankful.

I'm thankful for my children and their families.

I'm thankful for parents that hung together in good and bad, and always tried to love each other more.

I'm thankful for a man I can trust, who does his best each day at his

job, who treasures his family.

I'm thankful for a home and freedom. For income. For the trust. For the safety. While watching opening ceremonies of the Olympics, I heard of a country where average income is $150/ year. Such pressure on these athletes to win!

I'm thankful to have been a mom, to have taught, encouraged and loved children. These children have found great spouses. Together they are each teaching, loving and encouraging others. Life is hard, but God is good.

Now, the next chapter! One daughter recently reminded me how God meets our needs like He cares for the flowers of the fields. God will give me wisdom to know what to do and how to "be" in this new chapter. It's mysterious ... but I'm thankful for the freedom to march ahead without fear!

Keep looking up!

...wow! so much has happened since my last entry. Larry has been so busy with work; Joy and the kids were here; and we've had to say good by to Missy....

I'm so tired of emotional things. When we're tired, we tend to hang our heads, literally, emotionally, spiritually. A friend, seeking for herself, reminded me of the answer, on Sunday... that we can't let ourselves quit believing that God is still working.

Today I got up and decided that no matter what, I'm going to be thankful. I'm overwhelmed on one hand -- but on the other hand, there is a whole lot of "wonderful!" going on around me. And if I have to remind myself of the wonderful things four times a day -- well, that will be what fills my mind!

I'm thankful for the beautiful hills -- and thankful they aren't rolling down on us! Geology tells us they were volcanoes thousands of years ago. I'm thankful for a terrific man who calls me 3-4 times a day -- after 30 years of marriage! And that I don't like taking a trip out of town without him -- even if it's to see grandkids! I'm thankful that God listens to little ole me, bumbling, stumbling, oh-so-human. I'm thankful for cell phones and kids that call me, for grandkids that say, "you're my fwiend!", and that I don't have cancer!

I may get over one bump and not see the mound I must climb around the next bend -- but I don't want to see it yet. For today I'll just enjoy the sunshine, the flowers growing in the sidewalk cracks -- and the time and eyes that will let me sew. How I love to sew!

For tonight this is enough. I'm going to make tomorrow a good day too!

The Fun of Laughing Together

Today was as therapeutic as it gets for young grandparents like us! We spent it with Joel and Debbie Penfold. When our girls were young, they often commented that Joel's jokes and Larry's jokes were both corny to about the same degree. Corny or not, we had a great day laughing at together.

Debbie fixed a green salad and deviled eggs, and I cut up strawberries, blueberries and bananas, picked up potato salad, KFC chicken strips and biscuits (yes!) and we had a feast. Down to a picnic table along the river, on an old plastic table cloth, with plastic forks, good food, and even better friends.

We'd planned to go to Leavenworth for minature golf afterwards, the course owned by the Enzian that is below the hill where the goats graze. Oh, it was beautiful, green, warm but not sweltering. We laughed about our 6 putt holes, and the the hole in 2, going over the hill, or taking 4 putts to go 4 feet. One time we were laughing and Joel said, "Quit laughing! This is serious business!" I can SO hear Ian saying that! Joel had some bad shots and said it was because of his glasses, then good shots so we yelled, "Keep the glasses!"

The laughs were good for us all, especially for Birthday BOY, Larry! And Fathers' Day, as well. A great time to reminisce, make new (bad) jokes, and just enjoy the beautiful weather.

We talked about grandkids, sharing stories and the joy of today just thinking of them -- not having to push strollers or keep an eye on them (smile!). We talked about how sons-in-law would take the golf much more seriously than we did. We asked the attendant at the gate to take our picture, and Joel even had her doubled over laughing. Laughter -- definitely the best medicine!

Now I'm drained -- and Larry is working on the kitchen again..... Bless his heart! He has connected the kitchen and dining rooms. He'll probably finish the kitchen tonight and hallway tomorrow. By Tuesday evening maybe I can have my lighting fixtures in place!

I feel like crashing. I have to go back over and edit spelling of every other line, so I think it's time.....

Weekend Treasures

A weekend with family. You appreciate it so much when you have it so seldom.
Grandkids bring the most laughs, but daughters and sons-in-law give good hugs as well!

We had lunch with each couple, fell asleep watching TV, enjoyed visiting the newest family to the Northwest -- Larry's brother Tim, and then chased the (little) boys. It was Ian and Luke at the park, Ian and Luke in the backyard, Ian and Luke at donuts. Here are pics of a previous Sat morning donuts.

You can see this is serious business with the boys -- and for Emily it was donut #2. Emily wasn't present in Nampa, but can chow down with the best!

One of the highlights of a visit is seeing the new depths of their thinking -- and talking. Following are a few of MY "Favorite Grandkids' Sayings":

1. Little brother to BIG brother: "Ian, you go timeout!"

2. Ian: "Leave me alone!" Lukey: "But I luz you!"

3. Grandma: "Shall we make a river here in the sandbox?" Ian: "OUR Mom says NO WATER in sandbox!"

4. Lukey, in bedroom for diaper or shorts, he pulls out rocking horse to show Grandma. We play a minute, and Grandma says, "OK, let's go." Lukey: "...pu' back", and he puts it back into place.

5. Ian, delivering loud howl, to which everyone turns with fear! "What's wrong, Ian?" Ian: "My twain fell off the twak!"

6. Ian: "O, look, Lukey, a bug...(watching back and forth movement for 3-4 minutes)...see, he's coming for my foot." (still interested) (SMASH!) "He's gone." (end of story!)

7. Ian: "Papa, your hair is too long. You need a haircut."

8. Ian building in sandbox, Grandma sitting, leaning on one hand, building w/other. "No, Grandma, two hands!"

9. In car, both boys singing "Wheels on the Bus" w/ Grandma. Grandma honks horn w/ 2 hands. Ian: "NO, one hand to honk."

10.Ian and Dad up ahead. Lukey: "I cumin', Dad. I cumin', Ian." (translated, "PLEASE wait for me!)

One more day...

I think Friday, the 30th, will be my last sub day for this school year. I've had 3 days at Orondo this week. It's a great place. I learned about one teacher that waited 10 years to get on staff at Orondo. There are 19 kids in each of the 6th and 7th gr classes, about 30 in the 5th grade. I had 5th and 6th the past two days, while the 7th was off on their annual field trip. Good kids. We talked about going to the doc, why the doc needs to hear from the patient (esp when he/ she is 12) rather than just the mom. Why the doc needs to know how you feel, rather than how your mom thinks you feel.

In the afternoon I read to the 5th graders, and taught sixth graders how to play online sudoku. Also listened to some of their personal stories, of moves, siblings, gardens. Stuff that shows family values they come from. One of the sharpest girls in 6th has only lived in the valley for 10 months. I'd like to meet her folks. I had her sister in 4th grade.

Last Friday I had first grade. Uh-boy.... try to get them quiet, even in a line -- two weeks before the end of school. In the morning I thought, "...maybe I'm just way too easy and that's why the kids like me.... maybe I shouldn't be in this job...." By afternoon, when we were out with track and field, and I was cheering on the petite little kinder girl who ran like the wind, or the shy and defensive boy who won first in Boys First grade, I fell in love again. My first grade class had a new girl, who didn't speak English yet, who hung on me. I understood about half of what she said, and had to keep telling her "my mind is slow... speak more slowly..." (smile!) because she rambled -- but was excited, enjoying herself, and fitting in beautifully with the others. I can cheer! I can encourage! -- I can learn to deal with rough days; just need a quiet summer to catch up with myself.

Today I'm back to -- ugh! cleaning, bill paying, etc.

This is always good for me...

NO FARTHER AWAY THAN TODAY by Helen Lowrie Marshall

No farther away than Here and Today is the loveliest place I know --
A small secret spot in a walled garden plot where all the nice memories grow.

It's bordered with kindness and sprinkled with smiles and shaded by friendly trees --
This small quiet place in that walled garden space with its bright little memories.

And I think about this -- how, if I were to miss one day with my rake and my hoe
In planting the seeds of a few kindly deeds, it would mean fewer memories to grow.

So I try every hour to plant a new flower, and strike down a weed in the way
Where the nice memories grow in that spot that I know, no farther than Here and Today.

Seeing the Other Side

Well, this has been our temporary kitchen for the past 3 weeks. Not too bad, really. We plug the microwave into a power strip, and the coffee maker, George Foreman or toaster into an extension cord that goes out to the garage. After a half dozen times flipping the breaker -- we learned!

Supper can be about anything we want -- as long as we do it on the GF rather than the stove -- and we have the energy. We didn't always have the energy WITH the stove in place, so soup is always a must-have staple. Last night we had Southwestern vegetarian soup, with addition of garbanzo and black beans, and some good black pepper. Yummy! My bowl was too big!

Bill is doing awesome job too! He raised the ceiling, taped and textured both kitchen and dining rooms, and we painted over the weekend. Randy and Julie stopped Saturday night to check, and then offered (we accepted!) to help us finish walls. I had done ceiling early in day and my poopy arm was tired. I can go back and add second coat little bit at a time.

On left is wall backing bathroom, where stove goes. Center is facing backyard, and whole is for dishwasher. The right is NEW CABINETS ON WALL and below, where microwave cart was before. Peninsula will be in third picture, but MUCH prettier than before. SO much more cabinet space. I hope I don't fill it all! I had stacked so much stuff in old cabinets, that I can imagine filling it all easily.

Dear Larry. He's so overwhelmed. He's already looking ahead to the next mountain range (scraping the ceilings!). I think he's doing it for me. Somehow I just don't communicate myself to him vey well. I guess it's the old story of men seeing facts, and women seeing relationships. He sees an ongoing project; I see ongoing dust. Today I'm going to capture as much dust as I can! along with doing finances, calling doctors, checking on payroll mistakes, doing laundry -- and getting ready to go back to school tomorrow. He needs time off! -- but won't take it! Always feels pressure from somewhere. I don't want to do anything to make his pressure worse.

So today I'll be thankful! ALL day! And do what I need to do, to make myself encouraging to him!