Happy 42nd Anniversary!

On December 17th Gary and Arlene Komm will celebrate their 42nd Wedding Anniversary. I discovered this picture in my Grandma Komm's scrapbook last year and I think it's a classic. Don't you love how my mom's hair is a perfect beehive even at the lake and my dad is wearing ultra-cool cutoffs? So 60's chic!

Favorite Family Picture

This family picture hung on a wall in our home while I was growing up. I adore this picture of my young parents. Obviously being the baby in the picture, I have no memories of this event, but I have often wondered what my parents thought and hoped for at that time in their lives. Is it a lot of the same things I hope for and dream about for my daughter? Katherine, by the way, thought that I was my mom when I showed her this picture. I do see myself in her, in more ways than physical. For example, only the offspring of Arlene Komm would be sewing nativity costumes in the two weeks before Christmas. In 1971, wearing her perfect helmet hairdo, did she ever think or hope her daughter would grow up to be so much like her in many ways?

A Christmas Kindness

After dropping off our UPS Christmas packages, Katherine and I went into the Rite Aid to pick out a couple of Christmas cards for her relatives living in other states. While we were looking for a card, a woman who was also looking at cards had her cart parked right in front of the Christmas selection. I talked loudly with Katherine about the kind of cards we were looking for, hoping the woman would get the hint for her to move out of the way. She didn't and so we settled for two generic cards.

Then we picked up a couple of other items and went to the cash register to find ourselves behind this same woman again. I thought, "Great, this is going to take forever!" When she was finished with her complicated purchases (were all of the Santa lights the same colors???), she turned to me and asked if Katherine would like to have the little stuffed moose she had received as a gift with purchase. I said, yes, and that it was very kind of her to notice us and to share. I instructed Katherine to tell the woman thank you and to wish her a Merry Christmas.

Immediately I felt guilty for being annoyed with her at the card aisle and then I started to think her charity for us was related to our disheveled appearance. I had no make-up on and Katherine had been dressed by Greg, which means NO COAT. (Remember: he is the crazy guy in the neighborhood known for shoveling snow with shorts and crocs on.) Anyway, my first thoughts were not what they should have been. I should have thought of this woman's kindess and her example of Christian charity.

The experience made me very happy, but it made Katherine confused. All the way home she asked, "Why her give the moose to me, mommy? Why, why, why? Mommy, tell me why her give it to me!" So, during the drive all the way up our hill we had a conversation about kindness and the example Jesus set for us. We explored ways that we can show kindness to others. I'm glad I had that nice teaching moment because what came next was a temper tantrum containing all or many of the following catchphrases: glass slippers, Sponge Bob, my feet itch, Cinderella dress, not like that, chocolate milk, bebe, etc.

A Sheep's Dream Book Review

My mom knew the "Crazy" (as they were referred to) LeBaron clan being raised in the Mormon Colonies in Mexico and Dr. Hatch's sav was slathered on my wounds as a child. Consequently, I was very interested to read this book as I felt familiar with the characters. In the beginning I was absorbed by the topic of polygamy, with all of its mystery and stigma, but that curiosity wore off. The details of the family's poverty and plight were exhausting and after a while I didn't care. By the end of the book I had no sympathy for this woman who took little responsibility for her choices. Throughout the book she tries to convince the reader that she was of strong character, remarkable will, but if she truly were, she would have left the clan and stood up for herself. Hardly a heroine, Irene was pathetic because she chose plural marriage as the fast-track, easy route to heaven. What's more, she really didn't understand the gospel she supposedly was following and the epilogue proves that. It doesn't seem that she ever attempted to learn the truth of Mormonism, but instead believed anything she was told, every falsehood. As a Mormon, I found that the most offensive aspect: her sheeplike character.

Osmondmania Birthday!

My beautiful sister, Leslie, turned 35 on December 6th and we all celebrated together at The Outback. Leslie is posing with one of the gifts I gave her. I thought I was quite clever to scan the picture from the Donny & Marie record we loved as kids and transfer it onto a pillowcase. The story behind this is a Komm Family Legend. When Leslie was a little girl she wanted a Donny pillowcase, among a few other things, and my mom sent in the money and order for the items. The goods were never delivered and even worse, the Donny & Marie Show was cancelled! So, 29 years later I thought I should fulfill her childhood dream. Sweet Dreams, Leslie!

Beginning a Tradition

Since purchasing the tickets several months ago, I have been looking forward to taking Katherine to The Nutcracker for the first time.


Preparing to leave the house was a huge production. Not only did we have to get Katherine dressed and coifed, but Nellie (the doll), too. I found this adorable black velvet and gold dress with matching doll dress at TJ Maxx about 3 months ago and thought it perfect as Kat's Christmas dress. Poor Greg was enlisted to change Nellie's clothes. (If you're wondering why there is a little mattress on the floor of our bedroom, know that it is phase 1 of getting Katherine out of our bed and into her own room.)
At the theatre, Katherine was adorable in her curls, holding her doll with matching dress and black velvet gloves that she couldn't stop chewing on. Katherine was mesmerized by the production and was particularly concerned about the Rat King being killed. Our seats were on the second row in the center so we could view all of the dancers very well. I think sitting so close helped to keep Katherine's attention. She was very well behaved and very courteous to speak only in a whisper.

The beginning of a beautiful Christmastime tradition.

P.S. Please notice the fish on the Christmas tree just to the right of my head. This is the ornament Katherine picked as her ornament of the year. I tried to steer her toward a Santa or a fairy princess, but she wanted the fish.

Pepsi Dust

I bought several sets of these wings for a 4th birthday party for Katherine this next summer. As I was cleaning out the toy closet she found them and pulled one set out. She asked, "Mom, are these dragonfly wings for me?" The wings were out of the bag, so to speak, so I let her play with them. As I continued to clean she tried flying around the room but was so disappointed the wings weren't working. She decided that what she lacked was Pixie Dust. I told her I didn't have any Pixie Dust, but I had some Pepsi Dust. So, she took a sip of my Diet Pepsi (terrible, I know) and climbed on a chair and jumped off, exclaiming, "I'm flying! I'm flying! Mom, the Pepsi Dust works!" Yes, sweetheart, I feel the same way when I drink the Pepsi Dust.

It Goes to Eleven!

This week I got the call from Duke, as in the PET Imaging Duke, to schedule my semi-annual scan. Duke informed me that I would be having my ELEVENTH scan and that it is the most ever done at Cancer Care Northwest. Actually I'm tied with 2 other people, but still, it's a pretty good sign that I'm still around to have had eleven scans.

As much as I like Duke, I don't like getting the call to make an appointment. It makes Greg and me very nervous that my cancer may be back, that I may have to go to through more chemotherapy or radiation. So, for 24 hours after the scan until we hear from Dr. Nichols, we are anxious and nervous, waiting for the results.

GOOD NEWS! There isn't any activity anywhere except for one small blip at the site of my last surgery in October. It may be due to the surgery, may be a lymph node, but I'll have an abdominal scan to make sure. At least there is no liver activity and it's not in my bone. Woo-Hoo!

For those of you who aren't familiar with the PET Imaging procedure, I'd thought a little info may be useful and perhaps interesting.


"Positron emission tomography, also called PET imaging or a PET scan, is a diagnostic examination that involves the acquisition of physiologic images based on the detection of radiation from the emission of positrons. Positrons are tiny particles emitted from a radioactive substance administered to the patient. The subsequent images of the human body developed with this technique are used to evaluate a variety of diseases. PET scans are used most often to detect cancer and to examine the effects of cancer therapy by characterizing biochemical changes in the cancer. These scans can be performed on the whole body. "

That's the technical information, but I just call it my 2 hour nap!

Tagged

I've been "tagged" by my friend, Heather, to post 7 little known facts about myself:

1) My secret desire is to sing in front of a big band, dressed in a fabulous 40's gown. I'd sing the oldies like "Someone to Watch Over Me," "As Time Goes By," "L-O-V-E," etc. When I'm alone in the car I play my Natalie Cole or Frank Sinatra CD's and belt out the tunes, imagining being on stage with a fabulous brass band accompanying me. I must have watched too much Lawrence Welk when I was a kid.

2) Whenever I fly, I always take two "trashy" magazines with me to read on the flight: People and In Touch. The duration of most of the flights allows me to get through both of the mags and their crossword puzzles. Reading about celebs and catching up on the gossip keeps my mind off being in the airplane, the time going by and other traveling stresses.

3) I actually enjoy doing laundry. I like sorting, working out stains, folding, ironing. The smell of warm clothes coming out of the dryer is comforting to me. Putting the clothes into neat piles after folding satisfies my need for organization. I use fragranced linen water when I iron so there is a pleasant smell as I work out the wrinkles. What I don't enjoy is emptying the dishwasher; it makes me feel like I'm moving in reverse.

4) I'm a book snob. Snobbish not only in the books I choose to read but about the books' condition. I recently bought a book on Amazon that had a big food stain that seeped through several pages. It grossed me out and I began imagining the slob who couldn't even wipe off the sauce, left it and then sold it to me claiming it to be in "like new" condition. I seriously had to put the book down for a while and then contemplated using alcohol and a Q-tip to remove the offensive marks. To avoid such angst-filled situations, I usually buy new books, chosen carefully for their unmarked and perfect covers. I like crisp, clean pages and the new smell when the cover is opened. It's a drug for me. And when I read a book, I don't bend the pages or crease the binding so that it remains truly LIKE NEW and can be sold on Amazon.com if I don't want to keep the book or share it with a friend.

5) After reading #4, you may be surprised by my next little-known fact: I like Wal-Mart. I go at least once a month to stock up on essentials and I enjoy the experience. I like the prices, the selection and I really like that our Wal-Mart has added groceries.

6) I'm addicted to selling on ebay. I am quite a shopaholic and ebay is my cure to shopping mistakes. It also helps to buy new things by selling my used items. For example, I earn the money to buy Katherine's Gymboree clothes by selling the used collections. I come out about even on the cost since I only buy sale items, and usually at the end of the season for the next year. I'm in the middle of a BIG SALE right now and just sold 35 lots=Christmas money and paying off my last trip to the Park City Outlets.

7) I have never made bread without the aid of a breadmaker. Yeast scares me. In 8th Grade Homemaking the teacher did a demonstration on breadmaking and it freaked me out. Something seemed so complicated about it, but I have no problem dumping yeast in my breadmaker to make dough for cinnamon rolls or breads. I must get over my fears.

I'm tagging Marja, Lynette, Tifani, Kristina, Tristan, Kimberly and Missy

3 Ways to Sled Down a Hill. . .

There's a great sledding hill in the vacant lot across from our house. Leslie and Kimberly brought their kids and we tried some sledding, 3 methods:


1) Preston & Corbin in long sled


2) Kimberly attempts the saucer

3) Free form rolling by Katherine (she did this intentionally)

Some Enchanted Evening!

After Thanksgiving Dinner we saw the movie "Enchanted." The two little girls, Katherine and Leslie's youngest, Haylie, dressed up to see the princess movie. They were adorable and we heard many comments about our little cuties.

I adored the movie. Amy Adams was darling as Giselle andI laughed at nearly everything James Marsden (the Prince) said. I haven't laughed out loud in a movie in a long time. If you haven't seen it yet, pay particular attention to the words of the song Giselle sings when she enlists the assistance of the pigeons, rats, mice and cockroaches to help clean up the apartment. It's hysterical! Also, McDreamy's secretary is played by the woman who voiced Ariel (The Little Mermaid). Now you'll get the fish jokes.

I don't want to ruin the ending for anyone, but the Susan Sarandon dragon was just too much. It's not that I don't agree with her being a bit of a beast, but the ending dragged and was ridiculous. When you see, it you'll understand what I mean.

Sounds of the Season

I just want to let all of you know that my Playlist has been updated. Enjoy the songs of Christmastime!

Hostess Mostest Thankful

It's midnight and I'm so exhausted I can't sleep. This evening has been a whirlwind (okay, more like a hurricane) of activity that now I can't relax. My brain won't shut down.

My parents, Jason, Leslie and her family and Kimberly and her family all came over to our house for turkey leftovers. This was where the food was since I hosted the dinner at our house this year. (My mom is finishing her kitchen remodel and so I took over hostess duties.) I had actually cooked 2 turkeys to make sure I'd have enough for Thanksgiving and for leftovers. On the day of the big feast all of the food turned out the way I hoped and planned. My mom brought pies and Leslie and Mike brought wonderful rolls. We still have a lot of turkey, gravy and mashed potatoes, but today scraped the remains of the yams/sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, salad, peas and stuffing. So sad that all of that work is gone, the day is over, and the recipes filed away until next year.

Thanksgiving was a very good day. There's just such a great feeling of pulling it all off, of having it all come together. As we sat around our table, eating and talking, I felt great satisfaction in being a hostess. I think this is how my mom, who is fabu-hostess-lous, has felt all these years at the dinners we've had at her house. I am so thankful to have been taught very well by my mom to not only prepare a great meal, but enjoy serving her guests.

How To Stop a Runny Nose

Katherine has had a cold this past week and she doesn't like fetching the tissue for her runny nose. Instead, she came up with this nifty new use for almonds:

Happiness is . . . an Organized Closet!

When we built the house on Westover, I had California Closets design and install our closet system. After 9 years of plastic drawers and bins, having such a nice organizing system was refreshing and wonderful. When we sold the house, I was really hoping we would be able to have another closet system. As our current house was being finished, we were able to have California Closets work their magic again. The 9 foot ceilings gave us even more storage in the walk-in closet. It just makes me happy to go in there and see every shoe in its slot, clothes hanging in rows, shirts folded on the shelves and the drawers properly stocked. There is happiness in organization!

I loved the shelving and drawers so much that I used an online store (easyclosets.com) to design the 4 walk-in closets in the basement bedrooms and craftrooms. Now all of my scrapbook, sewing, crafts, and teaching materials are organized and stacked on the shelving systems I designed. Oh, one more thing: it helps to have a handy kid name Adam come in and install the shelves. That is happiness to Greg!

Out of the Best Books

For the past 5-6 years I have had a copy of The Modern Library's "100 Best Poll" in my day planner. I put the list in my planner to remind me to seek out great literature and authors to read. Out of the Board's 100 Best I have only read 18 of the books listed. I'm not taking the Reader's 100 Best very seriously since #3 is L. Ron Hubbard's Battlefield Earth. Are you kidding me? The first column, the Board's, however, contains very good, timeless books and my next pick will be from that list.

Follow the link and find out how many books on the list you've read!

http://www.randomhouse.com/modernlibrary/100bestnovels.html

Or this link for Time's All-Time 100 Novels:

http://www.time.com/time/2005/100books/the_complete_list.html

Big Bucket O' Corn

I'm so glad my daughter shares my love of popcorn. We opted to get the giant bucket so we could share with Corbin and Kimberly. The sharing didn't go very well and Katherine held that massive bucket on her lap throughout the entire movie, feeding Corbin one kernel at a time.

The movie we saw on Friday afternoon was "Bee Movie." After 90 minutes of listening to Jerry Seinfeld's voice, I can honestly say I'm not even interested in watching a Seinfeld episode, and I love those re-reuns. That whiny, grating voice was non-stop throughout the film. The film exhausted every "bee" innuendo and joke it could, but the message in the end was nice and simple: everything in the world has a purpose and a place. I loved Sheryl Crow's version of "Here Comes the Sun" during the final credits.

Has anyone else out there seen "Bee Movie?" What are your thoughts?

"Mommy, could you paint a rainbow on me?"

This afternoon we read one of the books we received from our Scholastic order. A Bad Case of Stripes definitely was Katherine's favorite and she wanted me to read it to her over and over again. At the end of the first reading she said, "Mommy, could you paint a rainbow on me? It is so beautiful." I told her that I like her skin the way it is and she replied: "But why, mommy? I want pretty colors, too." After reading the books I double checked that all of the markers are on the highest shelf. Now with this idea in her mind that being striped is beautiful, it's just a matter of time before she paints her body.

Reflections in Pink

When I got home from work the other day, Greg had pink flowers for me and had taped pink balloons to the counter to congratulate me on my successful battle.

The past five years of my life since battling cancer have had a lot of ups and downs. On Monday, while getting my every-3-week Herceptin treatment, one of my favorite nurses realized I had celebrated my 5 year anniversary. She had been reviewing the notes my oncologist, Dr. Joni Nichols, had written at my last appointment and came to me with tears in her eyes saying, "You are a miracle!" Yes, I am! If not for succumbing to the disease but enduring this laundry list of assaults on my body:

1. 5 months chemotherapy beginning Nov. 2002
2. Lumpectomies June 2003
3. Oopherectomy (ovary removal) August 2003
4. Radiation to sternum and spine beginning April 2004
5. Right breast mastectomy July 2004 (one month after Katherine's birth)
6. Right breast reconstruction September 2004
7. Left breast mastectomy February 2005 (didn't like swimming lopsided in Hawaii in January)
8. Left breast reconstruction April 2005
9. Chemotherapy beginning November 2005
10. Liver resection surgery March 2006
11. Chemotherapy beginning April 2006
12. Spleen removal October 2007

And there have been the ongoing treatments of Herceptin and Zomeda since 2002. Every three months I have a CT Scan or PET Scan and every six months my heart is tested for possible damage caused by Herceptin.

Factor in that during the past five years I adopted a daughter, work part-time for my dad, built a house, finished a spec house and sold two houses thus moving twice (in one year). Whew! No wonder I'm exhausted.

It's time to get the energy back and dust off the treadmill and build up the body for whatever may come next. Hopefully it will be something of my own choosing, like even better boobs!

Crockpot Queen!

That's what Greg called me this morning when I put together my dinner for tonight. Lately, I do feel like the "Crockpot Queen." There's just something about a warm dinner on a crisp, cold night being all prepared and ready to serve at the end of the day.

The basis of the recipes I've been using come from a slow cooker book I bought used on Amazon.com, but as everyone knows, I change things up and tweak recipes to fit my taste. Here are a few I've tried lately that were successful:

SPICY PORK CHILI

2 lbs. boneless pork, 1/2-inch cubes
1 T. vegetable oil
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
2 c. frozen corn
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 c. chopped onion
1 c. beef broth
1 can (4 oz.) chopped mild green chilies
1 T. chili powder
1 t. minced garlic
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Garnish: 1/4 c. fresh cilantro, Shredded Mexican Blend cheese, sour cream, limes

In skillet cook pork in oil over medium heat 5-6 minutes. Transfer pork and drippings to crockpot and stir in all ingredients except garnish. At the end of the 6 hour (on low) cooking time I stirred in a container of our cream so the dish was creamier and squeeze in juice from a lime.

MANDARIN CHICKEN

2-3 pounds chicken breasts or
fryer chicken, skin removed
2 c. water
1 c. ketchup
1/4 c. packed brown sugar
1/4 c. soy sauce
1/4 c. orange juice
2 t. ground mustard
2 t. salt
1 t. pepper
1 t. ground ginger
1 t. garlic salt

Place chicken in a large bag. Mix together sauce ingredients and pour half into bag. Cover chicken and remaining marinade; refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight. Drain chicken and place in cooker with remaining marinade.

Cook on low for 7-8 hours. Combine 3 T. cornstarch and 1/2 c. water until smooth. Stir into chicken mixture. Add 1 can drained pineapple chunks and 1/2 c. chopped green pepper. Cook on high for 30-45 minutes or until thickened. Serve over white rice and garnish with mandarin oranges, olives, chopped almonds and green onions.

It's Sew Time!

I'm SEW excited: Project Runway starts in 1 day!
Set your DVR's and TiVo's people. Make it work!

Play Me Like A . . . Guitar?

The latest funny from Katherine:

This evening I was sitting on the bench at the foot of our bed when Katherine came and laid across my lap. Then she said, "Mom, play me like a guitar." What? "Mom, pretend like I'm a guitar." So, I held her ankles like they were the neck of a guitar and strummed her tummy.

Formula For Fabulous Weekend

What a great weekend I had! On Thursday I flew to Utah for 2 1/2 days and here's how it played out:

- Flight delayed 2 hours leaving Spokane. Waiting made me miss my family before even leaving the city.

+ Kelly, the lady who does my permanent make-up, was still able to retouch even though I was late.

+ Dinner at CPK with my best friend, Marja, eating our favorite Thai Crunch Salad.

+ Fabulous night's rest as Marja bought me a Homedics sound machine just like the one I have at home.

+ My brother, Jason, and I met for breakfast.

+ Visited my cousin, her husband and their new, precious new-born, Gabriela, and my Aunt Linda, too.

+ Visited Lynette, my HS and College friend, who happend to live only 3 streets away from Tristan

- Wished I had Katherine with me to play with Madison, Lynette's daughter.

+ Met Marja at Dear Lizzy in Highland for lunch. I'm still drooling over the cupcake.

+ We added Alex to the mix and drove to the outlets in Park City to do what we do best: SHOP!

+ We're such pros at this, we have developed traditions about our outtings. We had dinner at Loco Lizard where we've been getting our shopping stamina sustinence for 4 years.

+ Alex was a trooper even though he didn't find any shoes he liked.

+ So much fun driving and talking with my best friend

- Brought my bookclub selection, Manhunt, to read and it's dull.

+ Breakfast with Marja at Mimi's Cafe

+ Christmas shopping, many items crossed off the list

+ Tried out violin bows at Peter Prier in Salt Lake. Peter gave me full purchase price for the bow I bought 4 years ago and was trading in. I picked a beautiful new bow with less bounce.

+ Lunch with mom-in-law at Jason's Deli

+Visited Layton museum where father-in-law, who is on the committee, was giving tours

+ All purchases fit in my bags, got to the airport on time. No delays and wasn't a crowded flight.

- My bags learned the "way to San Jose." Insert music here. Finally delivered on Sunday afternoon

= Weighing it all together, it can be concluded I had a super solo flight. I just love having the opportunity to visit family and friends, to laugh and chat. I especially am grateful for my best friend, Marja, and our traditions that make me feel alive and the talks that remind me why I want to keep on living.

The Dear Lizzy cupcake I'm still craving!

Gift Idea for Teacher, Parent, Friend

When I visited Utah this past week I was able to stop by Seagull Book to do some Christmas shopping. One item I was in search of was a gift for Katherine's pre-school teacher, Mrs. Havens. I found the perfect book: Blessed Are the Children: The Miracle and Beauty of Childhood. The book is filled with artwork by Robert Duncan, Greg Olsen, Simon Dewey and more. Each page of art is accompanied by quotes about children and childhood by President Gordon B. Hinckley, Eleanor Roosevelt, Napoleon (not Dynamite, although that would have been a hoot, gosh!), Wordsworth, Mr. Rogers, Plato and more. Garrison Keillor is quoted saying, "Nothing you do for children is ever wasted." That is the sentiment I hope to express to Mrs. Havens when we give her this gift during the holiday season.

Better Than Pumpkin Pie Dessert

My sister, Kimberly, came up with the name as we sat around my kitchen table this afternoon sharing the dessert I made for Sunday dinner. And, in my opinion, it really is better than pumpkin pie! If you're in the mood to jumpstart Thanksgiving but don't want the hassle of making pie crusts, this is a great option. Here's the recipe:

MIX TOGETHER:

1 large can (29 oz.) pumpkin
4 eggs
12 oz. evaporated milk
2 tsp. cinnamon
3/4 tsp ginger
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. sugar

Pour into greased 9 x 13 pan. Sprinkle 1 pkg. yellow cake mix over mixture and drizzle 1 cup melted butter or margarine (yes, 1 cup a'buttah) on top. Chopped pecans on top are also an option. Bake for 50-55 minutes at 350 degrees or until browned on top and no longer jiggling. Allow to cool after baking and top with whipped cream.

My dad absolutely loved this dessert and had a huge second helping. It's an Autumn winner!

1 Calling, 2 Calling, 3 Calling, 4. Please Don't Give Me Anymore!

After moving out of the house we sold in May, I was enjoying anonymity in our new ward while living at my parents' house. I floated under the radar for several months and that was actually a blessing because of the chaotic mess we were in. Trying to get the contractor to finish the house, hiring another contractor to finish the basement, and then having the yard landscaped was so stressful. We are finally getting to the end of moving in our things to the basement, setting up the storage, craft and toy rooms and organizing the basement.

After having my splenectomy, the callings started rolling in. I received assignments and callings from both the ward and the stake and I'm very torn about what I can do and what I want to do. Because there was confusion between the ward and stake when the calls were issued, I have been asked to consider what I want to do and to choose between the assignments and callings. So, what do I do? The rebel in me says to turn everything down and suggest I be the sacrament meeting program typist and ward bulletin board decorator. Mom mom didn't think this idea was funny; she believes I can and should do everything. But seriously, there is one ward and one stake calling I feel strongly about and know I can do a good job: Home, Family & Personal Enrichment Committee Chair and Stake Music Chair. Now, I just have to figure out how to get out of the other two. One situation is difficult for me because the person who I am to work with is a friend of mine and someone I used to visit teach. I don't want to leave her in the lurch, but I do not believe I am supposed to fulfill this particular assignment.

So, the question is: How many callings are too many? How much is too much? Is it really my choice?

Delicious Deutsche Dinner! Jawohl!

When the air is crisp and the leaves are falling, I start craving German food. This is what I made for dinner and it was delicious:

Cut 6 brats into 3 inch pieces and brown in fry pan. Place in bottom of crock pot. Add sliced onion and teaspoon minced garlic to fry pan. When onions become just translucent add 1/2 cup white cooking wine and bring to boil. Pour onto brats.

To crockpot add 4 cups cubed red potatoes, 4 cups carrots, 1 can chicken broth. For seasoning add teaspoon black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon caraway seed. On top, layer 2 cups of drained sauerkraut. Cook on low 6-7 hours or until vegetables are tender and brats no longer pink. I had stoneground mustard on the side for extra flavor to the brats.

I made homemade applesauce as a side and it was so good. If you've never made your own, try it! This is how I did it: 5 Jonagold and 4 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and diced. Put in pot with 1 cup water and 1/3 to 2/3 cups sugar plus 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Bring to a boil for 8-10 minutes. You can use a potato masher for chunkier sauce or, as I did, put it in a food processor until smooth. My family loved it!

Who Do You Want to See Again?

Recently a friend and I had a discussion about who we would like to meet in the next life. She commented that it would be exciting to meet Joseph and Emma Smith and other popular figures in history. I responded that I didn't think about meeting well-known people as much as I am looking forward to seeing my loved ones again. Particularly, the reunion with my grandparents will be sweet.

My grandma, Doris Komm, passed away three years ago today. She was a lovely, ladylike woman who also dressed nicely and accessorized perfectly. I remember her mini beaded purses she carried to church that were always filled with gum like Big Red or Juicy Fruit. I remember playing dress-ups with her older clothes and fabulous hats. Her skin was as flawless as a porcelain doll's as she always wore a hat and gloves to garden. Their little white house on the main street of Cardston, Alberta, Canada,was easy to spot with its beautiful abundance of flowers in the gardens. Flowers from their gardens adorned the chapel every Sunday in the spring and summer. I treasure the dresses and sweaters she knitted for me knowing she sat for hours, working, and thinking about me. Many hours were spent playing Rook together while drinking her homemade rootbeer and eating layered chocolate cake or donut holes. This is one of my favorite pictures: Grandma bathing me in the pink bathroom that never changed. We still have the pink tub.

I always admired and respected Grandma Komm, but I don't think I fully appreciated and understood her. She was from a simpler era and lead a unique life. She endured the loss of a child and I'm sure that changed her more than I could ever realize. Also, Grandma never sang, even the hymns in church, because in her youth someone told her she was tone deaf. I wonder if she will sing with me in heaven?

5 Year Survivor!

Exactly 5 years ago I was diagnosed with Stage IV metastatic breast cancer. It was the most devestating and heartbreaking news we could have ever imagined to receive. I remember looking at the statistics for survivors with Stage IV cancer and wondering if I would be one of the fortunate ones to live for 5 years. Thanks to the prayers and faith of so many family and friends I am very lucky, very blessed, very fortunate and looking forward to many more fabulous years. . .

"More Trick and Treating, Please!"

We had such a fun Halloween! I carefully planned out the day so we would be ready to hit our street at 5:30 before the sun went down. After each door, Katherine would say to us, "More trick and treating, please!" She was hooked! The high pitched barks she gave so impressed our neighbors that they gave her extra candy (smart girl). At 6:00 we drove to our stake center to participate in the "trunk or treat."

The next event of the evening was trick-or-treating in my parents' neighborhood followed by hot chocolate at their house. Katherine had so much fun! Right now she is asleep by my side with her pink "FiFi" costume on. We're still recovering from our fabulous night!

With Ashlie (cousin) and holding hands with Superman (cousin, Preston).

Halloween Part One

For dance class on Halloween the students were invited to wear their costumes. I was so happy about this as Katherine would be able to be both a princess and a poodle. She chose to be Belle for dance (where it would be nice and warm) and a poodle to trick or treat. I painstakingly made ringlets and clipped them to the top of her head, but she couldn't leave them alone during class and pulled them all out. Fancy hairdo or no, she's always my precious, beautiful princess.

Harvest Party

Today I attended Katherine's Harvest Party at her pre-school. It was so much fun to see how Katherine interacts with her teacher and classmates. Attending Northview Bible School has been a lot of work with all that we are asked to do to help with the class and I often wonder if it is worthwhile. I woke up and hour earlier today to bake pumpkin shaped cookies, pack treat bags for each student and teacher, and find orange for her to wear (a bow was all I could do). Going to school with Kat today was very rewarding though and I felt a sense of comfort that this is good for her and she is having a positive experience. Although it's only a total of 5 hours a week, we have noticed Katherine maturing in many ways with improved communication and more patience completing tasks. I just wish she hadn't gotten so much better with scissors: she gave herself a bit of a trim a week ago! Little chunks are sticking out all over her head (notice the bangs, for example). I'm sure she held her scissors the pre-school way!

Sweet Baby James!

Greg and I had the opportunity to see James Taylor in concert tonight (sweet)! We had great seats on the floor (sweet) and the performance was fabulous (very sweet). Even though it was Greg's 9th time to see James in concert, he was so excited all day (even made dinner for us to help get us out the door on time) and anxious about getting to our seats. It was really cute to see how thrilled he was to see his music idol again.

James is an incredible musician and performer, even comedic. "Steamroller" was hilarious as he really yucked it up with over-the-top blues. The audience of old white people (including my gynecologist who sat in front of us) couldn't get enough and he did about 5 encores. My favorite moment was when he sang his rendition of "Oh What A Beautiful Morning" from Oklahoma! It was fresh, Taylorized and folksy. I loved it! I don't think I'll ever want to hear that song the Broadway-way again! In honor of the night, I added Taylor's "The Secret of Life" to my playlist. Enjoy!

So Many Pumpkins!

It was a beautiful but cold day when we ventured up to Greenbluff to pick pumpkins. (The pink pumpkin is Katherine.) We had so much fun running through the field picking up pumpkins and putting them in our wagon. While we were at the farms we picked up some apples too. That afternoon my sisters and their children gathered at our house to make caramel apples and get really sticky!

Like Mother, Like Daughter?

For those of you who may not know, the name given me at birth was Shauna Kristine. My mom preferred "Kristine," but her good friend had a daughter with the same name and consequently opted to give me a good, solid 70's first name. The friend she attempted to avoid "copying" moved to another area soon after my birth. My mom called me "Shauna Kristine," and I must have been very accustomed to hearing my middle name because when I was 3 years old I decided it should be my first name. Apparently I only answered to "Kristine" and only allowed my brother, Brian, to continue to call me my real name. The name change coincided with our move to Valencia, CA and so it seemed like a good time to drop "Shauna" for good. I've been Kristine every since.

A couple of nights ago, Greg and I tried to remember middle names we had considered for Katherine. There were three options, as we can recall: Faith, Hope or Kristine. Katherine must have heard us say, "Katherine Kristine" because she claims it is her name. This is surprising because she has always introduced herself by her full name, Katherine Faith, and suddenly it's changed. I thought her determination to have a new name would wear off after a couple of days (she is 3 after all!), but she hasn't changed her mind. Sound familiar?

Here We Go A-Blogging!

My good friend told me it was time. Time to blog! So, here we go. . . a-blogging!