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.