Stevenson Common Threads

Anxiously Awaiting

2010-12-14T00:14:00.000-08:00

I have to admit I am nervous. With every passing day I am becoming more anxious about an upcoming surgery or two. Having another section of my liver removed was not something I had been planning on, but at the suggestion of several of my doctors, surgery seems to be the preferred treatment over radiation.

The last surgery to my liver was an awful, frightening experience that has haunted me often over the past 5 years. With my fears and trepidation in mind, Dr. Fairbanks has reassured me this surgery will be less invasive. I will meet with Dr. Holbrook tomorrow to discuss the surgery and am hoping that the procedure can be done simply.

As if a one part drama isn't enough, this latest development has a second act: my thyroid. The lastest PETScan showed some activity in my thyroid and the tumor board is concerned it may be a tumor. On Wednesday I will have an ultra-sound of the area and then meet with another surgeon who I'm sure will propose to partially remove the thyroid.

I literally feel like I am being taken apart, piece by piece. I'm going to have to instate a quid pro quo saying if you taken something out, you must replace it with something more fun. I'd love some squishier boobies, for example!

Happy Mama

2010-05-15T23:31:00.001-07:00

What a happy Mother's Day (3 day celebration) for me! The children at Jolinda's made us wonderful goodies and we joined the pre-schoolers for a delicious brunch that included fantastic crepes. Yum. Katherine painted the flower pot blue because she is absolutely convinced it is my favorite color. Anyway, the marshmallow flowers are so adorable. Giant marshmallows are skewered, the tops dipped in colored white chocolate and then topped with skittles--they look like cute tulips.

On Saturday we shopped with our friends for flowers, trees and shrubs. Part of my Mother's Day present was 3 giant Cypress trees that will provide much need privacy and color to the yard. Working in the yard for 6 hours straight planting the purchased greenery in addition to planting my garden was probably a mistake and I had a very hard time getting out of bed the next morning.

Mother's Day was lovely (except for the aforementioned pain). I played the organ in church and taught Relief Society and then rushed home to make desserts and a fabulous salad for dinner. We were invited to a delicious roast beef dinner at our friends' house where we shared our salad topped with Greg's honey mustard dressing. He's perfected that recipe! After dinner we joined my sisters and their families for dessert which was the pound cakes and strawberries we had made earlier. Of course it was topped with real whipped cream and we polished off all 4 loaves.

How blessed I am to be a mother. Nearly 6 years ago I was given the greatest gift when we were chosen to adopt our precious daughter. Being a mom has brought me so much joy and I cannot imagine my life without my beautiful girl.

Daddy-Daughter

2010-04-08T20:12:00.001-07:00

After evenings such as tonight it is nice to remember times like these:

Greg and Katherine on 9/12/08 and her chocolate sauce imitation of her daddy's goatee.

The evening started out lovely and calm, and it was so cute when Katherine said, "Daddy, you are so handsome!" How darling is that? But then I asked Greg to wash Katherine's hair since 4 of my fingers are wrapped in band-aids and stinging because of bleeding splits in the skin. The calm atmosphere in our home deteriorated rapidly from the moment the shampoo was poured on that poor, pitiful head. Talk about weeping and wailing and gnashing of teeth, and that was from both of them! Katherine's screams of "I want mommy" were followed by Greg's stern direction to "just close your eyes." Call me an optimist, but I really thought the situation would resolve without me having to leave the coziness of my comforter. I was wrong. Greg was completely frustrated and Katherine nearly puked after inhaling sudsy water.

Alas, all was right and lovely again even before her hair was driy. Soon, daddy was performing magic tricks for the gullible little girl and we were laughing hysterically together. A moment of fun was followed by family prayer, hugs and kisses.

Isn't it so cute that they have matching eyebrows?

Task Time

2010-04-06T21:17:00.000-07:00

Helping Katherine complete her tasks took too much time and two too many adults.

First, Katherine had to practice writing her name. She traced and then wrote. Her first attempt was the best and took about 2 minutes. Completing the rest of the tries took almost 30 minutes, a couple of buckets of tears and a couple dozen threats/bribes.She was so angry about me taking a picture of her throwing a fit and said people will laugh at her with her "naughty" face. Moments later she is all smiles while completing the task of emptying the silverware tray and perfectly happy to have her picture taken. This job took about 4 minutes to complete.

Does anybody else see the problem with the time taken to complete these tasks? Greg and I are baffled that it takes 8 times as long to write her name a few times than to stack forks, knives and spoons.

Easter Joy

2010-04-04T21:35:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful Easter weekend! We spent time together as a family engaged in fun traditions, relaxing in our beautiful home as the winds blew outside, and feeling peace as we listened to the counsel of the Lord as spoken by our latter day prophets and apostles.

We decorated Easter Eggs and cleaned the house. I even taught Katherine how to scrub the toilets and iron her own shirts. She self-appointed herself to be my ironing assistant and stood by my side for nearly two hours spritzing the wrinkled clothes. When an item was finished, she then exchanged it out for another piece of apparel from the basket. She was such a great helper. As I ironed, we talked about what the apostles and other leaders were instructing and teaching us.

Saturday evening we attended the Eibert family's traditional flashlight egg hunt (incredible yummies included) with several other families from our ward. This is the second year we were invited, and Katherine absolutely loves the thrill of running through the school fields with a flashlight, searching for pastel plastic eggs filled with treats. What a fun tradition!

Before Conference began and in between sessions, Greg, Katherine and I worked together to make and prepare orange rolls, holiday potatoes, spiral honey glazed ham, asparagus, strawberry pretzel salad, and pound cake with strawberries and cream--all for the Easter feast we were hosting for my family. I really enjoy being able to have my family at our house for dinner since we regularly gather at my mom and dad's place. I think my mom enjoys the break from hostessing duties even though she is the ultimate hostess and loves to entertain. We had a lovely time together and events such as these remind me of how blessed I am to have my loved ones so near me.

A Helping Hand

2010-03-31T22:02:00.000-07:00

This evening as I emptied the dishwasher, Katherine ran to my side to lend a helping hand. She exclaimed, "Mom, you don't have to do all the work by yourself--I'm going to help you. You just sit back and I'll take care of this (the silverware)." She took great care to make sure all the utensils were clean and stacked all the silverware neatly in the tray.

Little does she know she has earned herself another job on her chore list (and some brownie points with mom and dad).

Hisss

2010-03-30T23:16:00.001-07:00

This is the funnest game. Grandma gave the game to Haylie for her birthday and Katherine enjoyed it so much that we went out and bought it today. The object of the game is to combine the drawn cards into snakes according to colors, combine sections and then add completed snakes to your pit. When you complete a run with its head and tail, you announce "hiss" and then take all the cards. Katherine came up with a little snake dance while she hissed and that was pretty cute.

Spring Break-ing

2010-03-29T00:10:00.000-07:00

Our first real springbreak and I am expecting too much I think. In anticipation of the break, I began creating a TO DO LIST of home improvement projects, cleaning, and activities. Now on the eve of the big week, and I'm not very sure I will actually get anything done but RELAX. Except for a few make-up lessons, I am not teaching this week and I am caught up on all of the office work for Simply Gourmet, so I don't have any excuses. The pile of books next to my bed does look awfully appealing. . .

Healthcare Heartburn

2010-03-24T00:06:00.000-07:00

I haven't had this kind of political heartburn since the 2000 Presidential Elections. Back then I checked news websites for updates on a regular basis, I listened to talk radio all day long and then tuned into Fox News the moment I got home from work. I listened to anything that would be give me a sense of hope that the election would be resolved, the chads would be counted and Bush would be the winner.

(Insert any Bush joke here>>>>> The bigger joke would have been Gore)

Anyway, the point is that I felt my choices and freedoms were related to who controlled Washington.

Now, with the atrocious Obamacare being passed, I feel that Washington has intruded into a part of my life that I feel very sensitive about: my health. Living with a chronic illness for 8 years has made me very selfish and all I can think about is how the quality of care will decline, research and development will be underfunded, and I will not have access to experimental and cutting edge treatments. In a sense, I feel the bill will make me more ill in the end.

A bigger point is what this means to us as Americans. Who are we? What kind of country do we have? Where are we headed? Whatever it once was is no longer and this country has taken a giant step into the entitlement trough. The problem with entitlement is that it is the disease that kills exceptionalism.

For any of you out there that have guilt and self-loathing about America and its exceptionalism must not have children, or do have children and regularly smoke pot. Parents (who care) do everything in their power to raise children to strive in school, excel in extracurricular activities, be the cutest in the class, have lots of friends, etc. Parents on Pot (in this case, people in America who are ashamed of its exceptionalism) don't take score at soccer games, worry about self-esteem and just want their kids to feel happy and fulfulled without making any effort or doing any work.

Okay, so maybe you're not really smoking pot, but it probably wouldn't matter if you did because your brain is whacked. Seriously. You are just dehydrated, lacking basic fundamental principles this country was founded on. What you need is detox by getting back to the moral and political basis this country was founded on. We, collectively as Americans, need to rediscover that revolutionary spirit willing us to break from our oppressor, the pioneering spirit that calls us to adventure, opportunity and challenge.

Maybe that's what we need right now is a way, a method, to become modern day revolutionary pioneers???

Haircut Crisis Version 2.0

2009-10-25T16:43:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I experienced almost exactly what my mother did in the form of a haircutting emergency.

It was a Saturday evening when my mom decided to give my hair a trim. Just as she made the first cut she discovered her scissors were blunt. She was so angry (as we were forbidden from using her hair shears) and stormed out of the bathroom to find the blade blunting bandit. My brother, Brian, had used the scissors to give the back brush a trim! The worst part was her telling me that I would just have to go to church with an uneven, chunky hairdo. Alas, my coif was cured when she realized the sewing scissors would be a suitable substitute.

Gingher fabric shears came to my rescue, too! I had Katherine all set up in the shower to receive a trim, but the first clip just folded into the blade. I was able to finish the trim and it turned out quite nice.

The little pink handled scissors had served me well since I purchased them in 1991 to trim my own bangs and give haircuts to some of my friends in college.

I'm On a Roll. . .

2009-10-20T20:23:00.000-07:00

I couldn't possibly stop with only one new post. I simply must include a picture of my newest niece, Kolby (Kimberly's precious baby).

I had a photo session with this precious baby and could not resist putting the HUGE peony on her head. Her daddy protests my use of pearls, peonies, etc., but I think it's DARLING.

I'm Back. . . to Blogspot

2009-10-20T20:11:00.000-07:00

It must be the weather: I'm inspired to blog again!

Last Friday, Katherine and I enjoyed an outing with the pre-school girls and moms to Greenbluff. What a wonderful tradition we have of visiting the farms, picking pumpkins and sinking our teeth into Washington grown apples.

Out of the Ozarks and At My Table

2009-04-25T00:02:00.000-07:00

I just have to follow-up with this picture of 4 Stevenson Gentlemen and the "Rose Among the Thorns" eating dinner around my table during the weekend we celebrated my mother-in-law's 80th Birthday. Notice they have knives, forks and napkins. But you can't entirely cure all--notice that the Stevenson men are all positioned around the table so they can watch the golf game on the TV in the top right corner. . .

I love you all and love teasing you, too!

The Family I Married Into

2009-03-16T10:57:00.001-07:00

First, Scott, you should know better than to send pictures to Greg, me or anyone with the suggestion of "blackmail" in the message.

This is the Sharm and Mardy Stevenson children during their last vacation to the Lake of the Ozarks, standing above the Bagnell Dam circa the 70's. From front to back is Scott, Chris, Jorli, Brad and my guy, Greg (in the overalls).

Question is: did they crawl out of the Ozarks or were they really just visiting?

Love you all!

Addressing A New Addiction

2009-03-01T23:09:00.000-08:00

As if there aren't enough addictions already!

I think the following article is worth a looksy by anyone taking a looksy here. I certainly identified with a few points:

http://www.parenting.com/article/Mom/Work--Family/3-Reasons-Moms-Are-Addicted-to-the-Internet

I laughed out loud at the comment about the mom who checked her blog, Flickr, Twitter regularly for comments others made about her posts and pictures. You know who you are!!!

Ebay Queen

2009-02-23T21:41:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the lack of posts. I've been obsessed with selling on ebay. I have an intense psychological need to get rid of the clutter in my life and with every package I mail, I feel a little lighter, less encumbered.

If you're interested, I sell under "fritzytoo."

Here's the story behind the name: we got the sweetest Schnauzer when I was in the hospital during my first round of chemo in 2002. He was my best buddy who kept me company when Greg was on the road, slept curled up in the crook of my legs, and even sat on my lap while I drove to Utah and back. His name was Fritz.

If you know the movie "The Wizard of Oz" (and if you don't I can't understand how we're friends), then you'll remember at the end when Dorothy is hoping to exit Oz via a hot air balloon she asks Glinda, "And Toto, too?" It's one of my favorite movie lines of all time, so it was fitting that when Greg and I would go anywhere, I would ask, "And Fritzy, too?"

And fritzytoo was created.

This is Fritz with his winter haircut. We would have his coat shorn very short because of the "snowballing" that would happen when he'd run through the snow, bounding like a jack rabbit. It was so funny to watch our neighbors through our kitchen window standing at their kitchen window watching our dog and laughing.

Sloppy Joes 3 Ways

2009-01-21T23:46:00.000-08:00

Yes, I know it's not fine cuisine, but sometimes a Sloppy Joe just sounds good. I hadn't made them in a while and so it was a new meal for Katherine. She was excited until she pulled something out of the meat and asked/demanded: IS THIS AN ONION?!? And in my mind I said, "DARN YOU JASON!" At dinner at our house during the holidays, he enlightened Katherine on the subject of onions. With the new knowlege, the Sloppy Joe was smashed.

Katherine then made herself a different kind of Joe, a Katie Joe, if you will, that was filled with 5 cup (or Ambrosia) salad. For a moment I believed we had a winning sandwich until she discovered the shredded coconut in the salad. Not quite as evil as the onion, but close.

Out of buns, we turned to sliced bread for her third sandwich, the banana peanut butter wonder. The only problem is that she didn't want to smash the bananas.

It is the last time I let her have options. What a mess.

Little Girls

2009-01-21T23:39:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Katherine sang the song from Annie, "Little Girls, Little Girls" and I remembered that song all day as we had Jessica at our house to play. It was so fun to hear them as they made up imaginary scenarios and took turns being the puppy dog or the princess. There was a little fighting (mostly Katherine being bossy) and Jessica graciously giving in. What a good girl she was and cleaned up all of the play-doh mess by herself, Katherine being no help at all.

After 4 hours together, it was time to relax a bit so the girls chose to watch Sleeping Beauty. I was asked to bring them chips and strawberry Crystal Light as a treat and then they plopped down on the couch to watch. I thought it was so funny that of all the places one can sit in the family room, they're cuddled close together, sharing chips and chatting throughout the show.

Hoar Frost

2009-01-21T23:27:00.000-08:00

Because of the bitter cold weather, the trees are covered with hoar frost. It is a serene drive through the tree lined road up the mountain to our house as the pine trees are blanketed in white. The scenery looks unreal, appearing dream-like. Looking out at the pines and aspens in my backyard, their branches seem to be covered with fluffy, white mittens. It is a beautiful sight and one of the reasons I can tolerate this cold and foggy weather.

These are some trees at a house in our neighborhood. I wanted to get a better picture, but I 1) forgot the long lense and 2) was too cold to actually venture out of the car and into the deep snow to get a picture.

Friday Night With the Super Shopper

2009-01-10T00:15:00.000-08:00

My friend, Jolinda, invited me to attend the Super Shopper class she presented this evening. I thought that she had already taught me everything she knew about saving money on groceries, but I learned even more! Not only is she a wealth of knowledge but a great teacher, too. I've been using the methods she teaches since she invited me to be her protege for the following news story (click on the video link once you're at the site):

http://www.krem.com/news/local/stories/krem2-112008-super-shopper.1d1239e53.html

Jolinda treated me to DQ afterwards and then we chatted in the driveway until after 11 p.m. I was gone a lot longer than I expected to be so Greg teased me about being at a shopping class for 5 hours. When I tried to tell him how much fun I had and that I laughed a lot, he said we should take the coupon comedy show on the road. Yep! I'm the Super Shopper's Sidekick, the Ed McMahon to her Johnny Carson.

P.S. I really do have enough peanut butter to last a year and a half!

Greg, a Literary (if not hairy) Character

2009-01-05T19:10:00.000-08:00

This is a fun backstory to how Greg became a literary hero:

http://blog.annettelyon.com/2009/01/how-not-to-name-character-or-hairy-ape.html

Hmm. Hairy Ape character? Hairy, but not ape-ish.

Snowdown at the Rocking GK Corral

2009-01-02T22:32:00.000-08:00

The Rocking GK is the latest casualty of the abundant snowfall over the past month. On Friday morning the roof of the barn at my dad's ranch caved in under the weight of the snow. Greg, Kat and I went out to inspect the damage which is very much. Two beams went through the roof of the "cowboy condo" (horse trailer/living quarters), crushed the roof of the John Deere tractor (it still starts, fortunately) and parts of the roof are sitting on top of the boat. The Sea-Doo's survived unscathed. It's just a big mess and will probably require a crane of some kind to lift off all the pieces.

View from a distance:
Dad and Jason searching for extension cords--trying to get heat to the horses' water troughs:

What a mess--at least the John Deere still starts:

Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!

2008-12-24T00:33:00.001-08:00

We've been experiencing a bit of snow up here in the Northwest. We stopped counting at 30" at our house. Just when we think we can't possibly get anymore snow, the news reports more downfall. The prediction for Christmas day is another 8-10 inches!

Sledding is the only great thing about having a steep driveway!

Our neighbor Jamie (aka "Mullet Man") took Katherine and me for a ride on his 4 wheeler:

From our driveway looking down the street to the East. The 3 brown dots are our neighbors who were out shoveling their driveway.

Christmas Traditions

2008-12-19T17:56:00.000-08:00

Constructing a gingerbread house has become a Stevenson family tradition. To alleviate some stress, I buy the packaged kit.

Katherine absolutely loved decorating the house and even took over icing duties after my hand cramped. Most of the candies were placed by Kat and she would have continued decorating all night but we ran out of icing.

We also discovered another help to construction: hot glue gun. It's the best way to ensure the walls stay standing and the roof doesn't slide down:

Holiday Magic!

Twilight-ed

2008-12-19T17:27:00.000-08:00

Me, Edward, Jolinda and Kelly

Most of you know I'm not a Twilight-ee. I read the first book, was uninspired by the writing and the storyline, and then didn't think much more about it until near hysteria hit among my friends about a year later. I've listened to my friends rave about the romance between Bella and Edward and I've tried to understand it, but I can't. My reputation among the card/scrap/book groupers is of a non-fan and detractor of the series, but I am still liked (I think) enough to have been invited to the Twilight movie bash and midnight viewing. Although not a memorable movie, the party was fabulous.

Posing with a fab party favor: chocolate & caramel covered apple

Lisa, party planner extraordinaire
Example of the decor at the party. Lisa and her sisters transformed the party room at the theatre into a black and red feast for the eyes, and I'm not including the Edward actor in that statement.

The theatre reserved a room for the party goers to view the movie at midnight.

My New Obamaccount

2008-11-08T02:22:00.000-08:00

I am so excited! Thrilled! Elated! In January, after the inauguration of Obama, I will have my new Obamaccount that will pay my mortgage AND miraculously fill my gas tank. It's like the loaves and fishy thing all over again! And that was something that I just read about in the Bible. But this is real, it's now and so fantastic!

I'm compiling lists of things to do with all the extra cash I'll be saving once Obama is paying off my mortgage and keeping the big black beast all gassed up. Oh wait! I'm not going to have any extra dollars because my taxes will be higher! I guess that's okay. I mean, I shouldn't be selfish. Instead, I'll willingly give my money to Obama because he is much more enlightened than I and will know better how to spend the money I earn.

For a long time I felt that paying tithing, saving for Katherine's college and using my resources for good, charitable purposes, and of course selfish things like getting my hair cut or buying deodorant, were noble and necessary. Maybe I was wrong. I suppose I can cut my own hair (at least the front) and isn't it tres European to stink just a little? When I lift my arms and take a whiff I'll be reminded that some poor soul who has been oppressed and cannot work definitely needs the cash more than I do. Who am I to judge if someone needs their ciggies, Jack Daniel, cable TV, and acrylic nails? Really I should count my blessings that I don't have addiction to substances (legal ones, anyway, I really never have tried drugs so how would I know) and that my nails are so brittle from rounds of chemo that acrylic nails won't stick to my deformed nailbeds.

It's been really HARD to work at a job for all the 6 years I've been battling metastatic breast cancer so I could have the health insurance to cover the treatment costs. But there are others who have it worse than I do. I mean, I know a person who is going on disability because she gets headaches. That's got to be tough. I say, "Obama! You take care of my friend with the headaches! And while you're at it, give her good medical coverage, and make it better than mine because I've been soooo greedy!"

That's why I'm so glad that Obama will be making those decisions instead of someone like me. He's such a gift to the world. Whenever he speaks its like a beautiful wrapped package, all sparkly with perfectly creased corners on the paper, and the gift inside is his words. The supreme one warms us all with his soothing voice and the gentle lift at the end of his phrases seems to release thousands of people from the force of gravity. His words are so beautiful and yet so powerful that people (and not just ordinary people, Oprah-types, too) cry tears, buckets of tears.

I cry too. I don't expect to stop crying for about, let's see, 4 years!

"But I did sleep at a Holiday Inn last night. . ."

2008-10-31T00:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I ventured to the mall to make some returns. My first stop was Gymboree and it was all going well, returning my items and then I saw a very cute black furry coat. There were two ladies helping me (one was in training) and I asked the trainer to check the back room for a size 5. While she was in the back the trainee started acting strangely. She bent over the counter, swayed back and forth and then suddenly began trembling violently. Within seconds the poor girl fell backwards, just missing hitting her head on the counter.

I rushed to her side, afraid she may be having a seizure. Fortunately the shaking had stopped once she landed on the floor and it seemed she had only fainted. I was the only customer in the store and yelled toward the back room for help. Then I stepped into the "But I slept at a Holiday Inn last night" mode (as Mike called it) and began trying to take care of the girl, asking questions, getting information, comforting and reassuring her. The poor thing was so embarassed to faint on her first day, as we all would be.

Not that I'm ready to go work in an ER, but I was amazed at how calm and in control I was.
I never did find out if there was a size 5 in the coat.

Caught in a Web

2008-10-23T10:59:00.000-07:00

Katherine is OBSESSED with Halloween and all things spooky, creepy or scary. When we were shopping at Albertson's she saw a bag of "spiderwebs" and plastic spiders, just like the ones hanging all over the store's displays. I caved and bought her the items. As soon as we got home she insisted we hang the webs and then she ran to get her butterfly costume on. Here she is pretending to be caught in the web:

Unbalanced. . . And Dealing With It

2008-10-21T22:14:00.000-07:00

A photo essay about my life right now:

There's a lot going on right now; stuff of my own choosing and stuff I would never choose. (Why am I the only one looking at the camera?)

No matter how hard I try, there are things beyond my control. (Kat jumping off my knee and the slope of the ground.)

I just have to roll with it . . . and laugh a little, too. Sometimes its best to rest a while before trying to get up and fight again.

Two Naughty Monkeys

2008-10-21T22:05:00.001-07:00

This is the monkey business happening in the kitchen while I was visiting with a friend in the next room:

Of course Katherine was the brains behind this naughty body inking episode. This isn't the first time (see previous posts) she has colored herself, but it is the first time she has enlisted a recruit to assist. Poor Haylie is such a good girl and nearly burst into tears when they were "caught" red, purple, brown and blue-handed. When I asked Kat why she colored her body she said, "I'm a China monkey!" I don't know what that means. I don't think I'll ever know what that means.

What I do know: Washable Crayola markers are just that. Washable.

Golfing Buddies

2008-10-21T20:02:00.000-07:00

I suggested Greg take Katherine to the driving range on a Saturday. Greg was obviously enthusiastic to have a future golf partner and couldn't resist these little cuties . . .

Because of this little cutie . . .

Michelle Wie in the making?

Possibly Potential Picasso

2008-10-08T23:22:00.000-07:00

My latest drama is the great "Pull Katherine out of Northview Christian School Pre-school." I was not impressed with her sick teacher's permanent replacement; she had no experience and little education. Because we had such a wonderful experience and a caring, capable teacher last year, I felt loyal to Northview. But I flipped out when it was I who finally had to introduce myself to the new teacher who stood timidly in the corner and for 3 days neither greeted us or said goodbye. I immediately marched into the director's office, expressed my concerns that I didn't want a formative year of my daughter's life be an experimental one for the school or Mrs. Shelly. Long story short: this pitbull mom got the cash refund and the crayons (supplies) back.

So, now Katherine was a "free agent" and could go to Jolinda's pre-school, where I would have liked her to attend in the first place (my friend was possibly moving again and couldn't commit until September). My friend from college, Jolinda, served a mission in Ireland when I was in Germany. We wrote and kept in touch until after she was married. How surprised was I to discover she was in the ward I moved into when we built the "too big" house. We both sold our big houses at the same time and now live in the same neighborhood a couple of streets away from each other. Jolinda is one of those rare people who is ultra-creative AND goes the extra mile on everything she endeavors.

So, Katherine is in her element with Jolinda and it's going to be a great year. After her first day, Leslie asked her what she thought of her school and Katherine responded, "Fabulous!" Jolinda is so great and wants Katherine's school notebook to be complete and to bring her up to speed. This means we have a lot of homework to do and it's been fun things like recording her hand and footprints. This is the picture she drew of herself and it is not just funny, it explains a lot about Katherine's personality: The purple egg is her as a mommy, pink baby in the tummy and the pink baby sister at the side. Interesting items of note are the lungs, heart and snot coming out of the mommy nose--appropriate since Kat has had a cold.

Today I Started a 5 Week Weightloss Plan . . .

2008-10-06T21:49:00.000-07:00

RADIATION!!! Yep, folks, it's come to this. No, but really, I finally persuaded my oncologist to let me have radiation . Once and for all the spot on my sacrum and the other above my liver (the one mistaken for being in my spleen--aargh! how I wish I still had my spleen) will be obliterated and I'll be cancer-free again. We've been watching these small spots for a couple years in varying degrees of activity, and I'm tired of the drama two spots have caused (again, I lost my perfectly healthy spleen because of one). Dr. Nichols was concerned, however, that radiation to the spot in my abdomen would result in weight loss. I responded: And the problem is? I have some skinny jeans I'd love to break in. Always have to look on the bright side, right?

Watch Out For That. . .

2008-10-06T01:05:00.001-07:00

Wish I could include a picture with this story, but, alas, probably not appropriate. On Saturday afternoon, after lounging, watching conference and cleaning the house top to bottom, I jumped in the shower to clean up so I could take Kat and two cousins to "Beverly Hills Chihuahua." Kat ended up in the shower with me and was hyper about getting to go to the movie. I didn't understand what she was doing at first (my eyes were closed, rinsing my hair) and then I just busted up laughing. She was yelling, "Watch out for that tree!", smashing her body and face against the glass shower wall and then sliding down, face plastered and tongue hanging out. We love "George of the Jungle" at our house.

Updates. . .

2008-09-23T18:39:00.000-07:00

We've had a busy summer. Between traveling and enduring a 3 week tear-out and renovation of our kitchen tile floor I was a bit overwhelmed. Here are some of the highlights:

Make-up application by Katherine:
I'm sure she thought it was a good idea in the beginning to sit in the sink and spray herself with the nozzle. Kat was mad when I demanded to take a picture of her before lifting her out.

A new hairdo for school:

How many cousins will fit in the Barbie Jeep?

4th of July at the Komm cabin:

Watching movies with cousins on G&G Komm's bed at the cabin:

Visiting Hogle Zoo with Uncle Jason:

We visited Greenbluff to pick strawberries and then I made many batches of freezer jam:

Visiting Temple Square with G&G Stevenson who are workers at the Joseph Smith Memorial Building:

At the Seattle Aquarium in August. Kat and I took a road trip with Grandma and Leslie and her kids to shop and play in Seattle:

There were many playdates this summer with Haylie. They wanted to play with make-up one day and I had them sit in my bathtub to avoid a big mess:

On the swingset Daddy assembled for Kat's 4th birthday:

With swim instructor Miss Janet. Kat passed her first swimming class and will advance:

Sitll Here. . . Not Missing

2008-09-05T00:33:00.000-07:00

Thank you to my concerned friend, Tifani, for reminding me that I have been MIA for a while. It's time to rejoin my cyber friends. More details coming soon. Stay posted. . .

Tall Tales

2008-06-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

For those of you who know my daughter personally understand she has an active, creative imagination and the following is the tall tale (lie) of the day:
While IM-ing with a friend (and ignoring the naughty behavior in the next room), Katherine approached me and said she had been "inked." I didn't understand what she was saying and then I saw her arms and legs that were drawn on with purple marker. Obviously I assumed that she was just telling me she had been naughty so I asked her why she drew on herself. She responded that she didn't and that she had been "inked by an octopus." Further discussion revealed that a "very tall" octopus had been in our house (it walked here on it's giant legs from the ocean) and it chased her and then inked her all over. Once it was done, the giant octopus left our house, boarded a plane (must have been tired from walking all this way and it's recent assault on Katherine) and flew back to Hawaii. She has stuck to this story all day and will not admit that she drew on herself.

Missing Maui - One Week Later

2008-06-19T00:46:00.001-07:00

Under the Banyan Tree in Lahaina.

Every year we walk under the tree that takes up almost a whole block. It's huge and beautiful. The branches fall to the ground and then sprout back up again--amazing.

Another tradition when in Maui is to have dinner at Mama's Fish House. It is one of my very favorite restaurants and it never disappoints. The setting is gorgeous and open so diners can hear, smell and breath the ocean. I had a luau plate with fish cooked in coconut milk, kalua pork and various exotic fruits and vegetables. Katherine had the keiki dinner and we were so surprised she ate almost every bit of her ahi steak. She loved it! The best part was the Mama's chocolate caramel pie. It was heaven.

My little keiki, Katherine. She is still dancing, playing the Ukulele and talking about Hawaii. I just love that place and can't wait to begin planning the next trip there. I'm planning to sign Kat up for hula lessons this year--she'll love it, I'm sure!

Teaching Manners to a 4 Year Old

2008-06-14T21:31:00.000-07:00

This evening, Greg had a funny teaching moment with Katherine. She was sitting at the bar eating cheese when she, well, "cut the cheese." She said, "Dad, I did a stinker." Greg responded that she should say "excuse me." Katherine promptly said, "excuse me," thought about it and then exclaimed: "My bum did a burp!"

Pieces from Paradise

2008-06-08T23:48:00.000-07:00

Greeted with leis at the entrance of the Marriott resort.

Pool-ready with fabulous French braids.

Katherine experienced digging a pearl from a shell she plucked from a bucket with the big wooden tongs. Then she tapped it three times and we all yelled "Aloha". We had the pearl set in a little necklace for her.

This is Gaylord, a Marriott worker we met last year. He made quite an impression on the Brian family because he guessed they were from Colorado. I was further impressed tonight when I reintroduced myself and he said, "Yeah, I remember you. You're from Washington and your friends are from Colorado. And you're LDS, right?" Besides being amazed he remembered us all from last September, I was impressed he knew our religion and asked how he knew that. He said, "You LDS people have a special knack with the Lord." Great guy.
Playing hide-and-seek with Katherine. She still thinks if she can't see us then we can't see her.

Kuulei Is Watching Over Us

2008-06-07T19:36:00.000-07:00

This is the picture hanging over the dining table in our Maui condo. When I saw it for the first time I was taken aback because the woman looks like our friend, Kuulei Johnson. So, now we call her Kuulei and she is watching over us on our trip.

Let me add that I totally scored with our condo. I traded our Kauai condo this year for weeks in Orlando and Maui. I expected to be in the same building as last September, but was sooo surprised that our trade-in reservation is in the new Marriott Lanai Villas. It is FABULOUS!!! Last year Greg and I walked through these new condos and couldn't believe how beautiful they were--and now we're in one! We love it!

Party Girl is Tired

2008-06-03T22:00:00.000-07:00

This evening as I chatted with Greg (he's in Alaska) we came to the realization that my life seems hectic right now because I'm turning into a party girl. I have so much to do to be ready for our Maui trip and I'm exhausted, and it's because I love playing:

Card group was at my house last Thursday and the last friend left at 11:00 p.m. A bunch of "Lost"-ies in the ward had a barbeque and viewing of the season finale on Friday night. Saturday, Katherine and I joined Dustin and Kimberly to go boating, but the water was too high and they couldn't launch their boat. On Sunday we had dinner together with the family. Monday I spent nearly 3 hours on the phone and attended a Relief Society lunch for the recent birthday girls. Today we were gone from 8:30 to 5:30--intense day included lunch, the mall, work, etc. Tomorrow we have a luncheon hosted by our neighbor and Thursday is lunch with a group of friends and their daughters. So, I've had great partying, more fun in the next couple of days and the biggest party on Maui coming up. I can't wait!

Girls' Night Out

2008-05-25T09:45:00.001-07:00

Kellie, Leslie, Ashlie, Arlene, Kimberly and I kicked off "Girls' Night Out" at PF Chang's. Not only were we out to have fun, but we celebrated my birthday, too! After dinner we shoe shopped at Nordstrom and then drove to the Spokane Arena to attend the Carrie Underwood Concert. We had pretty good seats on the floor of the arena and were especially close when she walked out onto the runway stage. That girl is so cute and I love her voice. It was just a really good, fun concert. My favorite Carrie Underwood song is "Jesus Take the Wheel" and I rocked out to "Before He Cheats."It is so much fun to have a special night out with just the girls. I am so blessed to live near my mom and sisters; we have so much fun together.

Ha Ha Ha Hawai'i

2008-05-24T08:36:00.000-07:00

Sorry to rub it in, folks! We're flying to Hawai'i in 13 days. I AM SO EXCITED! Maui is one of my favorite places on earth and we are so blessed to vacation there regularly. (I'm becoming a pro at working the Marriott Vacation Club system.) Today I begin the "Marja Method" of packing and also must thank her since I copied her "rub-it-in" post idea.

My Gift

2008-05-14T17:35:00.000-07:00

For Mother's Day I decided the best present would be a photo shoot with my beautiful daughter, Katherine Faith. Because it was a last minute decision I didn't have very big expectations. What I didn't expect was to absolutely love the pictures we had taken at JCPenney. The pictures capture my thoughts and feelings about the precious gift I have of being a mother:
My hopes of becoming a mother were dashed when I received the devestating news on Oct. 31 2002 that I had metastatic breast cancer. The news couldn't have come at a worst time; I was in the middle of my fourth invitro attempt. Just five months earlier I had experienced a miscarriage in the 10th week, and then to be told I would never have children truly broke my heart. The realization that I would never have children was worse than the disease prognosis. I mourned the death of the dream I had cherished for many years.And then Heavenly Father saw fit to grant me two miracles. The first was the miracle of complete remission 5 months into cancer treatment. The second came when I decided to try again to become a mother. After witnessing the blessed adoption of my nephew, Corbin, by my sister, Kimberly, I felt inspired to make the attempt. Our adoption papers with LDS Family Services were complete by February 2004. There were several leads and even an unwed mother who came to our house one evening asking us to adopt her child. None of the situations felt right to us, however, and I felt horribly ungrateful declining several possibilities.
Then we received the call that forever changed our lives. On the Tuesday after Memorial Day, Pat Cabbage from LDS Family Services called to inform us that he needed more copies of our profile page. At that time we asked him to be present at a meeting with a birth mom later in the week. He asked, "Do you still want to have the meeting if you are chosen on Thursday?" Exact words. Then he informed us that a birth mom living in Oregon was considering us along with 3 other couples to adopt her baby. She had already turned down 24 other couples, but still we felt encouraged and optimistic. On Wednesday we asked our families to fast and pray for us and the birth mom. On Thursday Pat called to tell us we were her choice. . .
One week later, Greg and I sat in the LDSFS offices in Portland meeting the sweet, beautiful girl who will forever be our hero. We were so nervous! Would Brittany think we were fabulous and funny, smart and clever, worthy to be her baby's parents? She was calm, sure of her decision, beautiful and glowing. It was all too wonderful and we were giddy. We didn't know if the baby would be a boy or a girl, we just knew it was right.

On the day of the birth (June 24th), Greg was already in Portland for business so I flew solo. Before the plane took off I just had to know: boy or girl? I had purchased clothing for either, but had removed the tags and washed everything pink. The call came as I sat buckled in my airplane seat. A baby girl! Our Katherine Faith.
She is my Katherine Faith. I have never doubted that her spirit was meant to be in our home, that her existence here at this time was planned. If I had to go through chemotherapy, radiation, and surgeries all over again if it meant having her in my life, I would. She is my reason for fighting the fight, for never giving up.
Katherine is sassy and smart. She is imaginative and clever. She is sensitive and tender, but also a fighter and tenacious. Her energy at times seems endless and I cherish the moments she lets me cuddle with her.
She is my very best gift.
The happy ending to the happy story: last summer we had a chance meeting with Brittany and witnessed how very blessed she has been. We learned she married in the temple and at the time was 7 months pregnant!

BFF's

2008-05-14T08:42:00.000-07:00

This morning I scanned some high school pictures to post on the American Fork High graduates group on Facebook. This project made me a bit sentimental. It's not just all my poofy hair that I miss. . .

DRILL TEAM FORMAL FALL, 1988: This pre-dance picture was taken in the Komm Family living room. Isn't the orange furniture gorgeous! My date was Shaun Wilson, a family friend in our ward. We decided at our joint family Lake Powell vacation that I would ask him if I didn't have the guts to ask my "crush." Becky Williams Brian is standing next to me with her date, Mike Engberson. Mike is in so many of our high school dance pictures; such a nice guy. Next is Rebecca Hutchinson Blackhurst and her date, Joel Brian (Becky's future husband). Lynette Robinson Norton is next with her date, Darren Dibb. P.S. Don't you love how Becky and I had our shoes dyed to match our dresses? If I remember correctly, Julie was in Hawaii with her family for Thanksgiving break.

MORP SPRING, 1989: Officially the worst night of my senior year. I should have cancelled when I puked an hour before leaving. That was only the beginning: I was supposed to drive everyone in our suburban, but my mom forgot and drove that vehicle to the SLC airport to pick up my dad. It just got worse and worse as the night progressed. P.S. There's Mike again!

GRADUATION NIGHT, 1989: The new graduates. We partied hard, man! After the bash at the high school we went to Becky's house and crashed by 1 a.m.

TOGETHER AGAIN: Becky, Lynette, Julie and I were roommates at BYU our third year. In January of 2006, the girls flew to Spokane then ventured to the Komm cabin near Sandpoint, Idaho. Still the hard partiers, we stayed up talking, laughing and reminiscing until way past midnight! P.S. Isn't my post-chemo hairdo cute?

MAUI: Still the crazy partiers, Becky and I attempt native dancing on the beach, September 2007. P.S. Maybe we won't be BFF's after she finds out I posted this picture.

Nothing says "BFF" like trusting your friend to pull your kid's tooth.

Many more adventures await us and who knows what trouble we'll get into this weekend. Katherine and I fly to Denver on Saturday to spend almost 5 days with Becky and her kiddos! I hope no one has a loose tooth. . .

The Kristine Show

2008-05-04T18:27:00.000-07:00

So, today was Stake Conference and along with it the culmination of my assignments as stake music chair. It went like this:

I had to wake up at 6 a.m. to get ready to go to the church and get Katherine's hair in rollers, gather up all of the choir music, my violin, quiet bag for Kat, etc. I walked into the church just after 8 a.m. where I found most of the choir seats already filled and I had to madly pass out music, tune my violin and take care of other small matters.

In addition to singing with the choir and playing the violin obbligato for the special musical number, I was asked to lead the congregational hymns. I very much dislike leading music in front of big groups but felt a little more at ease wearing my new gorgeous white and black dress plus fabulous red heels.

When the two hour meeting, two congregational hymns and three choir numbers plus violin were over, I felt good, pleased, relaxed. Well, that is until I found out that because I was sitting behind the podium, I was "the show" of the live feed into other rooms in the building as well as another building. Of course it was on a JUMBO SCREEN. I had no idea until so many people started commenting on how funny it was when I was digging through my purse for a cough drop which I dropped onto my lap after unwrapping.

We had brunch after church with neighbors and other friends from our ward and of course they were all laughing about how everyone was watching me throughout the conference, closing my eyes (remember I got up at 6 a.m.), flipping through my day planner, taking my shoes on and off, wiping my nose, etc. And here I thought it was awful that I was so noticeable because of leading the music and being in the choir. I didn't know it really was "The Kristine Show!"

Definition of a Good Day

2008-04-28T20:35:00.000-07:00

noun:
1) extra 20% off at Michael's store
2) great, uplifting conversation with a woman at cancer center (I was there for an abdomen CTScan)
3) learned the MRI of my brain taken on Friday is clear!
4) Katherine did very well in her first clogging class
5) went for a walk with Tara and her adorable twins
6) Greg was able to repair a doorknob for a neighbor
7) dinner came off without a hitch
8) during Family Home Evening Kat was somewhat attentive
9) I made a 47 point move against Amber on Scrabulous
10) There's still time to read tonight!

"Mom, you look AWESOME!"

2008-04-27T10:21:00.000-07:00

This is honestly what Katherine said to me when I walked out of the bathroom last night in this outfit.

Last night our ward had a Pep Rally party and we were invited to dress like the decade we attended high school. I had so much fun putting together my "Working Girl" outfit. I found the black and green check jacket with HUGE shoulder pads at Goodwill as well as the black leather skirt (yes, that is leather). And get this: the glasses are my 80's originals!

The picture doesn't do justice to my hairdo. I always had a perm in high school and college and consequently didn't know I had naturally curly hair. Once I quit perming, I finally realized why my perms always held so well and for so long. So, what you're seeing here is my original, ratted and sprayed curl.

P.S. Just to the right of my ear and above the fence is the back of the house we built and sold. We didn't move too far away, did we!

Pinkalicious

2008-04-27T10:04:00.000-07:00

Katherine's teacher has invited the moms to take turns reading to the class for ten minutes over the next few weeks. I was so excited to read Katherine's favorite books and included the lastest "must read" in her list: Pinkalicious. This is the story of a little girl who eats too many pink cupcakes, causing her to turn pink. She thought being pinkalicious was fabulous until she ate one too many cupcakes and turned red. To bring her back to normal color she had to eat green, healthy foods. As a special treat I made pink cupcakes, iced in pink and topped with pink sprinkles and gummy cherries. They were a hit!

"What does one wear to an 80's bands concert?"

2008-04-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

This is the question Greg posed before we got ready to go to the Def Leppard, REO Speedwagon and Styx concert on Wednesday night. I'm going to have to say that it doesn't matter what you wear to the concert, but what you wear AFTER a head banging-take you back to high school-good time. My first Rock T-Shirt reads "Def Leppard, Loves Bites, Love Bleeds."

Fire Engine Red

2008-04-20T23:09:00.001-07:00

Katherine's class visited the fire station on Thursday and I was so happy to go with them on the field trip. It was fun to watch the kids explore the station and trucks. The boys were especially excited. Katherine only wanted to know if there was a fire dog and once she found out that there wasn't a dog, she lost interest.
And, yes, I coordinated her outfit to match the fire truck. Not a big surprise to anyone who knows me well!

Beach and Brownies Don't Mix

2008-04-20T22:48:00.001-07:00

Maui is only a month and a half away and I can't wait to play in the pool, soak up the sun, hike and snorkel! In anticipation of our vacation I've bought swimming suits, cover-ups and sandals. I found this adorable floaty suit and kid-size snorkel and mask at TJ Maxx last week. Katherine wore the mask for a very long time and "practiced" swimming on the family room floor. Of course, I haven't met my Maui weight loss goal and it would help to stop baking goodies. The rainy, and sometimes snowy, weather makes me feel like eating brownies and cupcakes. Katherine shares my love of chocolate and she's a wonderful helper, at least when it comes to licking the bowl.

Feeling Crabby

2008-04-12T20:45:00.000-07:00

Katherine is walking around with a baby crab (imaginary) in her hands. Apparently it misses its famly. Wait. Update: there are two crabs, a family of crabs, she says. I'm trying to figure this all out:

This afternoon we went to Costo and there was a seafood market. I pointed out the crabs on ice to Katherine and she became very concerned. Soon she was crying about the crabs wrapped up in rubberbands that couldn't use their pinchers (word emphasized with her hands pinching the air). Then I made the mistake of telling her that it was okay because the crabs were dead. More sobs. Aisle after aisle she held her head in her hands saying,

"It's all my fault. I have to save the crabs."
"If I cry my tears on the crabs they'll come alive."
"Please, momma, can I say 'sorry' to the crabs?"

Finally, I carried her back to the crabs so she could say "goodbye." I explained to the seafood booth guy that my daughter was distraught over the fate of the crabs. That dumb man picked up one of the king crab legs, poked the glass in front of us with it and then roared. Idiot.

So, what do you think? Do I have a future PETA member? I do know it will be a while before we really explain where her beloved bacon comes from. . .

How I Feel

2008-04-09T00:25:00.001-07:00

This is how I feel lately: like I'm juggling a lot of different responsibilities and projects and not doing any of them very well. Just when I start to get control of a project, I toss another into the mix.

I'll share the past couple of days as evidence: Greg is out of town but I had to get to the office to to prepare K-1's to be sent out to the investors. To acquire the tax returns I met our accountant in the parking lot of Bed, Bath & Beyond. I chose the location because I had 3 coupons for the store and wanted to use them on a couple of things I wanted.

So, with Katherine in tow, I went out to the office to prepare the mailing and to work on some smaller projects. We then had to take checks to the bank and make a stop at the post office to mail the K-1's. I also had to mail out 12 DVD's I sold for my mom on Amazon. We were close to Kimberly's house, so we dropped by for a short visit.

I made homemade macaroni and cheese but used mini shells as the pasta. It was really good, but Katherine refused to eat it because she was convinced legs would emerge from the shells and walk away. Thanks a lot Tifani! Now my daughter is convinced all shells have legs that may or may not fall off.

Since dinner was a bust, I decided to be crafty for family home evening. I cut out a pre-colored lesson and activity kit to laminate on the Xyron 1200 that was delivered that day. I was so excited to use the machine, I skipped a step and ruined the whole project. I couldn't go to bed without trying to do one of the projects correctly and thus redeeming myself. It worked, but now I have to scrape layers of spray adhesive off my granite countertops.

This morning we rushed to get to pre-school and the office. We actually made it on time, but I forgot to eat breakfast and only had a Diet Pepsi so I had the jitters for hours. I picked up Katherine from school where I learned she has been telling her teacher about her horse named "Eston." This is an imaginary horse who lives with Grandpa's horses. Next we washed the layers of dirt from our black car, drove out into a rainstorm, picked up prescriptions and then dropped off Katherine at my mom's.

When I arrived at my nail appointment, I was told that the manicurist was home sick and that a message was on my home phone-that phone I never use because I'm never home! So, I thought I would take used books to Hastings to turn in for credit and then hit Michael's craft store next door.

I haven't been into Michael's in a very long time, but decided to go to get supplies I'll need for the new group I joined: a card exchange group. While there I ran into my friend who invited me to join and our mutual friend. So, naturally, a 20 minute trip to Michaels turned into nearly 90 minutes. This group is stressful to me because I have to be creative AND make the cards.

Katherine was having so much fun at mom's so we stayed for a while. They were thrilled to have the trampoline up at last. It was time to leave when Katherine and Haylie began fighting about who owns the rights to the "Hokie Pokie." The argument ended with Katherine throwing a plastic monkey at Haylie's head. Play time OVER!

Too lazy to make dinner, I opted to get a $5 deal at Subway, where I ran into another friend from my old neighborhood. Standing out in the cold, talking, I decided I really wanted to just go home to my house filled with unfinished projects. There are the bins of winter clothes to go to the basement, half finished laundry piles, stake conference music folders in the corner, ebay piles under the grand piano, fabric laying out to be fitted for window treatments, wood pieces to be spray painted, ETC.

I have a problem of taking and embracing too many projects and not finishing very many of them. Sometimes I think I avoid being home so that I don't have to face the facts and just get things done. Maybe my perfectionism gets in the way? Who knows. . . At least I have a nice purple Aura (see below). Which reminds me, I need to paint the "Feminine Floral Retreat" (scrap/treadmill room) its two shades of purple. Once I'm nestled in my purple room, my aura will be at peace and I can be at peace. And so I sign off now to be at peaceful sleep as the Ambien kicked in during the first paragraph.

Katherine Cheesepants

2008-04-02T13:28:00.000-07:00

Any mothers out there have any advice for the latest in my daughter's individualism? (That's what I'm choosing to call it.)

Katherine likes to eat "sprinkle cheese" (grated) and she is quite messy with it. While I was blow drying my hair she came and stood in front of me with just her panties on. She said, "Mom, the cheese is all gone." I thought, good, now I can sweep up the mess. Then she smiled at me, pulled down her underwear and said, "See it's in my panties!" Out fell about a cup of finely grated cheese.

As exclaimed in "King Bidgood's In the Bathtub," . . .

Oh, who knows what to do?
Oh, who knows what to do?

For now, she is on sprinkle cheese probation.

Releasing My Inner Goth

2008-03-31T21:10:00.000-07:00

My good friend, Tara, invited me to enjoy a girls' day out for lunch and mani-pedis. We haven't seen each other as much as we used to when I lived across the street. Besides that, she's busy being mom to beautiful twins!

It was such a treat to go out together, chat and catch up. Lunch at a deli on the South Hill was delicious and the spa was nice and relaxing. I felt a bit daring, and perhaps inspired by the latest People magazine, and had my toenails painted BLACK! I love it and my toes looked darling in my peep-toe sandals I wore to church on Sunday (even though it snowed that day). P.S. I chopped the toenails myself, so don't blame the manicurist--I promised to grow them out.

Don't Trifle With Perfection

2008-03-31T21:07:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Marja who introduced this recipe for White Chocolate Almond Raspberry Trifle that I recently made for guests. It is sublime perfection!

Future Son-In-Law?

2008-03-27T09:57:00.001-07:00

In the car on the way to school this morning, Katherine jabbered in the back seat about her wedding. It's a common topic so I didn't think much of it until we got to the classroom. While waiting for the door to open, Katherine told Jonah and his mom that she is going to marry Spongebob Squarepants tonight and they are going to dance together and eat crabby patties.

Why not a handsome prince? Why not Derek from "The Little Mermaid?" What about a neighbor kid or even a boy from her class? No, my child has to pick the square, bald, silly hamburger flipper! I hope this isn't a sign of things to come!

Chaos in the morning

2008-03-26T14:41:00.001-07:00

We woke up at 8:11 which is not good since my appointment at the Cancer Care NW was 8:00. I quickly threw sweatsuits on both Katherine and me, packed bagels and drove quickly to the office. I thought my visit would only be 30 minutes or so but I had to have bloodwork, port flush, meet with an ARNP, have my huge infected toe checked out and then the monthly shot in my rump.

If I had been on the ball I wouldn't have pressed the alarm off AND would have had the birthday present wrapped and in the car for TJ's party. But, I wasn't, so I had to drive back up the hill to get the gift. When we got home it started snowing so I also got hats and gloves because we would be outside for pony rides at the party.

Finally we got to the Carr's house and everybody was there and looking cute and I walk in grungy, no makeup, bad hair, etc. A girl walked up to me and said, "Do you remember me? I sat with you on a flight from SLC to Spokane back when you were dating a musician (Greg)." She's moved back to Spokane. So nice I could see her for the first time in 12 years and in all my glory.

Then I started chatting with another lady and she said, "Are you the person who gave the talk in women's conference last year on organization?" YEP. I suppose it's time to revisit that topic. I tragically failed today.

Pokie Pokie!

2008-03-17T22:10:00.001-07:00

Katherine calls the Hula the "pokie pokie." In celebration of long last getting a date for our Maui trip, we had a celebration dance.

Bring It On Kwan!

2008-03-17T22:03:00.000-07:00

Katherine has been obsessed with ice skates since seeing the Disney ice show last year. So at long last I took her for the first ice skating session. It wasn't quite what she expected, but she was a trooper and finally got the hang of stomping along holding onto the bar.

Back from the Abyss

2008-03-17T17:12:00.000-07:00

The blog has been, as Michelle called it, "quiet." This is why:

We have been frazzled and so very tired. . .

An American Idol Thought

2008-03-17T17:10:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else out there concerned that the colors of Paula Abdul's beautiful colors are starting to run outside the lines? Just wondering. . .

My New Favorite Game

2008-02-28T10:55:00.000-08:00

I found the perfect game for the wannabe in me! This Wii game came in the mail yesterday and I played it as soon as I had time. IT IS SO FUN! The songs are classic and clean as opposed to the heavy metal (i.e. 666: The Number of the Beast) selections of Guitar Hero III. The method is the same as GH III, but, obviously you use your voice. Vibrato gets you extra points just like using the giggly bar on the guitar. I am highly recommending this game for those of you who own a Wii.

Super Glue to the Rescue!

2008-02-27T15:41:00.000-08:00

Super Glue has been added to the list of things to hide from Katherine. Last night I caught her sitting on our bed with her hairless mini Belle doll and an empty bottle of Super Glue. The glue was all over her fingers but enough was applied to the bald Belle to glue the mop of hair back on.

+10 points for analyzing a problem and solving it on her own, -125 points for dumping out Super Glue all over and not asking mom to help.

Praying for Patience

2008-02-20T20:43:00.000-08:00

I am going insane! As I explained in a previous post, both Katherine and I had Influenza B which we caught while in Florida. We have been getting over being very sick and it all hit us again.

Monday night Katherine started throwing up and throwing up. We stripped the bed several times in the night, had many changes of pajamas and rocked our sick little girl for hours. Unfortunately Greg had to fly out of town Tuesday morning and I was left alone dealing with the situation. I had a lot of things to do at the office so Mom came to the house to hold Katherine for several hours in the afternoon. She was so lethargic all day and was in and out of sleep.

I took Katherine to her pediatrician this morning to be checked out and to run a few tests. The conclusion is Katherine has Influenza A and this strain causes severe aches in the head and neck accompanied by high fever.

We're also facing dehydration and possibly going to the hospital tomorrow to have more blood tests and IV fluids. Katherine will only take a few sips of water and each time it has to be in a new cup with fresh ice water. This is where I begin to lose my patience. The constant crying is making me tired and Katherine can also be a very mean little sick person: I have been hit a lot and told I have bad breath. I was actually told to chew some gum before I rock her in the chair. What a diva.

Cable Connection Commentary

2008-02-20T20:23:00.001-08:00

I've never posted about the comments to a post, but I just can't resist. Plus, I have some updates:

Michelle: Tifani was glad I introduced her to Lost and thinks it's worth the effort. But getting caught up is a lot of work. It's the funnest "water cooler" show because there are so many story lines and theories. It's also very mystical and has spiritual themes. As for the outlander series, I've been meaning to ask you about them. I saw one of the books on your website and I've always been curious about the books. Where should I start?

Tifani: I'm so glad to have a friend who appreciates Lost and shares equal amount of twitter-pation for Colin Firth. Remind me to give you "Bridget Jones' Diary" cleaned-up version so we can discuss the modern-day version. I think you'll appreciate it. I'm not sure how you, my savvy, hip friend, managed to miss the Project Runway bandwagon. Obviously I didn't sell that show as well as I did others. It's on Bravo and you can totally catch up on bravotv.com with all of the episodes and then watch the Bryant Park show next week. At least you need to get caught up on hip phrases like "make it work" and getting "auf'd."

Marja: You're so funny. You just hate British English because that's what you had to learn in school. You're missing out. Next time I come to Utah I'm bringing my P&P DVD and forcing you to watch it ALL. As for Project Runway, I've done some research, seen 3 outfits from each collection and am here to tell you Rami is classic elegance. He really did shed his "drapes of wrath" habit and his gold Oscar worthy dress is absolutely stunning. Word on the web is that when that dress hit the runway there was a hush and then applause. Costume Chris actually used human hair as trim, Christian must see the world in only black and taupe, Sweet P is no more than a boutique dress designer and Jillian had great pieces, but her collection lacked unity or a cohesive theme.

Kristina: You crack me up. I think it's hilarious that you laugh at the people who can't sing. I get so embarassed for these people I don't even know and must ook away. I really do avert my eyes. The kid from Murray is so talented--already one of my favorites. Oh, and I love that you are crushing on Colin Firth, too. We P&P people must stick together.

Love you guys! I look forward to your comments and enjoy sharing my thoughts with like minds!

Cable Connection. . .

2008-02-19T22:10:00.000-08:00

During a chat with Tifani yesterday the subject of television shows came up and it made me think about what I connecting with on the boob tube:

Pride and Prejudice: Thank you PBS for airing my favorite movie starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle. I love, love, love this version and Sunday viewed Mr. Darcy's totally-not-in-the-book-but-totally-made-my-heart-flutter swan dive into the pond.

American Idol: Why do I have an inexplicable need to support a complete stranger's dreams?

Lost: Theories abound but one thing is for sure and that is the crazy Frenchwoman has more punch in her than she gave Ben. Very disappointing. She deserves to have let out her pent-up aggression on Benjamin lyin' Limus.

Project Runway: It's almost over! Say it isn't sew! Looks like it will all come down to that "fierce" ferret-like Christian and the classy Rami. Stay away from the draping darling and you'll win for sure, Rami (my favorite since Episode 1).

Press Release

2008-02-18T19:53:00.000-08:00

Cut and pasted here for those of you who didn't know Greg started a new job:

MED-AESTHETIC SOLUTIONS NAMES GREG STEVENSON REGIONAL SALES MANAGER FOR THE NORTHWEST AND ROCKY MOUNTAIN STATES

CARDIFF-BY-THE-SEA, CA (February 18, 2008)—Med-Aesthetic Solutions, Inc., (MAS) a global provider of practice building solutions and aesthetic technologies, announced today that Greg Stevenson has been appointed Regional Manager for the Northwest and Rocky Mountain States.

In his new role, Stevenson will be responsible for driving regional sales of the multi-part, Med-Aesthetic Solutions strategic practice building services, which provide physicians with tools to optimize opportunities in their aesthetic medical practices. He will further expand sales of the Company’s product portfolio, which includes iPulse™ Intense Pulsed Light Systems, Salt-A-Peel™ MacroDermabrasion Therapy and the Mastique Light™ Skin Rejuvenation System.

“Greg is very results-oriented and brings a thorough understanding of aesthetic sales and marketing to the MAS team,” said Allan Danto, President and COO. “As an experienced sales professional, he has achieved the highest levels of recognition for meeting and exceeding sales goals.”

Before joining MAS, Stevenson held sales management positions at leading healthcare companies such as IRIDEX, the Aesthetic Laser Division of Laserscope, HGM Laser Systems and Medical Alliance, Inc. He earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Weber State University in Ogden, UT.

Med-Aesthetic Solutions, Inc is headquartered in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Calif., with an East Coast office in Danvers, Mass., and international offices in London and Sydney, Australia. Warehousing, distribution and customer care is based in Albuquerque, N.M.

Michener Marathon

2008-02-16T22:37:00.000-08:00

Book Group selection for February is James Michener's Chesapeake. After an encouraging chat with Tifani who is enjoying the book, I was determined to really get into the story today. I read off and on throughout the day, fortifying with 2 Diet Pepsi's, 4 sugar cookies and a bag of kettle corn. Sadly, I'm only on page 264 with roughly 600 more to go.

I'm not a long distance reader and must admit I just finished searching Netflix and Amazon for a mini-series version I can watch instead. I don't think Michener is Cliffs Noted, is he? It doesn't help that I got the same response from both my mom and Greg when I told them I was reading Michener: Oh, Centennial is the best book! That's hilarious because that's not the one we're reading and I'm sure there is a mini-series of that book.

The Domestic Dumps

2008-02-13T21:24:00.000-08:00

Have you ever had one of those days when nothing goes right?

I had the best intentions this afternoon to make heart-shaped sugar cookies for Katherine's class, but it all went wrong. I forgot to add the sour cream to the recipe and attempted to add it after the dough had been chilling for a couple hours. Then while the Bosch was spinning, I accidentally dumped the newly filled flour canister upside down onto the floor. At least it landed only a few inches from the auto-dustbin in the cabinet.

We made homemade Valentine's and a veggie tray for the class party, but there will be no cookies. I had to quit while I was ahead and down 5 lbs. of flour. I'm feeling in the "domestic dumps."

You Spin Me Right Round . . .

2008-02-11T14:34:00.000-08:00

Pure joy on the carousel

Dumbo was a favorite

Katherine really loved spinning the teacups.

'Round and 'round the racetrack

The Worst Way to Spend an Afternoon. . .

2008-02-09T20:12:00.000-08:00

IN THE ER!!!

Katherine woke up from her nap with a raging fever of 103.8. We called her hematologist and were recommended to go to the emergency room for bloodwork. Of course it took all afternoon for the confirmation that her bilirubin is up and her red count is down. All very obvious since she was yellow and lethargic.

The funny part is that the doctor tried to dismiss my claims that I had the flu and Katherine was probably also sick with the flu. He seemed surprised when he came back with the nose swab test result indicating she did in fact have influenza. Always trust the mom.

Katherine was a trooper though. She said "thank you" to everyone, even the woman who stuck her with a needle. Whenever the aid took her temperature she said, "thank you for helping."

Fighting the Flu x2!

2008-02-09T11:28:00.000-08:00

My fever finally broke and hours later Katherine was complaining that lions had scratched her throat. Two different thermometers confirmed her temp to be 103.4! This means I'll have to delay longer the posts of our wonderful and exhausting Orlando trip just a while longer. . . Stay tuned!

I'm taking my ball and going home

2008-01-30T19:02:00.000-08:00

I'm with Rush on this: if McCain is the Republican primary winner, I WILL NOT VOTE FOR MCCAIN. I will not watch debates. I will not watch coverage.

Actually, if McCain wins the nomination I will vote for Hilary, assuming she is the winner. After all, we had to have 4 years of Carter to get a Reagan. . .

I'll be going to the Republican caucus on Feb. 9 to put in my 2 cents against McCain. I think he's sleazy.

Who needs TV when you have a Kat?

2008-01-29T20:43:00.000-08:00

Off-the-wall comments by Katherine on Tuesday, January 29, 2008 between 8:00 and 8:30 p.m.

"My bips (ribs) are hurting." - explaining a stomach pain
"Mom, don't send me to Jesus." - where did this come from out of the blue?
"Why are you making me have Jasmine hair?" - combing her hair after a shower
"I need to go potty. Oops! I just pee-peed on the floor. No! I didn't." - too busy to go potty, false alarm
"Once upon a time Marja went to the store and got me green pajamas." this is not true
"Doggy can't cross over. He doesn't have a bridge." I get the Jesus comment now. Our home teacher came and talked about spiritual bridges to Jesus. The stuffed dog is doing Evel Knievel from the coffee table to the sofa.
"Where's Marja?" I get this now, too. Marja is the name of her blond Polly Pocket

Political Heartburn

2008-01-29T20:33:00.000-08:00

While watching Fox News for the Florida election results, Katherine entered the room and said, "Turn off the TV!" We explained that we were watching the election to which she replied: I don't like the 'lection. It hurts my tummy.

Our sentiments exactly. McCain gives me a stomach ache.

Dangerous Cheese

2008-01-27T21:00:00.000-08:00

One of Katherine's favorite treats are little cheeses (mini Babybel) wrapped in red wax we buy at Costco. She calls them "cookie cheese" and can eat 2 or 3 at a time. A while ago she was snacking on cheese while watching a movie on our little DVD player. She went to Greg and told him that the DVD was broken. When he went to investigate he found that Katherine had taken the red wax coating of the cheese and ground it into the player. It was beyond repair.

No Surprise Here. . . My True Color

2008-01-27T20:16:00.001-08:00

What's Your True Color?

My Result: Black

Your color is black. The color of night. Serene and mysterious, black conjures up images of elegant evening gowns, dashing tuxedos, and gleaming limousines. Traditionally a symbol of success, black also represents power and an uncompromising demand for perfection. Not surprisingly, you tend to set challenging goals for yourself and do whatever it takes to achieve them — your strength of character is second to none. This unfaltering determination, along with your natural elegance, impresses people. But keep in mind that your personality might be intimidating to some. Try to temper your demanding side with a little softness — trust us, it won't kill you. Overall, though, black is the color of professionalism and achievement, which means it's clearly the color for you.

What are you?
http://web.tickle.com/rd/50651/color/index.jsp?testname=colorogt&resultid=G

Musical Mission Remembered

2008-01-23T18:56:00.000-08:00

About a week ago I received a message from one of my cousins telling me that she is going on a music tour in Germany. Many of the cities she listed on the itinerary were places I served in or visited while on my mission. In such a musically rich environment I had many opportunities to share my talents and to visit inspirational places. Throughout the entire time I was in Eastern Germany I never had to give a talk and instead was asked to sing or play the violin. I also played the piano for sacrament meetings in a couple of cities.

After a zone conference in Leipzig, we had time to tour the cathedral where Bach composed for many years.
We attended a Bergmanishe Music Festival with investigators while serving in Schwarzenberg. Very Sound of Music.

One of my very favorite ladies. I carried sheet music with me and played the piano for many people who had pianos in their homes but didn't play themselves. Spotting a piano in a living room was a great way to break the ice and I was never rejected if I offered to play.

A P-Day visit to the Handel house in Halle. I can't believe the tour guide actually allowed me to play this instrument.

Singing at a ward harvest party. We sang "Because I Have Been Given Much" which had just been translated into German.

After receiving the news of my counsin's future trip, I was inspired to pull out the box of photos and begin a huge project. I have been scanning photos and/or negatives onto my computer and putting together a digital scrapbook. All of the photos are very grainy and I have had to do a lot of enhancement and cropping; the camera I had was horrible. So, that's where I've been--absorbed in a project long overdue.

This Made Me Laugh

2008-01-22T22:23:00.001-08:00

"I don't drink coffee, sir. I don't drink hot liquids of any kind. That's the devil's temperature." - Kenneth the Page shunning the espresso machine on his desk on 30 Rock.

30 Rock is one of my favorite shows and I've watched it since the first episode. It makes me laugh out loud. If you haven't discovered Kenneth yet, maybe you should. Everyone should have a bit of naive optimism.

I Won't Need An Ambien Tonight!

2008-01-15T18:58:00.000-08:00

Phew! A big win for my candidate in Michigan! I look forward to a good night's sleep and will look forward to Nevada and South Carolina. . .

A Moment for Mitt

2008-01-14T21:01:00.000-08:00

I just read a funny blog post calling on its readers to focus all their "available chakra energy on Mitt at 9:00 AM tomorrow morning." It also asks the readers to "take a moment of silence to send positive thoughts to Mitt Romney and his Michigan field organization or positive karmic energy by whatever means you're most capable of using." Let's join this left wing blogger (I still don't know why he's a Mitt-er) and send out our positive thoughts and prayers. AND, if you know anyone who lives in Michigan, remind them to vote (for Mitt)!

Political Panic

2008-01-10T21:41:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted in a while because I am OBSESSED with GOP politics. I'm a nervous wreck about the presidential election and particularly about my candidate, Mitt Romney. That's all I have to say: I'm a mess and so is the process, it seems.

Holiday Recovery

2008-01-01T23:43:00.001-08:00

The past two weeks have been exciting and the activity has been non-stop. Today we all felt like crashing, but there was too much to do to try to clean up some of the Christmas chaos and to have a dinner party tonight.

As I started organizing the Christmas stuff, I had a really good feeling about our holiday. I don't have any wish I woulda's or coulda's. I feel like I was able to do what I had set out to accomplish:

sewed nativity costumes for all of the kids
made cookies and delivered to the neighbors
hosted a successful book group at my house on the 20th
had friends over for playdate/luncheon on the 20th
tried out new recipes for Christmas Eve (avocado eggrolls were fabulous)
played Christmas music on the piano
read Christmas books to Katherine
attended neighborhood and friend gatherings
saw the Nutcracker with Katherine
sent out the Christmas cards a week before
kept an advent countdown with Katherine

In addition to these things I also kept up with traditions of the past like making quiche Christmas morning and other small things that I do every year. All of this adds up to being exhausted. It's time to end this post because I'm tired!

Tub O'Polar Bears

2008-01-01T23:21:00.000-08:00

Polar Bear Soup!

Katherine is such a gutsy girl to try out the ice roll!

At the Komm cabin on the Pend O'Reille River, Idaho.

A Cozy Tradition

2008-01-01T23:15:00.000-08:00

Since we were little kids we have opened gifts of new pajamas every Christmas Eve. I think it was part of mom's plan to have us looking good for pictures the next morning in front of the tree. This year she had PJ's for all of us. Trevor was really hanging onto the Mullah/Santa mix look for as long as he could.

2008-01-01T23:08:00.000-08:00

We spent much of the last weekend at my parent's cabin on the Pend O'Reille River. It was snowpacked and beautiful. There is a long, sloped drive to the cabin from the main road and it made a great sledding hill for the kids. Katherine loves sledding, had no fear of going fast and wanted to go down as many times as possible.

"Santa Brought My Horse Back"

2008-01-01T22:44:00.000-08:00

Katherine, after catching a peak of one of her Christmas presents (a black horse for her American Girl doll) was confused as to why she couldn't have it when she saw it immediately. I told her that I gave it to Santa who was fixing it up and making sure it would work and he'd bring it back for Christmas. The two Santas she talked to were asked to please bring the black horse back to her.

One of the other gifts Katherine was expecting was a Barbie fishing pole. I learned about this from her pre-school teacher after the Christmas party when Mrs. Havens said to Kat, "I hope you get the fishing pole you asked for." I did a double take to make sure she was talking to my child. I took Mrs. Havens aside and asked her what that statement meant. She informed me Katherine had been telling her for about 2 weeks that she was getting a Barbie fishing pole for Christmas. She had seen the silly thing at White Elephant and I assumed she would forget about it. Needless to say, I called Greg as soon as we were in the car and asked him to go to White Elephant and get the pole or we would be sunk. Success! And for $11.99, too!I'm calling this gift "What was Santa thinking?" The box full of makeup seemed like a fun mother-daughter activity, but Katherine left me out of the fun and painted her nails while sitting on the carpet. I must have taught her well because she had tissue under her feet.

Who Would "Fear" This Angel Face?

2008-01-01T22:04:00.000-08:00

Katherine was the angel for our Komm Family Christmas Pageant. While the kids were getting dressed up Preston coached Katherine with her lines. It was so cute to watch 4 year old Preston (playing Joseph) telling Katherine: "Kaffrin, say, 'Fear not, good joy, Baby Jesus is born. Say that."

All of the kids were really good sports, and some of them were very enthusiastic, about wearing the costumes I worked so hard to sew for the past three weeks. I made the angel costume and finished Mary's tunic on Christmas Eve morning. I'm so glad I was able to have something for each of the kids. Watch out adults! Your costumes will be finished for next year.

I even made Travis, the oldest grandchild, dress up. I can't believe this kid is 14 years old and 6 foot 3? 4? and growing. . .

And then our little sheep, Haylie.

Katherine saying her lines.

Wise women came to see Jesus via an L.A. ghetto

Shepherds Trevor and Kyle

And the cutest Mary and Joseph ever!

Happy 42nd Anniversary!

2007-12-16T23:42:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-16T01:03:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-16T00:38:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-14T11:11:00.000-08:00

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!

2007-12-09T21:03:00.001-08:00

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

2007-12-09T16:07:00.002-08:00

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

2007-12-09T16:07:00.001-08:00

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!

2007-12-07T12:04:00.000-08:00

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

2007-12-05T18:01:00.000-08:00

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