A Belated Thanks...

To my middle school Home Ec teacher,

Mrs (Miss?) Pignatello,

Bless you for teaching me to make omelets 20 years ago. That spinach-mushroom-feta omelet I made for lunch today was a little bit of heaven!

Denali 2012

I have setup another blog that is specific to the climb that I will be doing in Alaska this May, 2012.  For those that want to follow along here is the link:

Expedition 2012 Climbing "The High One"

Quotes to Live By...

"Form a habit of pushing on through the fatigue and fear that might make you think of quitting."

"I can't be a perfect servant every hour, but I can try to give more effort than I thought I could."

Both by President Henry B. Eyring, First Counselor in the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

Here's another one...

"We are never alone when we stand with our Father in Heaven." --President Thomas S. Monson, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.


I know my Heavenly Father is mindful of me, because he put these quotes in my reading path yesterday and today. How did He know I wanted to sleep, zone out my mind, and quit? How did He know that I want to be a perfect servant for Him so much that the effort seems almost too much? To be perfect all the time is beyond me, but to give more effort and then some more? That I can do -- or at least try. How did He know I've been feeling so alone lately, with J's work schedule, my single-mom-type life, my long absence from the temple, and my spotty scripture study? Well, no wonder I've been feeling alone, but I don't have to be. Back to the temple I go, back to diligent, meaningful, consistent scripture study, back to my Father in Heaven, and I won't feel alone. Already I feel Him with me again. He always knows just what I need.

I didn't used to feel known and beloved of my Heavenly Father. I grew up learning/thinking that he was a misty far-off being just watching me from the distant heavens. I know now that He knows me. He loves me. He cares about the details of my life. And what an amazing gift that knowledge is.

The Young Professionals

I am married to what I call a "young professional." He is in his 30's, working in the technology industry at a "9-to-5" job (Oh yes, there's a reason I put that in quotes!) in the prime of his life. He balances work, leisure, self-improvement, and family and he looks dang good doing it. I have been thinking about this a lot lately, but it really hit home last night while at the funeral services of J's friend and co-worker. This man too was a young professional. He was 39 years old, a salesman at J's company, in the prime of his life. He worked hard, played hard, lived life to the fullest, loved his wife, 9 year old daughter and 3 year old son with a passion, and was infinitely positive and happy. The funeral service included a time when anyone in attendance could share thoughts and memories of Terry. His parents and a few of his lifelong friends spoke. He made such an impact on peoples' lives. I couldn't help but wish that at least one of his co-workers would get up and pay tribute to him. There were so many in attendance at the services that knew Terry from work. J considered it but, in the end, decided it was a night just for family and close friends. It really was, but it did get me thinking about the "young professional" as a breed. These men -- my man included -- spend most of their waking hours at work. Their lives, their friendships, their energy, their thoughts revolve around work (well, and if they're male -- sex.) As much as I'd like to think that the kids and I are J's top priority and center of his world, I realize that we are not. We hear quotes like: "You are what you repeatedly do." Well, J works, works, and works some more. And when he's not working, he's working out with people with whom he works. Or he's thinking about work. Or he's thinking about and texting the co-workers with whom he works out about the work-out. Or he's sore from the work-out.

It helped me to realize this. I've had a hard time lately with how much J has been at work. I've teased him at night, asking him if I should get into bed with him and whoever he is texting from work. I've tried to pull his focus back to me and the kids. I've tried and tried, and I've been frustrated and discouraged by my failed efforts. But he is a "young professional." He is work. His friendships are all at work. And somehow, it will all work out.

From the Mouth of Babes...

Another H-ism:

This is a conversation we had while he was idly patting my belly fat this morning...

H: "You have a big belly, Mom."
Me: "It's squishy and jiggly, isn't it? Do you like it?"
H: "Yeah. It's soft. But those," here he points to my diminutive chest "you just put those on in the morning."
Me: "Yes, you're right about that, Son!"

To get ready for the day, some people their 'outfit' on and their 'look' together by getting dressed. Some people put their 'face' on by putting on makeup. Me? I put my boobs on when I put on my bra.


And can I just say, there is no shame in shopping in the little girls' section for clothes, but there is no dignity buying bras from the little girls' bra section. Do I really need ice cream cones or rainbows printed all over my bras? I don't think so.

Careful!

H climbed on my lap at a concert we attended today. This is what he said once he got himself situated:

"Be careful, Mom -- I have hiccups."

Duly noted, little one.

Pumpkin Pies

Esther will have to tell the story of how she ended up with 70 cups worth of pumpkin purée. Here are some pictures documenting the carnage.

Baking the pumpkins:



Gutting the pumpkins:




The pumpkin carcases:



The end result, yummy homemade pumpkin pie: