December Bookclub!

On Tuesday night we gathered at Collette's house for our favorite bookclub gathering of the year!

Collette's husband Travis took this picture of us after amusing us with his efforts to get the shot just right. By the time he finally snapped the picture we were fatigued from smiling!

We all love the look of our presents for each other under Collette's tree.

Cute Collette said the prayer over dinner and got choked up (of course I took this picture after it was over).

We had a wonderful meal, but I thought the camera battery had died so I couldn't document it but I did get this shot of Jenn's gorgeous salad. Amy made a roast, I brought Smashers from Wallaby's, Collette brought Shirley's rolls, and Jana made some tasty drinks...Michelle was on dessert.

Collette "proudly" displayed the white elephant gift Travis won at his work party.

Our book discussion this month was a fabulous choice, especially for December. We have never read a church book before, which is silly because we all have that in common and have so much to say.

We talked for a long time.

Poor Jana, her pneumonia was gone but she was left with 3 cracked ribs from coughing so much! She was pretty uncomfortable and struggled every time she needed to cough.

Jenn has only recently gotten texting technology on her brick...ahem cell phone. We just had to tease her about this. I took a picture of her with my phone and texted it to her but it came through looking like a cartoon!

Behold the glorious Caramel Cake Michelle made for us! The cake was so soft and delicious that I kept eating it even after I should have stopped.

Our favorite part of the night is our gift exchange! This photo doesn't even show everything, but it does show the lovely pile-up of presents waiting to be opened. Jana gave us the cute First Aid Kit and Jenn gave us each a bag of our favorite Cadbury Eggs!

Michelle made these beautiful ornaments complete with pages from Sense and Sensibility.

Amy made these cool paper decorations with one of her creative machines (I can't keep up).

I gave the girls this great book.

Collette gave us a BYU water bottle and and big bag of chocolate covered cinnamon bears plus a sparkly ornament of our initial.

We also did our book exchange (remember we drew names last month?). I think everyone was delighted with the results.

This is the book I got from Michelle, delightful!

Collette gave to Amy: Unbroken

Jenn gave to Collette: Remarkable Creatures

Michelle gave to me: Death Comes to Pemberley

Jana gave to Michelle: Infinite Jest

Amy gave to Jana: The Spanish Bride

I gave to Jenn: A Parchment of Leaves

It feels like a lot of effort to get everything together for this night, but we're always so glad once we get there. Vive le book club!

**Have you read any of those books?

Are you ready for Christmas?

Can you believe I didn't post for a whole week?**

Comment Window Tidbit: It's weird to finally have some down time. I read in the cozy for 2 hours this morning and finally finished a book! I have messes everywhere that need to be cleaned up but I keep puttering around because I can.

12 on the 12th--December Edition

Michelle saved my bacon and made my grid once again!

{Click to Enlarge}

1. I started out my morning (at 5:28am) listening to the Danny Gokey Station on Pandora Radio. I've been listening to Pandora at work and at home these days and love the almost-commercial free listening and variety of artists I get to select, woohoo.
2. I had time to write a couple thank-you notes while my hair was in curlers.
3. My view during family scripture reading.
4. I keep all my work hours in this little notebook and was using it to total up last week's hours so I could turn in my timecard.
5. The headset look I sport in the office.
6. I had to rush home to bake some cookies for Whitney to take to Activity Days (luckily I had dough already made in the freezer!).
7. I was also scrambling to get a package of stuff Landon sold on ebay ready to ship before I had to go visiting teaching.
8. I made it to the post office to drop off the package (luckily I'd printed postage online before arriving so I didn't have to stand in the long line there), then picked up more free Flat Rate boxes and went visiting teaching from 4-6.
9. This creation of Whitney's was so funny and brilliant to me!
10. Randy and I went to Los Hermanos for dinner to discuss Christmas. I had definitely been feeling unsettled about it and found great relief in making a plan.
11. We stopped by Target to buy bagels and price something and Randy tied my shoe in the middle of one of the aisles, it looked so chivalrous like he was proposing!
12. We stopped by Barnes and Noble to get a book for my work's book exchange. Of course I bought A Girl Named Zippy because anyone would love it.

**Did you document your 12th?

Are you ready for Christmas?

Have you gone visiting teaching?**

Comment Window Tidbit: We've had potlucks 2 days in a row at work so I've been eating far better than I usually do, except that today I accidentally sampled a seafood dip that I mistook for a taco dip (the coloring fooled me) and was totally grossed out.

Miscellaneous Monday

Michelle brought me a drink at work on Friday and came to see me in my "habitat". It is kind of crazy to me that I spend so much time at work and do so many things there yet only the people I work with know about it. It feels all encompassing to me so it was fun to have her stop by in the middle of a very crazy lunch time to see some of it. Plus the drink was a delightful treat for me the rest of the afternoon!

We have popcorn for the staff on Fridays, plus my big drink from Michelle and then a Christmas present from the school nurse who comes in once a week. I was so shocked that she gave me something and I'm very excited because I've always wanted to grow bulbs indoors, so this little kit was a great surprise for me.

This is a peek into one of my desk drawers. Cake, fishy crackers, keys, a mirror, lip gloss, my phone would be there except I had to use it to take the photo, and miscellaneous notes and papers. I always feel kind of silly having food in my drawers, but I eat while I work or I don't eat at all so this is how I roll.

We had a gloriously obligation-free Saturday so I was able to clean and putter to my heart's content. Randy was kind enough to get me some Cafe Rio for lunch and I enjoyed it at the computer while watching Friday Night Lights...bliss!

The demise of my good camera is seriously hurting my blogging ways, that combined with busyness is making for some sporadic blogging for sure.

**What do you think?**

Comment Window Tidbit: Usually my tolerance for life at the junior is very high, but today it was not. It's probably because I'm feeling antsy about all the other stuff I have to do this week, but I hate it that it affects me so much.

Sunday Thoughts

Every morning as I get ready for work, I listen to a Conference talk or two on my iphone thanks to the Mormon Channel App. I used to download the talks as podcasts, but using the Mormon Channel has made it even easier.

The other morning as I was scrolling through my Conference talk options I went back to 2003 just for the heck of it and listened to Elder Oaks' talk entitled Give Thanks in All Things. There were multiple things in this talk that jumped out at me and made me say "whoa!" because of their pertinence to my life right now (I love it when that happens). 

He said...

“Verily I say unto you my friends, fear not, let your hearts be comforted; yea, rejoice evermore, and in everything give thanks; … and all things wherewith you have been afflicted shall work together for your good” (D&C 98:1, 3). And to Joseph Smith in the afflictions of Liberty Jail, the Lord said, “Know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good” (D&C 122:7). Brigham Young understood. Said he, “There is not a single condition of life [or] one hour’s experience but what is beneficial to all those who make it their study, and aim to improve upon the experience they gain” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Brigham Young [1997], 179).

Pioneers like President John Taylor, who witnessed the murder of their prophet and experienced prolonged persecution and incredible hardships for their faith, praised God and thanked Him. Through their challenges and the courageous and inspired actions they took to meet them, they grew in faith and in spiritual stature. Through their afflictions they became what God desired them to become, and they laid the foundation of the great work that blesses our lives today.

Like the pioneers, we should thank God for our adversities and pray for guidance in meeting them. Through that attitude and through our faith and obedience, we will realize the promises God has given us. It is all part of the plan.

These words were comforting to me this week as I felt crushed by the money woes of our car repair, car registration and untimely Costco renewal (I just shouldn't have renewed it right then). It's easy for me to spiral into negativity in times like this, but I was able to shake it off (eventually) and move forward

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: I got a new calling today (but can't reveal it until I'm sustained next Sunday) and am in disbelief about it. You'll never guess what it is, but you're welcome to try.

Compliments

I can live for two months 
on a good compliment.  

~Mark Twain

Last Friday I was fortunate enough to receive two super kind compliments and an act of kindness. The first one came from an older man who had been substitute teaching at the school all week so I had interacted with him before and after school each day. On Friday morning after I had given him several things he needed he said, "I want to tell you something, you are one of the kindest, most understanding people I've ever met in my life and the world would be a better place if there were more people like you."

I stood there with tears in my eyes and said, "I don't think my family would agree with you, but thank you so much for saying so."

Then later a girl interviewing for a job was sitting in the office waiting for her interview so I chatted with her for a bit, after a little while she blurted, "You look beautiful in red!"

Then in the afternoon the father of one of the students (who I happen to know from church) came by to bring his son some medicine. I talked to him for a little bit and was looking on the computer to find where his son was and he handed me a bag of Peanut M&Ms. I thought they were a treat for his son, but he said "I knew I'd be seeing you so I got you some too." 

Once again I teared up. It was such an unexpected kindness and took such forethought that I was stunned. He had bought a bag for his son too, so it wasn't the bag he intended for his son. 

All of this has got me thinking about compliments and the way we treat other people. I think I do a great job of this while at work because I am consciously making an effort to be a positive influence on the people around me, but I know I need to do better at this at home. 

**Are you quick to compliment?

What's the best compliment you've ever received?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I wish I didn't have to figure something out to wear everyday. My wardrobe is sad.

A Thought

Today I'm sort of feeling like everyone is trying to take a piece of me or my wallet, and I don't like it one bit. We've been invited to several parties over the next couple of weeks and I have RSVP'd yes, but now I'm feeling overwhelmed by the need to find multiple white elephant gifts (though that really shouldn't be hard) and an ugly sweater to wear. There are overlapping events and generally always someplace we're supposed to be. But it's all fun right?

Plus, I went to Costco to buy bagels for Landon and then remembered that our account expired on November 30th (oh the humanity!). So I mentally prepared myself to pay the $50 renewal fee but then almost passed out when my total with the bagels ended up being $111! I had forgotten that we have the Executive (2% cash back) membership. So though it's fine most of the time, today it really wasn't and I've felt sick ever since leaving there today. I came home and told Landon that his bagels cost me $111 and that I hope he'll enjoy having those for his Christmas gifts. Ha. Aargh!!!!!!!!

The car goes in for repairs tomorrow. Good times.

**Are you feeling overwhelmed?

Does everyone want money from you?**

Comment Window Tidbit: We've already received a bunch of ridiculously cute Christmas cards...should this be making me feel blue? I may need to up the meds.

Sunday Thoughts

We had Stake Conference this morning and though I got something from all the talks, I took the most notes from our Stake President's talk.

• We all need the Atonement.
• Alma 5:14-16
• Quit looking to the past all the time, look forward.
• Pray to know how our weaknesses can become our strengths.
• The Sacrament is fundamental to the building of man's character.
• The deep spiritual significance of the Sacrament is knowing we can be forgiven of our sins.
• We should come to church peacefully and prepared to receive the Sacrament (as opposed to arriving in a frantic, grumptastic frenzy from rushing to get kids ready).
• We should leave the things of the world outside the church and focus on the Sacrament.
• We should sing the hymns and prepare ourselves to receive the Sacrmaent.
• The most important word in the Sacrament prayer is REMEMBER.
• We can be filled spiritually when we take the Sacrmanet. The wounds of our Spirit are healed.
• The chapel is a sacred place, we should be reverent and quiet. Socializing should take place in the foyer and halls.

I love these thoughts and have noticed a difference in the peacefulness of Sacrament meeting for us since we have been arriving so early for it this year in an effort to get a soft seat. I spend that time reading over Conference talks or my scriptures and listening to the prelude music. I often notice the loud socializing that goes on around me but I do my best not to participate in it (i.e., I don't go looking for people to talk to). Hopefully after his message today the chapel will be more reverent.

**Thoughts??**

Comment Window Tidbit: We're finally decorating for Christmas!

Another Week...

Phew! I made it through another week, this feels like a major accomplishment. I'm feeling that Friday feeling that makes me just want to stay home and relax and not have to be anywhere or do anything, but instead I have to make cookies for a ward party that starts in an hour and a half. I actually went to the store after work with the sole purpose of buying cookies, but then forgot and ended up getting some groceries instead. Luckily Whitney remember we needed to get cookies while we were standing in line (I have no doubt that the only reason she remembered is because she wanted one, if I had needed spinach it wouldn't have even been on her radar) so I had to finish paying and then go look for the cookies. It was going to cost $7.49 for 20 cookies, and of course I'm supposed to bring 24 so in a fit of energetic ambition I decided I would go home and make some instead. What was I thinking? I guess I was still feeling the day's momentum but have since completely lost it and just want to read in the cozy. Oh the humanity!

**Would you have bought the cookies?

Would you have planned ahead and made cookies sooner?

Do you operate on momentum?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I made it through my 12 hour day without too much trouble thank to Randy bringing me a medicinal Coke around noon for my headache!

Just in Time for Christmas

Why oh why did we buy a car in November oh so many years ago? We weren't thinking of the horror of having to register it every year this close to Christmas obviously. I went to register my car today feeling pretty pleased that I could do so but didn't realize I was going to have to have the safety and emissions testing done, so that was blow number one. Then blow number 2 came almost immediately when they told me my front outer tire rods need to be replaced (a $200 repair)...I almost cried, but then I reminded myself that it will all work out and that at least this was discovered before I was flying down the freeway right? Blow number 3 came when they handed me this unmistakable message on the paperwork. Sheesh. In fact, Randy just brought the paper into the office as I'm writing this and said, "How is this supposed to help me feel good about myself?" Good Hell.

Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men. Fa la la la la.

Comment Window Tidbit: I'm working 12 hours tomorrow because it's Parent/Teacher Conference night. I will be accepting food, beverages, chocolate and messages of good will as offered.

Creative Friday--Thanksgiving Break Edition

Landon and I went to Michelle's house on Friday for a glorious Thanksgiving Break Edition of Creative Friday!

I had such bad cramps that I feared death was imminent, but knew Michelle would have the medicinal mixture I needed to feel better. Sure enough, she hooked me up with a combination of these two items and within a half hour I was feeling good.

Max practiced the piano for awhile and Marc regaled Landon and Lucas with news of the next big innovation coming to the Wii.

I got down to business writing some long overdue thank you notes. I have been very frustrated with how behind I've gotten on my good mail ways.

I like this shot Michelle took of my supplies including the medicinal Coke I had that day. (I fear I'm cultivating a new addiction and am trying hard not to give in to it, but that day it really helped.)

Michelle worked on some cool Christmas ornaments that proved to be more time consuming than she'd anticipated.

Michelle was quite smitten (as am I) with these darling thank you notes I found a couple months ago at TJ Maxx. When I bought them I hadn't even noticed that the envelopes were cute too.

Marc was kind enough to offer me a piece of his birthday cake! I would have completely understood if he had wanted to save it all for himself.

My phone beeped at 5:00 to notify me that it was Creative Friday!

Cute Michelle.

She made progress on her sparkly ornaments.

I wrote 16 thank you notes!

My hand hurt and felt like a hideous claw by the end of the day.

We didn't see much of the boys until the end of the day when they played chess in the family room. Landon's broken elbow busted their groove a bit so they weren't able to play basketball or jump on the trampoline.

It was a really great, restorative and productive day and one that I definitely need to help me regroup and relax.

**Have you written any thank you notes lately?

Do you love TJ Maxx for stationery?

Ever made your own ornaments?

What do you take for cramps?**

Comment Window Tidbit: As much as I love to be home, I must say that I manage my time far more effectively now that I'm working. Apparently I really need a set wake-up time and early bedtime and didn't need to be watching so much TV all these years!

November Bookclub

One thing I've noticed about using my Kindle is that I don't have an accurate feel for how long the book is, so I don't end up knowing how to manage my time in order to finish in time for book club. I was in a total panic the day of book club because I was only 70% done with the book (how does that number help me?). I spent all afternoon frantically reading, then had Randy read to me while I was getting ready to go.

Then Michelle read to me while I drove us to Collette's house and we sat in the driveway for 5 minutes finishing the book! As you can see, Michelle saved my bacon once again!

We brought our own dinners to enjoy at Collette's house (I enjoy this) and I had my usual.

Jana showed up even though she was coming off 3 weeks of pneumonia and couldn't hear well because her ears were plugged (this ended up being funny). She freaked us out by how skinny she is! Apparently the combination of running and being sick agrees with her, but now she's wasting away! I told Michelle I'd like to show up to book club looking shockingly skinny one of these days.

We talked at the table for a long time before moving into the cozy family room because we knew Jana would be leaving soon (she had to get home to her sick kids).

We drew names for our Christmas book exchange.

I got Jenn! Michelle got me!

I was lamenting that I didn't have a good feel for the book because I read it on my Kindle and found out the cover of the book was at the very end of the Kindle edition...what the?

We got cozy to discuss the book and ended up spending more time talking about the previous week's RS lesson on The Millennium.

**Have you read this book?

Ever read to someone by headlight?**

Comment Window Tidbit: I went to bed early with a headache, then took medicine at midnight, but still have a headache! It's just too cruel to have to start the day not feeling great.