Valentines Day

(Thank you again David for another great picture to illustrate my Blog!)

Valentines Day was great! I have a lot of people to thank for it too. I spent some time with Tim at Brigham Young University's Science Fiction/Fantasy Symposium "Life the Universe and Everything." Other than the pains you can expect would come with attending such an event with a 2 and a 5 year old, it was great. Orson Scott Card, the author of two of my favorite books ("Ender's Game" and "Wyrms"), is a guest speaker this year.

We ate lunch at the "Indian Palace" lunch buffet on Center Street in Provo. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. It is one of our favorites. I will give more info on that in another blog.

When we got home I remembered how frustrating it is when kids get home from school on Valentine's Day because they come home with all their candy. I get to hear Lincoln and Sam complain that Elisabeth and Joe wont share their candy, which means in their language, "Joe and Elisabeth wont give me all of their candy!" because they do share within reason. This isn't enough for them though.

Imagine how thankful I was when within moments of my kids getting home from school, we got a knock at the door and it was Lincoln's primary teaacher with a goodsized bag of assorted Valentine candy's for him. She must have kids of both school age and preschool age is all I can say. Even perfect timing. If she had come earlier the candy would be gone by the time Joe and Elisabeth got home and it wouldn't have had the same effect. Thank you primary teachers ! I hope I remember that if I ever teach that age group in primary. What about Sam you might ask? Well, Lincoln in his thrill of being included in the candy showers was more than generous with his candy. What a stud. He even put the candy down to do the cleaning we had asked him to do right before there was a knock at the door. He didn't even have to be reminded!

Tim's co-worker babysat for us (Her husband was out of town for Valentine's Day so she was kind enough to serve us instead) so we could go to a Dinner and Dance at the Center Street Musical Theater. Thank you Abby! Good food and fun atmosphere. Fun dancing and great Company! (Tim) We finished the evening with a cup of cocoa from Borders Bookstore. Thank you Tim for a great Valentine's Date!

Weednesday, I heard another pretty song by Linkin Park(like "Shadow of the Day"), though depressing(also like "Shadow of the Day") . Since it is titled "Valentines Day" I will include it on this blog entry. Enjoy!

"Chinese" Food

Last night, as I waited in the car for my kids to finish piano class, I read an article in Readers Digest (yes I read it, and I love it) about "Chinese" food ("The Fortune Cookie Chronicles", by Jennifer 8. Lee. Nope that isn't a typo. It really is supposed to be an 8 according to RD) Amonng other things I got from it was a craving for Chinese food.

I suggested (demanded) that we eat at the chinese buffet for dinner. At first Tim was all for it..then as we got closer he started acting less enthused which put the weight of the decision on me completely. He remembered that eating out on a weeknight, (the same week as Valentines so we will prbably eat out again) and eating buffet style are both behaviors that aren't getting us closer to our goals (of staying in our budget and eating healthier.) I didn't fold though, I chose to ignore our goals.

The article brings up the fact that American Chinese food is very unlike real Chinese food. I think I knew that. It also said that Fortune Cookies are an American invention. I knew that too. The most interesting thing I learned from the article was what the "P.F." in "P.F.Changs" stood for: "Paul Fleming, the creator of Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and founding visionary of Chang's restaurant chain." I had to chuckle. Here I thought they were abreviating it becaue it was too hard for us Americans to pronounce. Takes some of the culture away from it doesn't it?

Anyways, there is a good Chinese buffet in North Orem on State street if anyone is interested. It has a Mongolian Barbeque to boot. It was worth the money and the guilt buffet.

Bears are Smarter than Humans

I say this for one reason. Bears sleep through the winter. I know this is instinct on their part and not intelligence. I would ask at this point, why couldn't God have created humans to have this instinct too but I think he has. I know that I don't want to get out of bed in the morning when it is cold outside . Do I act on these instincts? NO! For some stupid reason I think I would be better off getting up and out of my cozy bed to clean my house and feed my family. Maybe it is part of that huge portion of our brains that we don't use.

I think that if we as humans could admit to ourselves that we aren't so different from the bears we would all better off. Maybe if we could make an agreement to at least not expect others to get out of bed all winter (I think we could just limit hibernation time from January 1 to March 21 because Christmas is really worth being awake for) this human hibernation thing could work. Think of all the car accidents and illnesses and discomfort we would avoid. Are these 3 cold tedious months really worth being awake for? Let's be honest with ourselves.

It's a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood!

Today is looking like the beginnning of the end of a long cold winter. I imagine we have more snow ahead but there is a HUGE patch of brownish green grass on my lawn. Good enough for me for now. Hooray!

I also realized the other day that it was 6:00pm and it was still light. Another sign that there is warmth and light ahead. Today is a sunny day and a bit warmer than it has been too. Sam has been sick all weekend but appears to be back to his smiley fun self today so I think I will take my kids out and get us all some much needed vitamin D, fresh air and exercise. I don't think I have ever been so excited to see the the coming of spring.

Later same day.

Ok...so it isn't spring yet. I took my kids out to walk and ride their bikes around the path at the park behind our house. They wanted to go back within 10 minutes. Actually I will be honest...I wanted to go back in 10 minutes. My kids were crawling along on the bikes they insisted on bringing and everyone was freezing. When Lincoln refused to ride his big wheel anymore I knew that was the end of it. But all in all I think I got more sunshine and fresh air in that 20 minutes than I have in the last 3 months total so it is a good thing we went. Next time no bikes though.

(picture was taken by my brother David Sandberg)

Casino Royale 101

Note to self:

Don't try to catch up on 40 pages of textbook reading while watching "Casino Royale"! Oh...don't worry I studied. I just don't think there will be any questions like the following in my quiz tomorrow:

Which is better?

A. Daniel Craig in a black shirt

B. Daniel Craig in a white shirt

C. Daniel Craig in a suit

D. Daniel Craig in no shirt

Hmmm. . . I'm not sure I know the correct answer to that question either.

A Recipe I Can't Keep to Myself!

Last night we had a yummy dinner. It was quite simple to make and VERY tasty. Of course I love all the ingredients so when I saw the recipe combining them all I craved it and wanted to make it. It did not disapoint!

Maple-Glazed Sweet Potato and Sausage

2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into ½ to 3/4 –inch cubes
3 tbsp butter or margarine
1 lb smoked sausage, cut into ½ inch pieces
1 medium onion, halved crosswise and cut into thin wedges
1 large apple, peeled, cored and diced
¼ Maple Syrup
2 Tbsp packed brown sugar
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
1/8 to ¼ tsp ground red pepper or cayenne


1. Bring 1 inch water and ½ tsp salt to boiling in Dutch oven or large saucepan. Add potatoes; return to boiling. Cover and cook over medium heat 3-5 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender, Drain well.
2. Meanwhile, melt butter in large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, onion, and apple. Cook and stir 5 minutes. Stir in maple syrup, brown sugar, salt, nutmeg, if desired, and red pepper, mixing well.
3. Stir in sweet potatoes, stirring to coat. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until lightly glazed.

Prep time: 17 mins Cook time 12 mins Serves: 14

Why Wal-mart is like life.

1. You have a greeter welcome you when you get there....You have parents when you enter the world. Neither is always as friendly as you think they should be.

2. When you go to Walmart there is nothing at the store that will actually make you happy. There is plenty to entertain you for a short time but nothing that will bring you lasting joy. The world is the same way. Sure we will find some fun stuff here but the only things that will bring true joy, the world can't offer. You have to find those elswhere. Only the things you come in with or have left at home give you that.

3. You need to go the store to survive. You need food, clothes, shelter and TP, so you need to do it even though it is a miserable expereince and it is frustrating to spend money on stuff that just gets consumed. There is pain and sorrow and the world is a dangerous place . If you make the wrong choices you can get messed up but we had to come to progress.

4. It is easy to get distracted by the funner less important and healthy things. Good idea to go with a list. In life, we are here to grow, be tested and bless one another. It isn't always as fun as some of the stuff the world suggests but you'll regret it if you get sidetracked and forget why you are here. The list is the gospel or the scriptures. They remind us what we came for. In both cases, of course a little fun is ok...in moderation...as long as you aren't sacrificing the more important stuff.

5. Our abiltiy to have good relationships is tested....A lot. The point is NOT to kill your kids. You are tired, your husband is tired, your hungry, you all want to kill eachother, not to mention some of the other wonderful customers that can be so rude at times and the unavailable or worse grumpy workers. We need to learn in this life to be kind to one another even when we are stressed.

6. We learn from experience lots of things, like what product is good and what is not, and" Sure that ice cream looks really good but it isn't good for me and I will regret it." "I think that buying something will fill a void for me cause I am feeling depressed, but later I will regret it and it wont really bring me satisfaction." We keep buying the stuff in our weak moments though....hmmm maybe when I am perfect I will be able to resist the Ben and Jerrys.

7. You learn these lessons and you teach them to your kids when they are begging for things that aren't good for them. It is our responsibility to teach our kids from our experience what things will bring happiness in this life and how to make good choices.


8. When I go to Walmart now, I always bring my cell phone. If Tim came with me it is easier to find him later. If he didn't I can ask questions about things we might have at home already . In life it is a good idea to stay in close touch with those you love so they can help you make good choices and guide you. They can help give you support when you are having a tough time too.

9. Your kids can get lost...Keep an eye on them! Don't send them out with out them knowing the way to get back. Teach them to be safe. We have to teach them the gospel so when they can't be watched constantly they know how to get home to our Heavenly Father on their own.

10. You die a little every time you go to Walmart....just like in life.

Welcome to the New First Presidency!

I am SO excited about the new First Presidency! I loved Hinkley, but I love Monson, Eyring and Uchtdorf. When I found out Uchtdorf was the new 2nd Counselor I cried. I spoke in my last blog about how Hinkley's absence made me feel a little shaken since he has been the President when both of my Parents died and most of my adult years. A constant comforting presence. Uchtdorf has an even closer connection with my parents and my past. What a comfort it gives me. And what a joy to be a name dropper. :^)

I lived in Wiesbaden Germany for 10 years (1980-1990). We were in the Frankfurt Servicemans stake. President Uchtdorf was the President of the Frankfurt Stake during some of these years. Although he wasn't our Stake President, we knew of him and my parents met him. Not to mention that just hearing the German accent makes me feel at home. I was excited when he was called as an apostle and am surprised and delighted by his call to the first Presidency. This morning I thought it would be wonderful if he was the new counselor but he was so new, I didn't even think to hope.

All three of them are my favorite speakers. Uchtdorf in particular always gives such great analogies of the gospel and how it helps us in life. Eyring's talk "Oh Remember, Remember" was my favorite talk this last conference. Monson has always been my favorite story telling speaker. He is another constant presence in my life. I will love learning from our new prophet President Monson and his counselors and apostles as I did President Hinkley. I am so thankful to have a prophet and apostles who lead us with love and help keep us safe in this world.

A Fond Farewell

I know this is a week late, but I like to think about things a while before I try to express my feelings or thoughts. A week ago today Gordon B. Hinkley, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, and more importantly, Prophet of God, ended his mission on this earth. I was surprised by feeling choked up when this happened. I have never felt this way when a prophet died before. President Howard W. Hunter was one of my favorite prophets, but I didn't feel quite this way when he passed on.

Gordon B. Hinkley became the president of the church when I had been home from my mission for 1 month and it was another two months when I met Tim. He has been the president of the church as long as I have been a wife and mother. It is kind of unnerving to have him gone.

He was the president of the church when both of my parents died and I think I have drawn comfort from his presence through these losses. I think he has been an honorary grandpa to all those who loved him. I will miss him, but I am grateful for the Gospel and the knowledge that the work of the Lord goes on without him as well.


My favorite story about Hinkley was the letter he recieved from his Dad when he wrote home complaining what a waste his mission was. "Forget about yourself and go to work" was his father's answer. He did this the rest of his life, even after his wife died, even after he was diagnosed with cancer. What a great example he was of work and selflessness. How happy he always seemed to be. I think he knew the secret to a happy life. Work hard and forget about yourself. I hope I can always keep that in mind in my life.


Here is a tribute I found on Youtube that I liked a lot because it has a lot of his own words and testimony. (I apologize for the pretty but slightly annoying song in the background.)

These are a Few of my Favorite Things

(This is a really long, detailed version of my profile...more for me than you.. so don't feel obligated to read it...just look at the pictures and the main points and you should get the point)

I am going to steal an idea from my sister-in-law's blog. It looked like fun and with it being depressing winter and all, it is nice to remind yourself about your " favorite things". You know...like silver white winters that melt into spring.....those kinds of things. These are the things that make like more enjoyable. These are in no order other than what I think of.

1. Watching and looking forward to my favorite TV shows: Heroes and Battlestar Galactica-

Tim and I don't watch a lot of TV but we have our two favorite shows. With the writers strike we don't even have those. I count down the days 'til BSG this spring.

2. My favorite people-

Being with my favorite people whether it be family or friends is the source of greatest enjoyment for me. They make life worth living and add so much laughter and exitement to the mix. I only have a picture of my family becaue I don't have pictures of all my friends. I don't want to leave anyone out.

3. Camping and Hiking (or just lying on the beach)

I love being out in nature whether it be hiking in the mountains, lying on the beach, exploring caves, or sitting at a campfire. As my kids are getting older this is getting easier and I am loving it. Whenever I am able to get out in the wide open, I remember that my problems are so small and there is so much more to the world than what I see every day. Favorites: Lassen in California, Little Wild Horse Canyon in Utah, Sunset Beach and Point Lobos in Carmel California,


4. Travel


I had the great blessing of living many of my childhood years in Germany. I was also blessed to have parents whohad the love and ability to travel A LOT. We saw a lot when we lived there. Now I have in-laws that live in the most interesting places (Germany and now Hawaii) so I keep getting these great opportunities. My favorites: Italy, Hawaii, Holland, Seattle, San Franscisco. Switzerland.


5. Reading

Nothing is better than being in the middle of a good book. There is something very reaassuring and exciting to know that when I get a free moment, I know exactly how I want to spend it. I especially like when I have a stack of books that I want to read...so I know the supply wont be over soon. I like a lot of fiction like, "The Lord of the Rings", Stephani Meyers' "Twilight" series, Harry Potter, Ender's Game, and I also like a lot of historical era stuff ("My Antonia" by Willa Cather, Roots, Pride and Prejudice, etc.) and true story inspirationals biographies. (Having or Say, Three Cups of Tea) I also like to read nonfictional relationship books. Whether the results are fictional or nonfictional remains to be seen.

6. Music

I don't know many people who don't like music. I love a lot of stuff especially since I have known Tim he has introduced me to a lot of stuff I never would have heard otherwise. Right now some of my favorites are "Starlight" by Muse, "Shadow of the Day" by Linkin Park, "Swing Life Away" by Rise Against, "I don't Want to be in Love" by Good Charlotte, "Far Away" by Nickleback, Mika in genral, and lots of soundtracks like "Lord of the Rings", "Dune" etc., lots of 80's stuff like Peter Gabriel, Genesis, Peter Cetera, Go Gos etc) What I don't like is rap, most heavy metal, most country (except for the classics like Patsy Kline and Johnny Cash), and much of the alternative stuff (Maroon 5 I hate) although I like lots of alternative too.

6. Classes at UVSC (soon to be UVU)

I love taking classes at UVSC. Now that I am not a kid anymore school is so much more interesting and meaningful. I am taking some really interesting classes about my favorite subject...counseling...and related topics. The plan is to apply for BYU's Social Work masters program when Sam starts school full time. I am bringing up my GPA, getting a few classes I need before I apply and getting back into the studying groove, Favorites have been: Parenting, Sexuality, Child Abuse and Neglect, Introduction to Counseling and Psychotherapy, Psychology of Interpersonal Communication and right now Clinical Interviewing skills is totally fun. I have had great teachers for all of these classes too.

7. Meyers Briggs Type Indicator

This is the best personality typology I have ever seen. It helps me understand people who are different from me and appreciate them for their differences instead of finding their differences annoying. I LOVE IT. It helps me be more patient with my husband and kids and with myself. It also helps me not to think men are so different from women. A book that really helps explain the whole thing well is "Please Understand Me" by Kinsey and Bates

8. Movies

I love way too many movies to list them all. Here is a quick list of favorites of each genre

Horror:The Dead Zone, The Changeling, 6th Sense, The Others, Poltergeist

Chick Flick: When Harry Met Sally

Comedy: Napolean Dynamite, Bananas, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation,

Fantasy/ Sci-Fi - Lord of the Rings, Dark City

Action: Casino Royale (2006)

Drama: , Shawshank Redemption, Beautiful Mind

9. My Calling

I love working with cub scouts. I get to do the teaching I used to want to do full time as an Elementary School teacher. I love the organization, the kids like to do the fun stuff, lots of rescources and it is fun to see the boys learn and grow too. One more important thing: I get my Sundays to go to church and not feel like I have to because it is my job.

10. Eye Candy

I am ashamed to say I havn't really grown up when it comes to my hormones. Beautiful men make the world a nicer place to be. I will end the list with some of my favorites.

Tim

Daniel Craig

Daniel Radcliff
Wow, you made it this far? I am impressed.