It’s a new year, more or less . . .*

more patience while driving – less frustration with dough-head drivers who shouldn’t be behind the wheel
more reading of good books – less mindless surfing
more compliments – less criticism
more new recipes cooked – less quick dinners that are lame
more cleaning at home – less dust
more reading of scriptures and church magazines – less time doing nothing
more exercise – less body fat
more healthy eating – less junk food
more kindness – less craziness with people who don’t know what they’re talking about
more sincere prayers – less “blah, blah, blah bless this and thanks for that” prayers
more smiles – less grumping
less spending when I don’t need to – more money in the bank
more preparation with whatever I need to do – less last-minute hurrying, not getting things done the way I would want
less anger – more being a duck—letting things roll off my back like water off a duck (I’m a duck! I’m a duck!)
less thinking I’m right – more seeing the other person’s side, even when they're wrong
less jumping to conclusions – more actual listening
more righteousness – less fence sitting and “holding on to my favorite sins”
less silly errands – more gas in the car

*(Yes, I know some of these should be listed as "fewer" instead of "less," but that doesn't work with the theme.)

There's a beginning. I have actually thought of tons more, but mostly at 2 in the morning while I'm laying in bed. So now I don't really remember them. Why do they always seem to be much more profound at that time?

November. A month of cooler weather. A month of baking new recipes as well as old favorites. A month of soup (well maybe a week's worth). A month of gratitude.

A couple of weeks ago in Sacrament Meeting, the speaker talked about gratitude and it made me think (yes, I listened). I remembered a couple of talks entitled "An Attitude of Gratitude"--one by President Monson and President Faust. I really like both of these talks.

The speaker also started a list of things he was grateful for, and since I was in charge of the lesson for Family Home Evening that night, I dug up these talks, read parts of them, and then we started our lists. One thing to be grateful for for each day of the month of November.

In no particular order:

1. Food. I've never gone hungry.
2. TV. I like watching TV with my family--it brings us news, important information, as well as entertainment.
3. Corky. I am still amazed that he really loves me and has stuck with me for all these 25 years. I love that he thinks of me, helps out, understands the things I need. He is kind, tender hearted and loving.
4. Taylor. I am so glad he chose to be a missionary, without hesitation. I am grateful he is having his missionary experience and enjoying it!
5. Our Home. At one time I thought we might never had a house, and yet here we are! We are safe, comfortable and together. We are a family, in our home.
6. Seminary. I didn't love Seminary when I took it, but it has, gratefully, changed since then. I'm glad my kids love it. Their testimonies have grown because of Seminary.
7. Books. I'm glad we have books because we can learn new things and go new places. I love that people are creative and can write down the stories in their heads.
8. Indoor plumbing. Hallelujah! I'm glad I live in a time with indoor plumbing (and feminine hygiene). Whew. Need I say more?
9. Music. I'm not a great musician by any means, but I really enjoy music. I think a lot of music has been truly inspired by God to let us know that he is mindful of us.
10. Parents and parents-in-law. I'm very grateful for their testimonies and their sacrifices for us.
11. Job. Even though I'd rather be home, I'm so grateful to have the money for our house and other things we need. I have a good job and work with good people.
12. School. I'm so thankful for people who have gone to school to be able to teach my children--they do much better learning from someone other than only me.
13. Modern Appliances. I'm grateful not to have to shovel coal or gather wood for a cookstove. It's so nice to have an electric stove, dishwasher, washer and dryer, and all the other wonderful modern inventions that make our lives easier.
14. Simona. I love being with Moni when she wants to be with me. We have fun together, learn a lot together. She is sweet, tender and thoughtful. I'm really proud of her with her choices for the future. Pretty cool stuff.
15. Dante. He is so eager to please me--he's terribly smart and talented. Dante can be whatever he wants to be. He is a good brother and has moments of being a peacemaker. He's a good helper and has a fun sense of humor.
16. Jake. He has been my little buddy for the last few years since it's just the two of us while he's off-track and getting ready for school. He has a little temper sometimes and gets mad at me, but still always wants my approval. He's not quite ready to let go. He is a budding artist and generous of spirit.
17. Computers. Corky and I both work with computers as a main source for our jobs. So much can be learned and understood because of them--I like the wide scope of information available.
18. Sisters. I'm so grateful to have sisters to share my life with. I have many good memories with them. I miss being close to them.
19. Gospel. I'm am truly thankful for the truth to be on the earth at the same time I am. My life would be completely different without it. I'm happy to have a glimpse of understanding of the Plan of Salvation.
20. Italy. My life is forever changed because of the people of Italy. I learned from them how to love others and how grateful I am for my life. It was incredible to be in a land that is spoken of in the New Testament. Kind of breathtaking to see all the ruins and artifacts and know that people so many years ago lived and breathed in the very same place.
21. Pioneer Heritage. It is incredible to me how my ancestors readily accepted the gospel and willingly walked across the country so they could worship the way they believed without any discrimination.
22. Gardens. I with I could grow a beautiful garden like my dad. I'm glad I could see how plentiful his was and how he always shared his bounty with others. I'm glad there are some people who seem to be able to grow a garden!
23. Prophets. I'm thankful for old-time prophets in the scriptures to teach us, for Joseph Smith and others from the early church who had so much courage. I'm thankful for a current prophet who understands our time and lets us know what Heavenly Father would have us do.
24. Mary. I love how Mary said "Behold Thy handmaiden." She was totally willing to do whatever was asked of her. I need to be more like Mary.
25. My body. Even though I may not have a beautiful body, it functions! Many people have so many physical limitations. I'm lucky to be healthy.
26. Landscape. I love the diversity of the land we live in and am grateful for the mountains, the grass, the trees, the flower, the lakes and streams. I love that our earth has so much to see and enjoy.
27. Temple. I got to take two of my kids to the temple in Twin Falls to do baptisms for the dead. It was wonderful. Ever since it was built, we have tried to get there, but it never worked out until this weekend. The workers were so sweet and helpful (they always are), and I loved being there with my mom and my kids. I even did some baptisms. We got 30 women and 20 men baptized. How wonderful. I love being in the temple. I love that we can do work for our relatives.
28. Savior. I don't even have words for how I feel about our Savior, Jesus Christ. I am so grateful that He loves us and wants the best for us. I know He is mindful of me, you and everyone. I am thankful He sacrificed for each of us so we can be more like Him.
29. Friends. I feel like I have some very wonderful friends--people who love me, even though my faults are obvious. They are somehow willing to overlook those things and find something good in me. For that I'm grateful. It's so nice to know that I can call on people when I need help--and they help! It's fun to have someone to buy things for, to call and chat with, to cry when they need a listening ear. I hope I can be as good a friend to others as they have been to me.
30. Life itself. That may be lame. But that's what I can think of. I am grateful to be alive. I am thankful that somehow I was born and have a chance to live, to love, to know pain and sorrow--to feel.

Eating curry. Yum!


Last Friday I went to this really cool bridal shower. It was "ballywood" and we were supposed to dress up. My dear friend, Emily, loaned me an outfit that was perfect for the occasion, and while I was racing home after picking up Corky from work and trying to hurry to the get the venue, I decided I needed make-up. Lots of make-up. And, since Corky is really good at applying make-up, and loves to do my make-up, I acquiesed. He loved it, and I ended up with a lot of make-up, and nearly won a "best dressed" prize. It was between me and one other lady, but she looked awesome in a sari that was purchased from India, and it was beautiful, and I thought she should win. So while she was pointing to me, I pointed to her, and I guess I pointed more forcefully, so she got the prize. But don't think I'm pouting about that, I'm glad. I loved the party, the outfit, and the make-up. But you know what I really loved? Helping my friend.



A couple of days before the shower, I got a call from my friend Sam who said, remember when you volunteered to help make refreshments for the shower? Would you help? Well, strangely enough--my kids wouldn't say it was strange because I'm constantly forgetting things--I don't remember having that conversation at all. But I didn't tell her that. I just listened, and they (she and the other gal in charge) needed help. So I helped. She suggested cupcakes, and I had a couple of other ideas, so we talked, chose what we wanted and made it.



We got together Friday morning and made tarts. I made the pie dough and we used little tart pans, you know, like muffin tins, but tiny. We didn't fill them until that night, but we used lemon pie filling and cherry pie filling. And of course, we used one of the nifty cans of whipped cream to put a creamy garnish of goodness on top. They were pretty. I have glass trays that show things off nicely--wedding presents, of course. And we made lemon bundt cake. Now I've only ever eaten it just like it is, but Sam suggested the berry sauce and some more whipped cream. Lovely. Just lovely. It was pretty and delicious. This is Corky's favorite cake and I know he wouldn't go for the fruity stuff added, but I loved it. And so did eveyone else. It was beautiful and delectable. I would defintely serve it like that again. We didn't use the canned cream this time--I whipped up the real stuff. So good. And Sam loved me becuase she was going to work on the berry sauce and cook it and add sugar, etc., etc. Are you kidding me? Just make the Danish Dessert and add the berries. So easy. (Yes, later she told me she loved me for that tip.) And we made punch. Lemonade, limeade and sprite. Terrific punch. I have a pretty punch bowl--a great $12 DI find. It came with tons of glass cups inside, the kind that go with the little glass trays. But at the bottom were the cups that matched the bowl, and they hang over the side. Bonus.



I got some strange looks when people first saw me--I never wear that much make-up. We all laughed--I wouldn't have done it if men had been at the party, but then we probably wouldn't have had a belly dancer come either. Holy cow, she was adorable! I loved watching her dance. She was so graceful and to put it simply, beautiful. I want that body! But even more than that, I'd love to be graceful and be able to move like she did. Wow. It was fun to watch her, and it was fun to watch people watching her. Everyone was enjoying it. I know there were some people invited who fussed about having a belly dancer, but they evidently didn't know how she'd be (and I think they didn't come, either, so they're probably still throwing fits). Totally tasteful and appropriate. We all even got to try. NO--I can't do it. But yes, I did get out there and try. Gratefully nobody took video of my efforts, but we did get some photos of my awesome make-up. You'll probably never see me like this again, so take a good look!







Wow, I think all that make-up makes me look really old--shows all the wrinkles. But, the lipstick stayed all night. How about that? My eyes were watering all night long, too, from the eyeliner. How do people wear all that stuff every day? I do love the earrings--from Emily, of course. She sells Paparazzi jewelry and had a ton of stuff to choose from. Thanks! I thought I had some "big" and dangly earrings, but these are dangly. I think I'm starting a new look for myself. With the earrings, that is.

It was a great night. And, I haven't even really talked about the shower. It was for a darling girl who grew up in our ward. Her mom passed away when this girl was only 12, so that was along time ago. She practically raised her little brother. But now her dad is getting remarried and moving in with the new wife, so this girl gets the house--her missionary got home a couple of months ago and now they're getting married. They met in Seminary in 10th grade. How fun is that? And so we get to keep her in our ward--nice because we all love her! We were all actually bawling at the shower because when she opened our gift, we told something about her. And of course, they were all sweet, tender-hearted things. I've never cried like that at a shower before. But it was very wonderful. I hope she felt loved. Isn't that what it's really all about?

And my friend, well she knew I loved her since I helped (even though I didn't remember offering previously), and I felt loved because I knew I was needed--and it was appreciated. She told me she knew that she could call me any time and I would help. That was a great compliment, and that's the kind of friend I've always wanted to be. I don't think I always see the need when it's there, but I'm glad someone feels like they can ask. It's taken a long time to attain that status here. We've lived in this ward for 13-1/2 years, and sometimes I feel like I'm just beginning to belong. Belonging is good.

I’m excited I got to go swimming a Nat-Soo-Pah again. That place has so many memories for me—it really makes me think of my childhood. I remember almost drowning there, for starters. Actually, what I remember is my mom pulling me out of the pool. She had already gone and changed her clothes, so she jumped in fully clothed to get me. There was a kind of a grate or drain thing where I was playing and my toes got stuck and under I went. I don’t know if I blacked out or what, but I really don’t remember that. Thanks Mom! I remember always getting a treat at their counter—the really long ropes of that wonderful thick red licorice. I think that was probably the only time we ever got that. I remember swimming and sometime my mom was in the pool, but I really remember her sitting in the shade reading a book. But it was a comfort to look up and see her. They have a great slide there—it seemed so big to me. It was curvy and I think a tube. I remember my dad waiting to catch me at the bottom. It was always so strange to see him in a swimming suit, bare-chested. He had such a farmer’s tan—he was totally white where his shirt was and really, really tan on his arms and neck. He had muscles! I loved it when he’d throw me up into the air and I’d splash down in the water. Oh, and it was warm water because it’s a mineral hot springs. We’d generally take a picnic lunch or dinner, whichever it was. I think sometimes my mom took us during the day when dad was at work, and that’s why I only remember her for those times. But I loved it when they both swam with us.

One of the things I loved was changing back into my regular clothes. I know that sounds weird because that also meant the fun was over, but we’d had a day full and I knew that we’d come back. When you get out of really warm water, you’re wet and any breeze makes you really cold. We went into these really old (can’t wait to see them now) dressing rooms that had wooden painted benches with cloth curtains. Different years they were painted different colors. But when I put on my street clothes, I felt so warm, and safe. Years later after I’d been to the temple for the first time and was putting on my new undies, I had that same feeling and was transported back to the dressing room at Nat-Soo-Pah. I experienced that same warm and safe feeling.

And a few years after that, I took Corky to Nat-Soo-Pah to meet my parents. They were there on a ward campout and we came up for the weekend. Labor Day weekend. We had stopped in Bountiful to get peaches for my mom from her favorite peach lady, Sister Ellis, and then went to Twin Falls to drop them off. I got my first kiss from Corky in our backyard. He tells the story differently than I do, but nonetheless, that’s where it happened. We at least agree on that part. Then we drove to Nat-Soo-Pah. I don’t know if they left directions, because I certainly couldn’t tell you how to get there now. Don’t think I could have then, either. That was the first time we had chicken from Albertsons—it was good. Corky and Uncle Chad stayed out in a tent and I slept in the camper with my parents. I really wanted to be out there—they were talking and having fun. I was just a tad bit jealous.

I remember birthday parties at Nat-Soo-Pah, too. One in particular, we drove out in the back of our neighbor’s camper—it was loaded with girls. I think we were probably about 13. They were really into trying to do a séance, but that really scared me. One of the things they said was, “if you are there, show a red light.” Right then the driver put on his brakes, and of course we were at the back of the camper and could see the brake lights. Everyone screamed! I remember I just kept praying—no, don’t do it! Help us not see any spirits. It really scared me. But after the red-light experience, they all stopped and moved on to something else, so I was glad. I think it was on that same trip that I first saw maggots in some meat. Yuck.

All in all, I have good memories of swimming at Nat-Soo-Pah. For me it was kind of like going down to the Falls—even though tons of people went to both of those places, they still belonged to us. I’m glad to be going there.

Wow, that was a lot of reminiscing. Sorry about that! But I had fun . . .