Taco Salad

A taco salad lunch for Jonathan:

Chips, lettuce, cheese, ranch dressing, taco meat, tomatoes, and olives. 

Mastectomy Packing List

I'm cleaning out my binder of papers, and thought this list might be of use to someone else. It's all the stuff I packed for my surgery, and also a checklist of things I did to prepare. I suppose I better keep this list through the end of the year. Two surgeries to go. But the worst is over :)

New Stuff

I'm super frugal. Like, ultra cheap. I hate spending money and do so very reluctantly. For example, I use the empty sour cream, yogurt, and cottage cheese containers as Tupperware in the fridge. Because I don't want to spend money on actual Tupperware. Well, the other day, I was looking for a particular leftover in the fridge. I literally had to open 7+ containers before I found what I was looking for. It was annoying and ridiculous. I decided that it was time to get extravagant and buy some real storage containers. You know, the clear kind, where you can actually see what's in them. So, after debating in the aisle at Costco for much too long, I finally put this Rubbermaid set in my cart. It was like Christmas, washing and putting them in the cupboard! Plus, they all nest perfectly into each other, and the lids attach to the bottom of the stack! Brilliant! Yes, I did recycle the old containers. Now, when I need something in the fridge, I can see what I'm looking for without opening a bunch of stuff! And, I know that it's actually sour cream in the sour cream container. Imagine that! Whoever said money can't buy happiness never bought a new set of Rubbermaid containers! Pure joy, and I'm not being sarcastic. 

Summer's Over

School starts tomorrow. No!!!!!! I'm mostly bummed about it. The older my kids get, the more fun summer is, and the less fun school is. I'm not looking forward to being the slave driver and making sure homework is done. We've had so much fun swimming, hiking, playing in our new backyard, and being with friends this summer. 

I also must say, there hasn't been much "I'm bored!" going on around here. My kids have done a great job at finding fun. But I did see this quote the other day, and nearly peed my pants laughing... 

😂😂😂😂😂

Homemade Salsa

We were thrilled to make this! Especially because most of the ingredients came from our garden!

Tomatoes, jalapeños, bell peppers, chives, and basil. All from the garden. Then we added garlic, onion, s&p, and a bit of lemon juice. Even the kids loved it! We ate it with chips the night we made it, and called it dinner. Then we put it in breakfast burritos the next morning. Hooray for fresh produce!

Best Yogurt EVER!

Product endorsement: This is THE best yogurt you will ever eat! I ain't lying. Do yourself a favor and try some today. The flavor and texture is perfect. Unlike any other yogurt I've had. Too bad it's not cheap... Sigh. 

Under Construction

Lately, I feel like I need to wear a shirt that says this. I quite often don't feel like myself. Emotional, tired, anxious, mentally distracted. I know that as time passes, things will improve. But I definitely feel like I'm in a holding place. Waiting for this to all be over. So I can close this chapter, find a new normal, and move forward. Those close to me know how I'm feeling and are totally patient and understanding. But when I'm not completely present, or act awkward, with acquaintances who don't know the details of my life, I need the descriptive t-shirt :)

Choice

Courage

Humor 

Grace

Scruffy Hospitality

I read an awesome article the other day. It described how we should open our home to friends, without regard for the condition of our home. Without feeling pressure to prepare fancy food. Keeping the focus on the people and the conversation, not the decor/cleanliness of the surroundings. The author called it "Scruffy Hospitality". 

This is something I want to improve on. It's beautiful. 

Love

I taught the women at my church today (Relief Society). I wasn't all that excited about the topic initially, but it ended up being very enlightening. And the conversation was thoughtful and genuine. 

We were discussing how to best help those members of our church (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints) who have chosen to stop coming to church. Meaning, they aren't actively participating in the fullness of the church programs/meetings/worship services. Because I was teaching this lesson, I spoke with many friends in preparation, to get their thoughts. I have some amazing friends (and family)! 

I ended up using quite a bit of the lesson time to share examples, suggestions, and thoughts that my friends had given me. Some of these friends used to be inactive, but now come regularly. Others used to attend, but don't any more. Others have family members who aren't active. And some are less active, but not fully involved. 

I am SO grateful for the insights I've gained! People were so kind to open their hearts and share with me deep emotions. As I shared the words that my friends  had given me, I saw so many women in the class nodding their heads. We were able to talk about:

-the vast number of reasons that may keep people from church. 

-the need to not judge others choices. 

-agency, and how crucial it is that we respect it for all. 

-being a genuine friend, all else aside. 

-being sensitive to those that live here in Utah, and aren't active in the church. Being the minority is tough!

-recognizing that people can live happy lives, full of joy, and light, and God, even if they aren't active in the church. 

-trusting that God loves his children and reaches out to them in individualized ways. 

-we must listen to God's voice to lead us, as we share our testimonies. 

-living our beliefs is the best way to share what brings us God's light. 

-nobody wants to be a project or feel like people are talking behind their backs. 

-get to know people, be interested in their lives, serve and love. 

-adult development can include delving into what one really believes, and this process doesn't need to be viewed as negative. 

-always invite, always be genuine, always love!

My perspective has been expanded on this issue, and I'm thankful for the weeks of pondering I've enjoyed. As always, the teacher gains more than anyone else in the room. Happy Sunday! And I wish I could share a cookie with you. And some homemade ice cream. We really splurged today :)