A Night at Puckett's

I just HAVE to blog tonight, because it's LEAP DAY, February 29th, and this day won't come around again for FOUR years!...And because I went to dinner tonight with three dear friends, Jen Wadsworth, Marlene Williamson and Vickie Belden, fellow members of the Franklin Stake Relief Society Presidency. Jen is moving to Boise, Idaho on Tuesday (I know, my previous post said Bozeman, Montana, but long story short, her unemployed husband was offered a job -- took it, and was suddenly offered a better one, so took it instead! Hence, Bozeman became Boise). We will miss her so much! Marlene and Vickie will be released, and likely the secretary will be, too, so...come what may, we won't be serving together any more as a foursome.

We went to dinner at a "world-famous" place in Franklin, called Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant, for a last "southern" meal. It's tiny, the food was delicious, and there was live bluegrass entertainment that was good, but WAAAAY too loud for us to enjoy our desperately needed conversation!

Me, Jen, Marlene, & Vickie -- eyes adjusted to remove 'red eye/demon flash eye,'  still look a little weird.

I made these little magnets for each of the girls, like the ones I did for the family for Valentine's Day, but with all the Relief Society words. And of course, for our group, added in "scatterbrained," "laughter," "silly," and other applicable words that probably weren't so predictably 'Relief Society,' but definitely applied to us!

And I also saw Matthew Hayes (son of Pamela Hayes -- my friend and former boss at Ambest). He's a waiter at Puckett's, and we chatted for a couple of minutes.

Anyway, we had a great evening, and look forward to this Saturday's meeting with sister Sylvia Allred from the General Relief Society, who is coming to Nashville to speak to all sisters, then to do a Presidency training after that. We're carpooling and doing lunch in between meetings, so we'll see each other one more time! (sniff!)

I'm singing at the Conference...looking forward to it!!

Addie Lyn

Oh...my...gosh!!

Is this not the cutest little Nebraska HUSKER you EVER saw!?

And here's some more of her ADORABLENESS!!

Hurry up and come see us, ya'll!!

Sno In Tennessee

So Sam was digging in the back of our bottom corner cupboard the other day looking for my deviled egg tray when he ran across a v-e-r-y old SnoCone maker! I think we used it when Chris & Randi were little (back in the dark ages)! He has been dying to make sno cones since he saw it. So...finally we broke down and made them. Some of the parts were missing, but we had enough to crush the ice.

The problem is...when you make SnoCones, you need syrup to pour over the ice! Well...we are a little sweet syrup challenged. So he tried a couple of bites with both of the sugar free syrups I had, and then just decided a Diet Caffeine-Free Mountain Dew SnoCone (otherwise known as a drink with crushed ice) was actually the best option he had. HA!

And, Sunday, we had home teachers again so Sam decided to bake more chocolate chip cookies.

He loves these cookies so much, that half way through, he decided to DOUBLE the batch! So he had to go back and put in more of some ingredients. We won't talk about the whole measuring challenge and "too much Crisco," not enough other stuff debacle that ensued while mom was trying to steal a quick nap...we were able to 'sort of' fix it -- and the home teachers were CHAMPS and ate the cookies without complaining one little bit!

Hey, a guy's gotta learn through experience! And he's getting it...!

Defending RS in 1920

I just completed my Unit 2 test in History II, which covered the United States reconstruction era, Women's Rights and World War I. The test was hairy, and I was so pleased to get a 97% "A"! But I was a little disturbed to see the reason I was docked a point on an essay question that asked my religion, political position, gender, and other areas, and what my reaction would be to a bunch of things including law, politics, women's movement, etc. in 1920.  I listed that I was a Mormon woman, conservative, active in the women's movement, etc.

My professor found that contradictive, because:

The only innaccuracy is that you stated you were for women's rights and were also a Mormon. In the early 20th century, the Mormon church was actually very restrictive against women. Only recently has it become more progressive.

So tonight I sent my professor a private e-mail -- just as a matter of information -- basically defending my position that the church was certainly NOT restrictive to women, and offered many opportunities even in the early years through the women’s Relief Society. Here’s the bulk of my e-mail:

"In 1842, the church formed its first auxiliary organization, an official women’s group called the Relief Society, which although under the general direction of the male leaders of the church, was primarily led and run by the women of the church.  This society brought women into the formal structure of the Church and gave them significant responsibility and authority. They continued to minister to the needs of others, and now had an organized vehicle in which to learn, lead, serve and grow within the church and in their communities. They were active in politics, war relief efforts, and moral reform movements. Some Relief Society groups served as Red Cross units in World War I. They had co-op enterprises raising grain and silk, which helped finance the medical training of midwives and female doctors. They actively campaigned for women’s suffrage in affiliation with the NWSA. At the close of World War I, the U.S. government purchased over 205,000 bushels of grain from the Relief Society’s grain storage to supplement the government’s welfare programs. I could go on and on…

The Relief Society is now the oldest and largest women’s organization in the world, with an estimated 5 million+ members in over 175 countries. The Church, and the Relief Society have always encouraged education, leadership, compassionate service and personal development in every area of life for women. Male church leaders back to Joseph Smith have sung the praises of female members, and greatly valued their contributions in the home, family, church and community."
_________________________________________________________________________________
I’m certainly not complaining about my grade – I'm relieved, actually! But I wanted to make sure my professor understood my views on the early Church and womanhood. I'm sure it was waaaay more than he ever wanted to know, and I hope he receives my comments in the spirit they were given.

If not, my grades are doomed as we approach the upcoming Unit on the “roaring twenties!”

Happy Hearts

Some Nebraska LOVE!

Valentine's Day is so fun!

Ready for the 5-Stake Valentine's Dance
(sporting his PINK shirt and cheek injury from airsoft guns at scout camp)

Balloon bouquet from Mr. Harris

Little Valentine's Monsters

Little SweetHEART!

Those EYES!!

SuperBowl!

We got together with the Bennetts and Thomas' again this year for the SuperBowl game between the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. The GIANTS won, 21-17, but I didn't care. The only part I saw was the 1/2 time show, starring Madonna...whatever. She didn't impress me one little bit -- just like always. The fun part about the SuperBowl is getting together and chatting!

But Hannah's SuperBowl cake DID impress me, and so did all the rest of the fabulous goodies we ate that night. And, of course, the company couldn't be beat.

And I didn't do too well at taking photos of the group this year, but here's a couple I snapped...

He Hears It

A couple of weeks ago, when Sam was practicing piano, I was working on the computer, and he said, "Mom, stop typing and listen to this." So I did -- he played a segment of a song he was making up, and he kept playing this one part over and over. He asked, "Listen, doesn't this part kind of sound like the beginning of a depressing song...?"

I loved that! It really was a bit of a dissonant chord, and sounded sober, pensive, thoughtful...I love that he could "hear" that and could identify with the mood of the music.

Rock on, Sam!

Powerless

Two or three weeks ago, Sam wasn't feeling well, so Steve stayed home early in the day with him, and I left work to come home early for the afternoon. While I was working from home, I figured I'd get some soup going for dinner. So I made a huge pot of fabulous beef vegetable soup, and a yummy aroma filled the house for the afternoon while I worked on the computer.

Steve picked up Grayson after soccer conditioning, and we all dished up to eat. Right after we got everyone dished up -- the power went out! So we lit some candles, and Steve went into the gargage and got a battery-operated camping light that he hung over the kitchen table. It worked perfectly! We were all SOOO glad I started dinner early, because we later learned that a big truck had hit a cable box and our entire half of the town was out of power for almost three hours!

Sorry so blurry...

And I'm glad we had more than just candles, because this battery light was the BOMB!

But the boys didn't know what to do with themselves for that time while there was no power. No video games, no computer, no TV -- (gasp!) whatever did we do?  Although I can think of lots of things we COULD have done, what ended up happening was we all fell asleep in the living room...and when the power came back on, we basically got our PJs on and went to bed. zzzzz...

( I think that light is still connected to the light over our kitchen table. I guess I can take it off now.)

Bryson Turns Two!

On February 1st, Bryson turned TWO! Such a little cutie -- he has so much personality and has turned into a fun little playmate! His smile just knocks you dead! We all had fun with the whole crew at the big "celebration!"

Good Eats

At the reqest of my sister and some of my friends/TSFL clients, I am posting some fabulous foods I have done over the past few weeks that can be used for your "Lean & Green" meals. These are quick and easy (they HAVE to be if I'm doing them!) and quite delicious!

Turkey burgers, made with tomatoes done in the blender, and finely chopped onions, peppers, celery and flax seed all
mixed into the patty. Purple onion/cabbage dish (courtesy of Dianne Alexandre) and green salad.

Chicken tenders done in olive oil with sweet peppers & onions, more of Dianne's
purple cabbage/onion dish and green salad. Yumm-o!

 

Tuna patties (made with egg whites & yummy spices), salad with sprout buds and just a drizzle
of dressing, celery sticks (you can never have too much celery!).

Baked cauliflower -- I read about this, and how people ate it like popcorn! Well, popcorn lover that I am, I had to give it a try. It was okay. I was a little disappointed, because it's not something you'd eat by itself like popcorn. But you can totally do it this way for a nice change on a side vegetable. You just put on a baking tray with olive oil, Mrs. Dash, pepper, and bake for like 45 minutes at 350, stirring every 15 minutes. It tastes really good! Just not like popcorn...

One of my favorites: Cucumber, purple onion, sweet peppers, chopped cilantro in vinegar/Splenda/water
marinade. This is soooo good! And totally healthy!

Steve made these yummy baked pork chops, with fresh steamed green beans & asparagus baked with a bit of olive oil.
And a couple of small slices of avocado, and of course, more celery. LEEAN & GREEEEN!

And this yummy grilled salmon, squash/zuchinni/onion/pepper/celery stir fry, and green salad. Mmmmm...

With a little planning ahead, it's easy and enjoyable to eat healthy!

In Loving Memory

NormaNell and Rusty - 1999

One year ago today, Steve's mom, NormaNell Perry Harris passed away. We love and miss her.

[See memories from last year HERE.]

Brother Joseph

I'm substitute teaching in Relief Society this Sunday, and the lesson is entitled, "The Prophet Joseph Smith, God's Instrument in Restoring the Church."

The lesson is short and beautiful, and I was also reading in some supplemental materials just to fill my mind with as much information as possible about the Prophet, Joseph. One of my favorite books is called "Joseph Smith: Impressions of a Prophet," which is a collection of artwork by Liz Lemon Swindle, and text by Susan Easton Black. We got the book when we chaperoned the Youth trip to Nauvoo, Illinois back in 1999. The artwork is 'real' and depicts the prophet in ways different from most of the formal portraits you see of him. The spirit of the book and the love these two contributors have for the prophet is apparent.

Reading this lesson reminded me how so much "light" came through Joseph Smith. It was through him that temple building, the eternity of the marriage covenant and the salvation of the dead were revealed.

I am always touched by reading about Joseph Smith, and I need to spend more time doing that, and learning from his teachings. I'm grateful for the opportunity I have to give this lesson. I am so grateful for all he did for the restoration of the gospel - and for me.

I have a friend at work who was visiting Idaho on business last week and drove past the new Boise temple, still under construction, but nearing completion. She asked me lots of questions yesterday after returning; we've discussed the church on many occasions in the past. She told me she got on-line in her hotel room to do some research after driving by the temple to try to learn more about the 'peculiar ceremonies' performed in the Mormon temples. She actually learned a lot of truth (mixed in with a little yuk)! She asked me if my marriage had been sealed in one of our temples, and I was pleased to tell her "yes."  She asked me if Chris' marriage had been sealed in a temple, and when I told her "yes," and it was the temple in Franklin, she was surprised and excited to know there was one nearby! She lives in Brentwood now, and said she'd have to drive by there soon so she could see a temple close-up.

It was great to have this opportunity to talk with her about the Church, the purpose of temples and our belief in eternal families. I referred her to "Mormon.org" in the future instead of just Googling the church. :o)  I love living in Tennessee, where I regularly have chances to share my beliefs.

Progressive

Yes, I'm exhausted...

Yes, I'm headed to bed.

I'm half-way through a History paper on what kind of a "Progressive" I would have been in 1880 America. I've got another couple of pages to go, the paper is due tomorrow night, and the only kind of PROGRESS I can think of at this moment is keeping my eyes open long enough to PROGRESS closer to my nice, soft, warm bed.

By the way, have you noticed that yawning seems to be contagious? If one person yawns, this appears to cause another person to yawn. Researchers have found that 40-60% of people who see a picture of someone yawning will yawn themselves. Even reading the word *YAWN* can make people yawn.

Don't deny it, you're stifling a *YAWN* yourself right now, ADMIT IT, you know you are...!

Whitney

I'm not one to usually follow celebrities much, or especially write about them on my blog. But yesterday's passing of the fabulous singer, WHITNEY HOUSTON, is so sad to me, I've thought about it a lot over the past 24 hours. She was about my age.

I listened in awe when I first heard her sing "The Greatest Love of All..." in the mid 1980's. What PIPES!!  She also had extraordinary beauty, a fun, bubbly personality and every connection needed in the music industry (Cissy Houston [mom] was a famous gospel singer, Dionne Warwick was her aunt, Aretha Franklin was her godmother, etc.)

What gifts she had been given!The girl shot up like a rocket, and was everywhere in a very short time, becoming one of the biggest superstars in the world. Unstoppable...!

Like her southern gospel stylings or not, listeners were sucked in by the power and clarity of her voice. She turned her roots into a whole new genre of POP music that went way beyond gospel. Memorable songs that blew my mind were "Didn't We Almost Have it All," "Run to You," "Saving All My Love for You," "How Will I Know," "I Wanna Dance with Somebody," "I'm Every Woman," "One Moment in Time," and...of course... the Dolly Parton re-make, "I Will Always Love You." She left singers and wanna-be-singers jaw-dropped, wishing they had half her abilty and God-given talent.

Her version of the National Anthem at the 2003 SuperBowl was A-MAZING! I had to look it up to remember what year, but I remember how she knocked it out of the park! It was so strong, and so clear, and identifiable! Watch it HERE.

I think I own her debut CD, and haven't bought anything since then. She was on the radio non-stop back then. I can't say I am a die-hard Whitney fan; in fact, in recent years, I have thought her life a sad display of excess, addiction and a woman LOST, looking for something real to hold on to. She was given SO MUCH, and yet her inner demons kept her from realizing and enjoying her phenomenal blessings.

I guess what hit me so hard about her death yesterday is that she was only 48...so much of her life ahead of her, with a daughter, a family, talent, beauty, fame...and "everything." But it wasn't enough.

May she rest in peace.

Sending Valentine's LOVE

I LOVE MY FAMILY!!

Five Feet

Sam is  11 3/4 years old...he is in 6th grade.
He's almost 12! YIKES! He's almost a deacon, and out of Primary!

Today they had a Valentine's Dance at his school for 6th graders.
He liked it! He had fun! Did he dance? "NO," he says "but they had good refreshments, except for the Capri Sun. What do they think we are, pre-schoolers?"

As I'm sitting there talking to him about the day, the dance, the lame refreshments, I realize he looks very tall! We measure him, and yes, he has finally hit FIVE FEET tall. UG!

A combination of all these factors today made his mom sort of sad.

Can I Just Say...?

No further comment...

My Apostacy

Okay, well, I've known for a couple of weeks that this was happening, but I haven't been able to even let myself think about it. I'm sure there's something wrong with becoming so attached to your calling and the people you serve with that you absolutely will apostatize if it changes. So, count me in. I'm leaving the church. I'm gone. I'm out. I'm a goner. Call me (apo)Stacy...

My fabulous friend, and Stake Relief Society President, Jen Wadsworth's husband has been unemployed for the past several months, and he recently got a job! Hooray, right!? RIGHT! Except that it's IN BOZEMAN, MONTANA!! So...she will soon be released from her calling and then MOVE TO MONTANA in a few weeks! Her counselors will be released, and I will most likely be released as secretary. I am heartbroken.

Me, Vickie, Marlene and Jen (in happier days)

Jon SHOULD have found a job in Franklin -- or okay, the surrounding area! We SHOULD NOT be split up as a presidency! Our days as the giggling, loving, chocolate eating, hard-working, scatter-brained, planning, committed, winging it, doing things sometimes right and sometimes wrong, finding our own way, helping, laughing,  teaching, driving, cooking, taking the loooong way, training, listening, biting our tongues, learning, laughing some more, and serving FOURSOME: Jen, Marlene Williamson, Vickie Belden and I, should NOT BE ENDING! BWWAAAAHHH! We are...soul sistas!!  (doggone it! *sniff!*)

That's IT! Seriously, I'm never going to church again! (at least until our choir sings this Sunday, and I substitute teach in RS the next Sunday...)

Don't Be So Serious...

A friend posted this on Facebook today, and it cracked me up!

Man in the Arena

I love this quote -- first heard it from my dad years ago.

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood...who, at the best knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."  -- Theodore Roosevelt

(gives me chills and brings tears to my eyes all at once)