So, Bella and I were shopping at our friendly neighborhood Walmart the other day.
Bella treated our shopping trip like her very own little Miss America pageant. She smiled and said hello to every person she passed (every person). She also sang away thoughout the store when she couldn't help herself. She was just "on."
Our checkout clerk was an friendly older gentleman and he got a huge chuckle out of Bella singing "My Darlin' Clementine." (I have no idea where she first heard this song, maybe from Grandpa but she sings it over and over.) He said, you know, I was a singer once, I'm sure you're not old enough to remember the "Love Boat."
What? Me? I assured him that not only was I old enough, but I was a die hard fan. (It was "Must see TV" at our house when I was a child. ) He said,"I sang the theme song for the show", and proceeded to belt out "The Love Boat" while he rang through my groceries. He also threw in a few lines of My Darlin' Clementine for good measure.
How. Cool. Is. That.
I mean, maybe he was just a random man off the street, but he sure SOUNDED exactly like the Love Boat theme singer. No, really. Evidently he retired and his wife wanted him to stop sitting around the house so he got this job at Walmart because he likes interacting with people. I'm a believer... but he also said that Bella and I had pretty smiles so I guess I'm a sucker too...... Well anyway, he was SOOOOO slow ringing up our order that I'm positive that grocery checker wasn't his first career.
Hey, between the Osmond that was in our ward for two weeks and the Love Boat theme singer, Coolidge is nearly on the map, I mean c'mon!
And now I'll look for him every time I go because who wouldn't want to be serenaded at the friendly neighborhood Walmart every once in a while right?
Friday, January 20, 2012
Sunday, January 1, 2012
My Standard
As I was working on my much neglected blog tonight I found this draft. This needs to be published for my posterity. Maybe they will have the same genes I do.
My Standard
I have one. (A standard that is.)
After all the mornings I sent my chidren to school in dirty clothes, torn knees, mismatched socks, turkey tails and tangles... you name it and as some point or another my kids have left the house with any number of these "situations". (Even dirty socks - I thought I already had my limits there, but after smelling my children's feet after school the other day I guess I was wrong about that.)
I found my limitation (only one so far) this morning
Josh came downstairs dressed in these:
It's hard to tell in this picture, but the hem on these pants is long gone, they've been ripped to shreds. Both knees are completely torn out. The legs are so worn you can actually see through them in parts. To top it off, they are about an inch too short for Josh. I guess I have to draw the line there. No. Way.
So now you have it, when your pants are ripped and worn beyond recognizing what they are, AND they are too small, you can't wear them.
There. I have a standard.
My Standard
I have one. (A standard that is.)
After all the mornings I sent my chidren to school in dirty clothes, torn knees, mismatched socks, turkey tails and tangles... you name it and as some point or another my kids have left the house with any number of these "situations". (Even dirty socks - I thought I already had my limits there, but after smelling my children's feet after school the other day I guess I was wrong about that.)
I found my limitation (only one so far) this morning
Josh came downstairs dressed in these:
It's hard to tell in this picture, but the hem on these pants is long gone, they've been ripped to shreds. Both knees are completely torn out. The legs are so worn you can actually see through them in parts. To top it off, they are about an inch too short for Josh. I guess I have to draw the line there. No. Way.
So now you have it, when your pants are ripped and worn beyond recognizing what they are, AND they are too small, you can't wear them.
There. I have a standard.
Her "Highness"
This is how we go to Walmart. I gave up on making her wear "normal" clothes in public. As long as she is covered up, she can pick how she leaves the house. I'm pretty sure she is MUCH more strong willed than I am.
PS. In case you can't tell, in both pictures I'm in trouble. She won't even make eye contact. Sigh... hard to share my "princess" title in the home with another person. But she sure is fun...
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! (AND MEXICAN SHRIMP COCKTAIL)
I hope that all of my loved ones had a wonderful Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Sorry that I continue to leave my blog untouched for sooo many weeks on end. I won't even re-read my post from last year with my New Year Resolutions on it. Not saying that I won't set more again, but I'm pretty sure I didn't come close to putting a dent in my list. I will simplify this year's goal. "Survive" will be the theme. :)
So that you all start your New Year's off right, and because I love you all I'm going to include the recipe for "Mexican Shrimp Cocktail" that so many members of my family enjoy. It's easy and we have it on New Year's Eve and other "special occasions". Love you all!!!
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail:
1 large bottle of Clamato. This is sold in the juice isle next to the V- 8. Clamato is a Hispanic tomato juice cocktail and it does have a different taste than anything else you can buy. It is the authentic ingredient to make perfect shrimp cocktail... ok I'll be honest, it's made with clam juice but don't be afraid. You're not serving it over ice and drinking it for breakfast and it makes perfect Mexican Shrimp Cocktail. If you can't find Clamato, use regular V-8 or spicy V-8 if you like some heat.
1 small can El Pato. (the yellow can) This is a Mexican tomato sauce. I think this can be found in most grocery stores. If the Smith's in Sandy, Utah carries it (it does), I'm pretty sure you can find it just about anywhere... just sayin'. For some reason if you can't find this ingredient then just stick to regular old shrimp cocktail... ok, just kidding.... maybe you could use some juice from pickled jalepenos instead and extra extra seasoning. The El Pato adds a lot of flavor. (Or some Herdez red salsa may work, that may come close to the flavor you need.) Just TRY to find it.
1/2 cup Heinz ketchup (it has the best taste in my opinion)
1/2 - 3/4 bunch cilantro or more to taste
3/4 a medium size red onion, or more to taste
4 stalk celery
1 cucumber, peeled and cubed. (Cucumber pieces may be larger than the other vegetables. Small cubes.)
2-3 avacado
approximately 2 pounds frozen shrimp, shells and tail removed
the juice of 1 to 2 large limes
salt, pepper to taste
(A de-seeded, de-veined jalapeno or two, chopped is also optional - just depends on who is eating it...)
Use a "slap chop", food processor or knife to cut the cilantro, celery and red onion into very small pieces. Really the slap chop makes the veggies a perfect size, a food processor can be too much - you still want some crunch when you eat but the vegetables need to be small.
Pour Clamato into a large bowl, add the ketchup and stir together. Pour in about 1/2 to 3/4 can of the El Pato. This keeps the shrimp cocktail fairly mild. For more kick, add the whole can.
Add vegetables into Clamato mix, then add frozen shrimp. Juice lime over the entire bowl, add salt and pepper.
Taste test: VERY IMPORTANT! Like all things Mexican everything is "to taste." You may want more crunch from vegetable. You may need more salt and heat. Add ketchup for more sweetness. Taste the mix and add any ingredient you think you need to add.
Cover your large bowl and let it sit on the counter for about 20 to 30 minutes. The shrimp will defrost into your mixture and make it a perfect cold temperature for eating.
Right before serving, cube 2 or 3 avacados and add them into your bowl of cerviche. (Or shrimp cocktail). Again, anything you add is to taste. The final product here should be a soupy consistency that is a little sweet and spicy, almost like eating a cold shrimp soup. It is fantastic.
Enjoy a little bit of our family tradition and eat up!!! You will love it, I promise.
Happy New Year!
Sorry that I continue to leave my blog untouched for sooo many weeks on end. I won't even re-read my post from last year with my New Year Resolutions on it. Not saying that I won't set more again, but I'm pretty sure I didn't come close to putting a dent in my list. I will simplify this year's goal. "Survive" will be the theme. :)
So that you all start your New Year's off right, and because I love you all I'm going to include the recipe for "Mexican Shrimp Cocktail" that so many members of my family enjoy. It's easy and we have it on New Year's Eve and other "special occasions". Love you all!!!
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail:
1 large bottle of Clamato. This is sold in the juice isle next to the V- 8. Clamato is a Hispanic tomato juice cocktail and it does have a different taste than anything else you can buy. It is the authentic ingredient to make perfect shrimp cocktail... ok I'll be honest, it's made with clam juice but don't be afraid. You're not serving it over ice and drinking it for breakfast and it makes perfect Mexican Shrimp Cocktail. If you can't find Clamato, use regular V-8 or spicy V-8 if you like some heat.
1 small can El Pato. (the yellow can) This is a Mexican tomato sauce. I think this can be found in most grocery stores. If the Smith's in Sandy, Utah carries it (it does), I'm pretty sure you can find it just about anywhere... just sayin'. For some reason if you can't find this ingredient then just stick to regular old shrimp cocktail... ok, just kidding.... maybe you could use some juice from pickled jalepenos instead and extra extra seasoning. The El Pato adds a lot of flavor. (Or some Herdez red salsa may work, that may come close to the flavor you need.) Just TRY to find it.
1/2 cup Heinz ketchup (it has the best taste in my opinion)
1/2 - 3/4 bunch cilantro or more to taste
3/4 a medium size red onion, or more to taste
4 stalk celery
1 cucumber, peeled and cubed. (Cucumber pieces may be larger than the other vegetables. Small cubes.)
2-3 avacado
approximately 2 pounds frozen shrimp, shells and tail removed
the juice of 1 to 2 large limes
salt, pepper to taste
(A de-seeded, de-veined jalapeno or two, chopped is also optional - just depends on who is eating it...)
Use a "slap chop", food processor or knife to cut the cilantro, celery and red onion into very small pieces. Really the slap chop makes the veggies a perfect size, a food processor can be too much - you still want some crunch when you eat but the vegetables need to be small.
Pour Clamato into a large bowl, add the ketchup and stir together. Pour in about 1/2 to 3/4 can of the El Pato. This keeps the shrimp cocktail fairly mild. For more kick, add the whole can.
Add vegetables into Clamato mix, then add frozen shrimp. Juice lime over the entire bowl, add salt and pepper.
Taste test: VERY IMPORTANT! Like all things Mexican everything is "to taste." You may want more crunch from vegetable. You may need more salt and heat. Add ketchup for more sweetness. Taste the mix and add any ingredient you think you need to add.
Cover your large bowl and let it sit on the counter for about 20 to 30 minutes. The shrimp will defrost into your mixture and make it a perfect cold temperature for eating.
Right before serving, cube 2 or 3 avacados and add them into your bowl of cerviche. (Or shrimp cocktail). Again, anything you add is to taste. The final product here should be a soupy consistency that is a little sweet and spicy, almost like eating a cold shrimp soup. It is fantastic.
Enjoy a little bit of our family tradition and eat up!!! You will love it, I promise.
Happy New Year!
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Baptists at Our Ward Christmas Bash
I have a story to tell. It's about a really special lady that made her own Christmas Miracle happen right here in our little town.
I want to write about this because I learned a few very important lessons today, and I feel more prepared for Christmas and it's true meaning than I have in years.
DeeDee Merrill, in our ward does everything big. Not just big, huge. She worked for/with Disney World in Orlando for many years and she brought her big ideas to our little town. I mean, showmanship is so big in her family that one of her daughters married an Osmond. (Yes, for about two weeks we had an Osmond in our ward. Coolidge just wasn't their thing though.... I digress...) She thinks creatively and "out of the box."
She was put in charge of our ward party this year and wanted to do something special, so she prayed and prayed, and came up with an idea. She felt like she wanted to find another church congregation in Coolidge to celebrate Christmas with, and to make a service project for our ward.
One Sunday she felt impressed to go to the Baptist Church in our town. This church is a small, run down, dilapidated building that has actually been condemned, (literally) and the congregation is almost entirely African American. She arrived at their Sunday Service and sat in one of the back pews where she is completely sticking out. The pastor gave his sermon and respectfully asked her if she has anything to share. DeeDee proceeded to tell them she'd been praying about where to be that day and that she felt inspired to be there.
After the meeting, DeeDee met with the pastor and some other folks from the church to find out if they would be willing to come to our Ward Christmas Party and asked how we could help them. They emotionally told her that they'd been praying for a miracle from the Lord. They have many needy children in their congregation and didn't know how they were going to take care of them. Needy like, need clothes and shoes - toys weren't even on the list.
So DeeDee shared her experience in our Sacrament Meeting, and shared her testimony of how wonderful this experience would be. And then, we were all given "to do" lists.
I'm serving in the Primary Presidency right now, and I have to admit.... after I got my "to do" list, I was feeling a little cranky and not so ready to participate. The primary was asked to be in charge of all the children for about an hour and a half, during which time we were to prepare a nativity while the rest of the adults listened to musical numbers and did crafts seperately. Yikes!! SOOOO many reasons why that seemed like a hard and difficult thing to do. Between both congregations, we were expecting 95 children ages 3 to 12 - and those numbers were almost certain. After adults and children did activities, families would hayride together over to the Baptist building and everyone would sing and do the Christmas Nativity.
We worked on our part of the assignment with (I'm ashamed to say) a lot of angst. This time of year is so busy anyway, so to be asked to take on such a large responsibility seemed like a burden. I know I wasn't alone in feeling a little frustrated and "put upon."
Today, like expected, we had a minimum of 95 children show up between both congregations. There was quite a bit of hari kari: we lost children, had a hard time keeping their attention, it was chaotic as you would imagine. We could only prepare so much for that many children in such a small space... as Primary leaders we were ready to be "done" when the hour and a half was over.
After the activities our children hopped on the hayrides and I hopped in my car (it was raining - I have my limits) and went over to the other church. As we were helping unload and organize children in that teeny uneven building all I could think was, we're almost done! I was bossing kids around, getting after a few just trying to keep them in one place for the music and then slowly, the atmosphere changed.
A few of the Baptist folks began playing the piano, drums, and singing a catchy gospel song. Our primary children started clapping and enjoying the music. Everyone in the room started to quiet down, sit still and listen to the music. I mean, it was totally different music than we're used to in sacrament meeting - but the spirit entered the room with all of us enjoying music together.
The Nativity started. Our children made a rainbow of colors representing Mary, Joseph and the Wise Men. They sang their musical numbers and their voices were strong and beautiful. In that tiny building filled with at least a hundred plus people it was quiet, and everyone sang the Christmas hymns together. While we sang, our youth decorated their Christmas tree and placed donated gifts under it.
Finally, the Pastor and our Bishop got up and spoke a few words. Our Bishop reminded us that it wasn't the nails that kept Christ up on the cross, it was all of us and his love for us. Their Pastor got up and spoke: "today we had a rehersal for what Heaven is really like. It doesn't matter what color you are, it doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, it just matters that you are children of God." Amen.
(He also said that he already decided he was going to Heaven, he was just trying to get as many people as he could to come along with him. I loved that - me too then...)
DeeDee herself was raised as a Baptist. She closed by saying that there was one hymn that she knew both churches sang, and she wanted us to sing it for the closing song: "How Great Thou Art." The feelings of love we all felt seemed to make the entire place glow. I don't think there were many dry eyes in the room. The spirit filled that little run down building and it was warm and strong. It really felt like we were part of a piece of Heaven.
So, a few thoughts. First, I remember just like going on a mission: the bigger and greater the spiritual ourpouring, the bigger and greater the adversary will work against you. So I should've know how awesome the day would end with all the adversity that came with it.
Also, THIS day, and maybe for the first time in my "grown up" life, we celebrated the true meaning and spirit of Christmas. Giving, Sharing and Remembering Jesus Christ with our brothers and sisters.
Merry Christmas Everyone.... and "Come Let Us Adore Him."
I want to write about this because I learned a few very important lessons today, and I feel more prepared for Christmas and it's true meaning than I have in years.
DeeDee Merrill, in our ward does everything big. Not just big, huge. She worked for/with Disney World in Orlando for many years and she brought her big ideas to our little town. I mean, showmanship is so big in her family that one of her daughters married an Osmond. (Yes, for about two weeks we had an Osmond in our ward. Coolidge just wasn't their thing though.... I digress...) She thinks creatively and "out of the box."
She was put in charge of our ward party this year and wanted to do something special, so she prayed and prayed, and came up with an idea. She felt like she wanted to find another church congregation in Coolidge to celebrate Christmas with, and to make a service project for our ward.
One Sunday she felt impressed to go to the Baptist Church in our town. This church is a small, run down, dilapidated building that has actually been condemned, (literally) and the congregation is almost entirely African American. She arrived at their Sunday Service and sat in one of the back pews where she is completely sticking out. The pastor gave his sermon and respectfully asked her if she has anything to share. DeeDee proceeded to tell them she'd been praying about where to be that day and that she felt inspired to be there.
After the meeting, DeeDee met with the pastor and some other folks from the church to find out if they would be willing to come to our Ward Christmas Party and asked how we could help them. They emotionally told her that they'd been praying for a miracle from the Lord. They have many needy children in their congregation and didn't know how they were going to take care of them. Needy like, need clothes and shoes - toys weren't even on the list.
So DeeDee shared her experience in our Sacrament Meeting, and shared her testimony of how wonderful this experience would be. And then, we were all given "to do" lists.
I'm serving in the Primary Presidency right now, and I have to admit.... after I got my "to do" list, I was feeling a little cranky and not so ready to participate. The primary was asked to be in charge of all the children for about an hour and a half, during which time we were to prepare a nativity while the rest of the adults listened to musical numbers and did crafts seperately. Yikes!! SOOOO many reasons why that seemed like a hard and difficult thing to do. Between both congregations, we were expecting 95 children ages 3 to 12 - and those numbers were almost certain. After adults and children did activities, families would hayride together over to the Baptist building and everyone would sing and do the Christmas Nativity.
We worked on our part of the assignment with (I'm ashamed to say) a lot of angst. This time of year is so busy anyway, so to be asked to take on such a large responsibility seemed like a burden. I know I wasn't alone in feeling a little frustrated and "put upon."
Today, like expected, we had a minimum of 95 children show up between both congregations. There was quite a bit of hari kari: we lost children, had a hard time keeping their attention, it was chaotic as you would imagine. We could only prepare so much for that many children in such a small space... as Primary leaders we were ready to be "done" when the hour and a half was over.
After the activities our children hopped on the hayrides and I hopped in my car (it was raining - I have my limits) and went over to the other church. As we were helping unload and organize children in that teeny uneven building all I could think was, we're almost done! I was bossing kids around, getting after a few just trying to keep them in one place for the music and then slowly, the atmosphere changed.
A few of the Baptist folks began playing the piano, drums, and singing a catchy gospel song. Our primary children started clapping and enjoying the music. Everyone in the room started to quiet down, sit still and listen to the music. I mean, it was totally different music than we're used to in sacrament meeting - but the spirit entered the room with all of us enjoying music together.
The Nativity started. Our children made a rainbow of colors representing Mary, Joseph and the Wise Men. They sang their musical numbers and their voices were strong and beautiful. In that tiny building filled with at least a hundred plus people it was quiet, and everyone sang the Christmas hymns together. While we sang, our youth decorated their Christmas tree and placed donated gifts under it.
Finally, the Pastor and our Bishop got up and spoke a few words. Our Bishop reminded us that it wasn't the nails that kept Christ up on the cross, it was all of us and his love for us. Their Pastor got up and spoke: "today we had a rehersal for what Heaven is really like. It doesn't matter what color you are, it doesn't matter if you are rich or poor, it just matters that you are children of God." Amen.
(He also said that he already decided he was going to Heaven, he was just trying to get as many people as he could to come along with him. I loved that - me too then...)
DeeDee herself was raised as a Baptist. She closed by saying that there was one hymn that she knew both churches sang, and she wanted us to sing it for the closing song: "How Great Thou Art." The feelings of love we all felt seemed to make the entire place glow. I don't think there were many dry eyes in the room. The spirit filled that little run down building and it was warm and strong. It really felt like we were part of a piece of Heaven.
So, a few thoughts. First, I remember just like going on a mission: the bigger and greater the spiritual ourpouring, the bigger and greater the adversary will work against you. So I should've know how awesome the day would end with all the adversity that came with it.
Also, THIS day, and maybe for the first time in my "grown up" life, we celebrated the true meaning and spirit of Christmas. Giving, Sharing and Remembering Jesus Christ with our brothers and sisters.
Merry Christmas Everyone.... and "Come Let Us Adore Him."
Monday, November 28, 2011
AND.... One Month Later...Happy Thanksgiving!!
Exhibit A:
Is the reason I am eating only grilled chicken and salad for the next few weeks.
But ohhhh was it good. This ended up in the oven, covered with marshmellows. Why no "after" picture? Well, because we were all taking little tastes out of the top of it as soon as it came out of the oven.
And here: Exhibit B
MMMMM.... More butter. I told mom she was out of practice because she only bought two pounds and we were out by the end of dinner. We barely had enough....
And finally,
Exhibit C:
Exhibit C is the reason why we love living in Arizona!!! 70 and sunny two days after Thanksgiving. Beautiful day and fun holiday!! Makes all of those 115 degree days worth it... I promise, it's a dry heat :)
I love being with family and friends. Can't wait for Christmas!
Friday, November 11, 2011
Happy Halloween!!
What a fun night! Homemade root beer, cheesy soup, family and friends.
Poor Bella was so terrified of Matthew's costume which looked kind of like a Star Wars "sand person" (don't know how else to describe it....) But seriously trick or treated for two hours because she wanted to see the "Purple Zombie House." Whatever that is. Bless Michael's heart, he went out trick or treating with her over and over again, trying to help her find it... Oh well, maybe we'll come across a "Purple Zombie House" next year.
This picture is soooo bad. But I didn't know how poorly it turned out until several days after Halloween so this is what we're ending up with for posterity. Better than nothing, right?
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