My Sister, My Friend

"You can always tell a real friend: when you've made a fool of yourself he doesn't feel you've done a permanent job."
Laurence J. Peter
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"It is one of the blessings of friends that you can afford to be stupid with them."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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"Fate chooses your relations, you choose your friends."
Jacques Delille
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"Having a sister is like having a best friend you can't get rid of. You know whatever you do, they'll still be there. "
Amy Li
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"In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips." ~Author Unknown
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"Sisters function as safety nets in a chaotic world simply by being there for each other."
Carol Saline

I have a Question!

This one person sends me emails everyday that make me smile...this one got me thinkin'.

If 4 out of 5 people SUFFER from diarrhea....does that mean that one out of five enjoys it?

Why do croutons come in airtight packages? Aren't they just stale bread to begin with?

If people from Poland are called Poles, then why aren't people from Holland called Holes?

If it's true that we are here to help others, then what exactly are the others here for?

If Fed Ex and UPS were to merge, would they call it Fed UP? ?

What hair color do they put on the driver's licenses of bald men?

Why do they put pictures of criminals up in the Post Office? What are we supposed to do, write to them? Why don't they just put their pictures on the postage stamps so the mailmen can look for them while they deliver the mail?

Is it true that you never really learn to swear until you learn to play golf?

As income tax time approaches, did you ever notice: When you put the two words 'The' and 'IRS' together, it spells 'THEIRS'?

These are all legit questions, ya know.

Birthday Boy

Dear Noah

I didn't know your momma and daddy yet when Jordie was born but I was there on both Isaac and Ammon's birth-day. I didn't get to meet you on your birth-day either but I did get to drive your very excited mommy to the airport that day so she could fly to be with you as fast as possible. I wish I had a video of that morning.

I got to be there when you came home....a sweet memory. You were soooo tiny and smelled so wonderful. I almost felt guilty being there as though I was crashing the sacred party at your house. Your brothers and sisters were so excited and each of them wanted to hold you. Although, I finally got my turn when Ammon decided your breath was stinky!

One of the things that I have loved about your adoption process is how you have become "community" baby. Usually while a mom is pregnant, only she experiences that miracle of a baby growing inside her..moving and kicking. Only she feels the growth and the change and the excitement building. I really believe that everyone has felt some measure of joy and anticipation in your arrival...and best of all, I get to do all the fun things with you that a naughty Aunt shouldn't do...like give you Diet Coke...shhh...don't tell mama.

The times that I've held you asleep in my arms have been some of the most peaceful moments of my life. A true connection of contentment through the veil. You are a gift, a special soul sent to your family. It's been such a joy to watch you grow. I especially love that now I can hold and play with you as you grow out of the the separation anxiety phase! Here you are playing with Lola through the glass. Happy Birthday Dear Noah. Thank you for letting me be your friend and love on you. You have put up with me rubbing your head and gooshing your cheeks. I simply can't resist.

Love, Auntie Cheryl

Anyone else feeling this way?

Lyrical

I've thought a lot about lyrics lately. I love music and almost always have it playing but recently it has been important to me to capture just the right words of someone's life. I've looked through and read many lyrics and a couple of songs have stood out as ones that describe a journey...a journey of someone who has almost lived 40 years.

These are the days of our lives by Queen
Sometimes I get to feelin'
I was back in the old days - long ago
When we were kids when we were young
Thing seemed so perfect - you know
The days were endless we were crazy we were young
The sun was always shinin' - we just lived for fun
Sometimes it seems like lately - I just don't know
The rest of my lifes' been just a show
Those were the days of our lives
The bad things in life were so few
Those days are all gone now but one thing is true
When I look and I find
I still love you

You cant turn back the clock you cant turn back the tide
Ain't that a shame
I'd like to go back one time on a roller coaster ride
When life was just a game
No use in sitting and thinkin' on what you did
When you can lay back and enjoy it through your kids
Sometimes it seems like lately - I just don't know
Better sit back and go with the flow
Cause these are the days of our lives
They've flown in the swiftness of time
These days are all gone now but some things remain
When I look and I find no change
Those were the days of our lives - yeah
The bad things in life were so few
Those days are all gone now but one things still true
When I look and I find I still love you
I still love you

Story of My Life by Bon Jovi
Yesterday's a memory, another page of history
Sell yourself for hopes and dreams
That leave you feeling sideways
Tripping over my own feet, trying to walk to my own beat
Another car out on the street trying to find the highway
Hey, are you going my way?

This is the story of my life
And I write it everyday
I know it isn't black and white
And it's anything but gray
I know that no, I'm not alright
But I'll be OK 'cause
Anything can, everything can happen
That's the story of my life

I'm gonna write the melody that's gonna make history
Yeah, and when I paint my masterpiece
I swear I'll show you first
There just ain't a way to see who, when, why or what will be'
Til now is then it's a mystery, a blessing and a curse
Or something worse, yeah

This is the story of my life
And I write it every day
I know it isn't black and white
And it's anything but gray
I know that no,
I'm not alright
But I'll be OK 'cause
Anything can, everything can
I've been thinking
Baby, you can help me write the story of my life
Hey, whaddaya say?

This is the story of my life
And I write it everyday
And I hope you're by my side
When I'm writing the last page---
This is the story of my life

I wish I could write music and lyrics. I wish there was one perfect song out there that describes how I feel. Since this isn't my gift, I will continue on my quest for the music that epitomizes familiar life and circumstances. And until then...there will be a few songs that will suffice.

Intervention

Is it bad to eat almost 1/2 of an entire pan of Rice Krispy Treat bars...

....by yourself????

Let's see, that works out to being 3 cups of rice krispies, 1 1/2 TBS butter, and 20 marshmellows. Do you see why I need help? Isn't there some kind of surgery that seals my mouth shut? How about hypnosis...yeah, maybe I can be convinced food is yucky. Would someone please step in here?

I guess I get what I deserve, now I'm completely nauseated.

It Takes Two

It Takes Two Baby....

Two Splenda packets that is...

Whenever I'm trying to cut back on sugar I go back to my old reliable Splenda. I like it best in the individual serving packets. But just because I don't want calories doesn't mean I still don't want sweetness. So, I always use two packets.

So when I made some nice warm Peach Herbal Tea this morning, I doused it with the usual daily recommended two packets. Today was the first time I noticed the sayings...

So, I'd say it's true...it takes two.

Participation Optional

A fun tag from a fun new friend.

10 things that start with a letter of the alphabet. She assigned me "M".

If you want to participate, let me know and I'll assign you a letter. You don't have to add picture...I'm just a little blog OCD.

1. M&M's. They pretty much rule the planet. I serve them at every shin dig I put on.2. Mars. That's where men are from. Yes, from Mars.3. Milk. It does a body good.4. Music. It rocks.5. Money. Turns out, it's bad for you.

6. Mold. Yuck, unless you need an antibiotic or good cheese.

7. Moose Tracks.

8. Mess. My house.9. Mercury. Please rise.

10. My Messiah.

These are the "m"s of my massively mundane morning.

Year of the Ox

So, I guess this means this isn't my year...I'm a Rooster.

Happy Chinese New Year! Last night we celebrated with homemade spring rolls and fried rice, rice paper candy and fortune cookies. I printed off the animals for the girls to discuss but ended up having no time to talk about it...other duties to fulfill...like emptying out the scout storage shed and moving it to another. Whew, only 3 trips.

Back to New Year's stuff...a popular telling of how the order of the animals of the zodiac were chosen:

When it came time for the Jade Emperor in heaven to decide the order of the zodiac, he invited all the animals to participate in a race. The order of the zodiac would be decided by the order in which the animals finished the race.

When the competition started, the ox was leading the pack, but the rat jumped on his back. Since the rat was so light and small, the ox didn't realize that the rat was hitching a ride. As the ox approached the finish line, the rat leapt off his back and was crowned the winner as he crossed the finish line first.

After all the creatures finished the race, the order was finalized: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.

Now really, could a ox beat a dragon? Wouldn't he just fly over and burn everyone with his fire breath? And what about a snake beating a horse? What kind of animal kingdom is this?

It is believed in their culture that depending upon when you were born, you take on the attributes of that animal.

Boyd, Hunter and I are all Roosters

Deep thinkers, confident, determined. Can be a bit of a loner, can be very outspoken.

Chloe is a Goat (or Ram or Sheep)Elegant, artistic, compassionate. First to complain about something, pessimistic.

Bridger is a Rat

Charming and ambitious. Short-tempered and sometimes sneaky.

Now, I don't know if these animals and their characteristics describes us perfectly or not, but I do know that I hope these fortunes come true...

"You won't be bored for long! New adventures are on their way."

"Opportunities surround you if you know where to look."

"You will be fortunate in everything you put your hands to."

"You will travel far and wide, both pleasure and business."

Well, Happy New Year at least.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

I found this slip of paper on my counter this morning...must have been from church yesterday.

The Efficiency Expert's Advice

Write down the 6 most important tasks to be performed in the day.

Place these items in order of importance.

Begin working on #1 in the morning.

When #1 is completed go on to #2 and so forth...

Each evening make a new list to be used the next day.

"For behold, this life is the time for men to prepare to meet God; yea, behold the day of this life is the day for men to perform their labors." --Alma 34:32

Great advice, now how do I get the energy to start on #1? I need advice from the Self Motivator's Expert..not the Efficiency Expert.

Rethinking Hope

I've heard the words "hope" and "change" all over this week. I am a bit worried that many people put much stock into the inaguration of one man, in whom all their hopes rely. There is only one man who can deliver true hope. I was hoping that He would be remembered this week. ...

Ether 12:4..."wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God."

And while I am concerned about that direction of hope, I also must try to not focus on negativity but rather direct my attention to the possibilities of the future. It seems to me that whatever course we are on, is the course that is laid out for us. We must have hope regardless of who is president, what our income is, how much we pay in taxes, whether or not we foresee a retirement available for us...all of these things in the end won't matter. We should put our faith and hope in the bigger picture.

"There is one thing which gives radiance to everything. It is the idea of something around the corner."

G.K. Chesterton, English writer and poet

"In future days, which we seek to make more secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential freedoms. The first is the freedom of speech and expression--everywhere around the world. The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way--everywhere in the world. The third is freedom from want---the fourth is freedom from fear."

Franklin D. Roosevelt, President of the United States

Really, these are things worth hoping for.

"Nothing worth doing is completed in our lifetime; therefore, we must have hope."

Reinhold Neibuhr, American Theologian

Isn't that the truth. There is a bigger picture out there. That is what hope is for.

There's always that option too. ☺

I'm 72% sure this is true...

88%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

I actually think it's more than 88%...how about you?

Good Blues

Lately there has been talk of the January Blues, no one likes those blues.

But I made a Blueberry French Toast Casserole for breakfast today that chases away those blues for sure! Other than a few questions...like..."what is in this?", I think it was a hit with the seminary kids. They do think I'm wacko when I take a picture of it for my blog before they eat it.

14 slices white bread

2 packages cream cheese (I used one...2 seemed like too much)

1 cup fresh blueberries

12 eggs

2 cups milk

1/3 maple syrup

Sauce

1/2 cup sugar

1 Tbsp cornstarch

1/2 water

1 cup fresh blueberries

1 Tbsp butter

Cut break into 1" cubes; place half in a greased 13x9 baking dish.

Cut cream cheese into 1" cubes; place over bread. Top with 1 cup blueberries and remaining bread. In a large bowl, whisk eggs. Whisk in milk and syrup, blending well. Pour eggs mixture over bread mixture. Cover and chill 8 hours or overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Uncover; bake 25-30 more minutes until golden brown and center is set.

In a sauce pan, combine sugar and cornstarch; add water. Bring to a boil over medium heat; boil for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in blueberries; reduce heat. Simmer for 8-10 minutes or until berries have burst. Stir in butter until melted. Serve sauce with French Toast.

Soooo much better than the average french toast even though it's blue!

Once there was a Snowman

Here's to hoping for a warmer day....

First time for everything

Ever fallen asleep at a car dealership? I mean full on mouth open, drool running asleep? Well now I can say I have. I have to blog while I sit here to keep from falling back asleep.

Food Driven

Can you have too many food drives?

What would you say to this if you knew that there was a little monestary of 8 nuns living here in Clay County who's food bank fed 2,500 families last year? These sisters run a thrift store to make money to buy food for their food bank. This is all for non-profit. These ladies do nothing else but feed others. Makes me think of the Savior when he said, "Feed My Sheep".

Hunter is wanting to start a food drive for these nuns. She is working on a Young Women's Value project on behalf of Megan. She has gone to some of her superiors at school to ask if she could run a food drive through the school.

"We just had a food drive".

So people only need to eat once?

I guess I keep thinking...where much is given much is required. I also understand how it feels to be "hit up" every time you turn around. I for one, am grateful that I haven't been asked to sacrifice more than a few cans a food once in awhile. I can only imagine what it must feel like to have no other option for feeding my family other than a food bank.

I know the Benedictine Sisters of the Queen of Angels Monastery are definately food driven. This is their mission statement:

"We, the Benedictine Sisters of Queen of Angels Monastery in Liberty, Missouri are called to a monastic community of prayer, work, and hospitality, ministering to those who are de-valued by Society, especially the lonely, the hungry, the missions, and those with special needs."

I guess I can donate a few cans of food for that.

R-E-L-I-E-F

How do you spell Relief? Well, after yesterday's cupcake binge and last nights treats at Jackson's, I'm feeling a bit nauseated. I think I've finally hit rock bottom with the overeating. Instead of posting a yummy (nauseating to think about) recipe, here's my comic relief today...

I promise, this is not the solution...trust me, I've tried it.

Sweet dreams are made of these...

Sometimes Martha Stewart recipes work out for me.....this one is a little labor intensive but in this case, all I can say is WOW!

Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

3 1/4 cups flour

1 1/2 TBS baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

Combine dry ingredients in bowl and whisk. Set aside.

1 3/4 sticks of butter, softened

1 3/4 cups sugar

1 cup plus 2 TBS milk

1 Tbsp pure vanilla extract

Mix all butter, sugar, milk and vanilla in mixer until smooth (or as smooth as you can get). Gradually mix in dry ingredients.

5 large egg whites, room temp

Beat egg whites to stiff peaks, and fold into batter.

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

Fold in chocolate chips into batter.

Line cupcake tins with paper liners. Fill about 2/3 full with batter. This made 24 cupcakes exactly for me. Bake in oven at 350 for 20 minutes (I cooked mine for almost 30 minutes).

Cool in tins on wire rack.

Chocolate Chip Frosting

3 sticks butter, softened

1 lb powdered sugar

1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract

Beat butter with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale and creamy, about 2 minutes. Reduce speed to medium. Add sugar, 1/2 cup at a time, beating after each addition about 5 minutes. Add vanilla, and beat until buttercream is smooth. Fold in 2 cups of chocolate chips. I found this recipe will cover...and I mean cover...all 24 cupcakes perfectly.

It is recommended that you serve these cupcakes immediately. They are very rich, one will do you all day!

I looked out the window...what did I see?

1. A day without sunshine is like night.
2. On the other hand, you have different fingers.
3. 42.7 percent of all statistics are made up on the spot.
4. 99 percent of lawyers give the rest a bad name.
5. Remember, half the people you know are below average.
6. He who laughs last, thinks slowest.
7. Depression is merely anger without enthusiasm.
8. The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese in the trap.
9. Support bacteria. They're the only culture some people have.
10. A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.
11. Change is inevitable, except from vending machines.
12. If you think nobody cares, try missing a couple of payments.
13. How many of you believe in psycho-kinesis? Raise my hand.
14. OK, so what's the speed of dark?
15.. When everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.
16. Hard work pays off in the future. Laziness pays off now.
17. How much deeper would the ocean be without sponges?
18. Eagles may soar, but weasels don't get sucked into jet engines.
19. What happens if you get scared half to death, twice?
20. Why do psychics have to ask you your name?
21. Inside every older person is a younger person wondering, 'What the heck happened?' Oh my gosh this is me!
22. Just remember -- if the world didn't suck, we would all fall off.
23. Light travels faster than sound. That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak..
24. Life isn't like a box of chocolates. It's more like a jar of jalapenos. What you do today, might burn your butt tomorrow.

Thanks Dave.

I'm substituting for the teacher of the 6 year olds in Primary today. I'm sure I'll hear much more intelligent things than these from their mouths.

Confessions

Ain't that the truth. I confess, I don't have anything to say.

I know who...

ran over the stop sign on Woodland!

As you drive north on Woodland...you have a flashing warning sign for the upcoming stop sign at the 4-way.

Whoops...where'd it go?

Oh, there it is....run over...laying on the ground.

Wanna see who did it?
Now you know who did it too!