November 30

Remember the toe accident yesterday? This is what my toe looked like when I went to bed last night. It was throbbing and I was glad to get off my feet. I really think I broke it...

Well, it was worse this morning. I painted my toe nails anticipating wearing some strappy sandals rather than shoes cause there is no way I can wear shoes. They just hurt too bad. Well, when I put on the strappy sandals, they hurt, too. I had to end up wear a stinky old pair of sandals with no heels and walk (limp) very carefully. I had to speak in church today, and it hurt to have any kind of shoe on, even the sandal. So I explained to the bishop what I had done to myself and asked if it was alright if I gave my talk barefoot because the shoes just hurt too much. No one sitting out there even knew, but I did give my talk barefoot! I just wonder what I am going to do tomorrow about work and shoes... I may have to wear stinky old sandals and not walk around too much!

Pretty, huh?

November 29

Time to get out the Christmas Decorations. I love putting up the tree right after Thanksgiving and getting out all the decorations. These are the little snowmen I call my "Joy Boys." This year I put them up above the doorway to the family room. I was standing on a chair, and was placing Mr. J. in his spot. He slipped off and fell, landing right on my baby toe. Let me tell you, that hurt so bad!!! I was doing a war dance for sure. I went about the rest of the day in a lot of pain. Had shopping to do, and lights to hang. You know how it is. You just go and do anyway.

November 28 - Black Friday

Julie wanted to try roller blading. Becca offered support.

She was a little nervous...Nick is showing her how to skateboard.

This is what I got to listen to as I was going to bed:

We had a really great day. Did go shopping - never again on Black Friday! It was a good night to go to the movies, though. Becca, Julie & Ava went to 4 Christmases. Nick, Rod and I went to the 007 movie. I fell asleep... wish I would have gone with the girls. Oh, well.

November 27

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

This is how you put stuffing in the turkey...


Look mom... no hands!

November 26

I know I already posted for today, but it was an eventful day, and each event bears remembering: Allen dropped in - Ava was fascinated with is uniform and equipment. He spent some time and explained the handcuffs to her. She was so interested in all detention officer stuff. She asked him if he worked for a policeman.

Becca and her friends were hanging out. They are such cute girls!

Becca and McKaela traded clothes. For some reason they thought this was something of note. I am glad Becca has good friends. I think I will call them "the Three Stooges."

I picked up Julie and Ava from the airport tonight. After Becca's friends went home, Julie paid her to rub her feet. Oh, brother!

November 26

The sunrise was unbelievable today! I snapped these photos as I was driving down Grand Avenue on my way to work, so they are through the dirty windshield and as I was moving. I know that was rather dangerous, but I knew if I did not act, I would not get the photo. By the time I arrived at school, there was NO color left in the sky. The morning sky happens fast!

November 25

Today was Rod's late day. He got to sleep in, so I did not get to make my bed. This is how he does it. Not quite like I do, but I do appreciate the fact that he pulls up the covers and throws on the pillows. I really hate walking into my room and not having the bed made. Thanks, Rod, for making the bed!

November 24

Rod has been temporarily stationed back at his old office in Phoenix. This location was almost completely closed down last spring. Hundreds of employees were let go. It was the largest GMAC office in the nation, in fact the world, and now it is all but empty. He said it echos when you talk and it is a very erie feeling. He has a team of 19 people that are left there until the end of the year, and then they will all be out of a job. He is the supervisor of this temporary team, and is teaching them the art of collections. We are thankful that Rod is still employed and will return back to his collections office when all is said and done here.

November 22

It's a lemon poppyseed muffin morning. Have fun a youth conference today, girls!

November 21

Yeah. Becca, Nick, Miriam and I went at midnight. Got home at 2:45. Had to get up for Seminary, School and Work. It was worth it. We really had good time. Sometimes you just have to let your hair down and do something that is not quite practical. We will always remember going to the midnight show - but would we remember sleeping that night? I don't think so!

November 20

Lunch with the office girls - Georgia, Katrina, Monica and Tina! It was a staff development day, so the kids got out early and the teachers had meetings. My principal called the district office to see if it was alright for us to forward the phones so the office staff could do so team building by going out to lunch. We went to the Golden Greek and had Gyros. We had so much fun! Thanks Mr. Gunn.

Now for the story of the day: I sat a cross from Georgia. Our drinks were in close proximity. I reached out and took my glass (or so I thought) and sucked on the straw. I thought my face was going to turn inside out and my body did a shudder. I did not know what was wrong with that last few inches of my diet coke, but it was BAD! I then took a look and realized I had picked up Georgia's iced tea. They all laughed at me for sure. I don't know how people drink that stuff! Yuck! I thought it was a bad lime at the bottom of the glass or something.

November 19

Mr. Smiley turned one today. I was sad I could not be there, but very happy I could spend some time with you a few days before and enjoy watching you open your present! I love you, Luka!

Novemeber 18

So what is this, you may ask? Well, I have heard a funny tap, tap, tap, on occasion. The first time I heard it, I thought maybe my neighbor was hammering something in his back yard. But I kept hearing it for several days. Today, I finally went outside to check because I thought just maybe.....

and I was right! It was a stinkin' woodpecker. He has made this lovely hole into our attic on the west side of the house and has started two other holes. I talked to my neighbor about it and she said they have been all over the neighborhood and that several other homes have holes, too. Now we are on the rampage to get rid of woodpeckers!

November 17

Happy Birthday to Ava! Can't believe you are four years old. I'm glad I got to see you a few days before your birthday, so I could get this picture of you. Always remember that Grammy loves you!

November 15

The nut bowl. When I was a little girl, we always had a bowl of nuts during the holidays. I have never done this with my kids, so Rod and I bought a big bag of nuts and a cracker. We now have a nut bowl. I have enjoyed the hazel nuts, especially. Our kids haven't touched it yet, but maybe they will venture forth.

November 14

Sporting our new Centennial High School Hoodie in brilliant red, white, and blue! What a cute model. I was very sad when I had to take this girl to the airport tonight. I thought about her all weekend long. She went to her Grandma Clark's funeral.

November 13

Rondaleen sent me this recipe and it sounded good - so tonight, Becca and I decided to try it out. Make sure you stir it up good, Becca!

The first one was a little messy looking - I think we might have not put quite as much flour as we should have in it - it's not supposed to run over the edge like that.

This one looks much better! We served it with ice cream to "cut the sweetness."

Here's the recipe:

5 MINUTE CHOCOLATE MUG CAKE

4 tablespoons flour

4 tablespoons sugar

2 tablespoons cocoa

1 egg

3 tablespoons milk

3 tablespoons oil

3 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)

a small splash of vanilla extract

1 large coffee mug (microwave proof)

Add dry ingredients to mug, and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly.

Pour in the milk and oil and mix well.

Add the chocolate chips (if using) and vanilla extract. and mix again.

Put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 minutes at 1000 watts.

the cake will rise over the top of the mug, but don't be alarmed!

Allow to cook a little, and tip out onto a plate of desired.

EAT! (This can serve 2 if you want to feel slightly more virtuous.)

And why is the most dangerous cake recipe in the world?

Because now we are all only 5 minutes away from chocolate cake at any time of the day or night!

Personally, I thought it was quite rich tasting. It is also more like a sponge cake texture-wise. I think the next time we try this, we will pour on chocolate sauce with whipping cream. Mmmmmm!

November 12

The sunset tonight was stunning. My heart has been heavy this day, and this beautiful sky was a balm to my soul. My dear sweet friend and second mother passed away this morning. She would have reveled in this evening sky with me...

I know that she saw it from the other side of the sky and was equally thrilled. And now she is no longer in pain. Her body is at rest and her spirit is free! Thank you for helping me become who I am today, Carol. I love you so much, and miss you.

November 11

Skate boarding princess...



I love this boy!


Look how coy.

Mr. Smiley warms my heart!

Don't Eat Pete!

I got to spend some time with my precious grandchildren. I have missed them more than words can express. I had so much fun playing games with them, watching them ride bikes and skate board. They are brilliant and beautiful beyond description! When it was time to leave, Cooper and Savannah started crying. It was so hard to say goodbye. It made me cry, too!

November 10

Lunch with my sisters, Janet and LaRue.

Surprise! Heidi came, too!

Julie and I got to have lunch with LaRue, Janet and Heidi. It was so fun to see my niece! I don't get to see her that often. I really love my nieces and nephews!

November 9

LaRue and Mr. B.

Dad and Donna.

LaRue made Sunday dinner and we had such a nice visit with Dad and Donna. I have missed my family so much!

November 8

My traveling companion...

November 7

Packing for my journey...

November 4

Happy Birthday, Becca!

November 2

Yesterday was the preliminary competition for state for the band. They received a "good." This means they did not qualify for state. There were some very sad band kids. They worked really hard and they had a great time. That's really what matters after all.

November 1

7:00 am we are at the Bishop's house to add to our storage. Nice action shot of the elbow macaroni, huh?
A trunk full of dry canned goods. Makes me feel a little more secure. I just wonder where we are going to put it all...