Where in the World? Coming home

I just realized that it is the end of July and time to come home from my virtual world trip. My last stop was Greece. I still have so many places on my list of places to visit.

Like, Spain and Denmark, and Holland and Mexico, Canada, the Carribean, places in Africa....

Thanks for joining me for this quick tour of our world and guessing all the places I visited. One last stop on my way home- Land of Eternal Spring.

I hear this is a magical place. If you’re into the Maya, the mountains, the markets or a million other things, you’re bound to be captivated. People come and they stay. Or they leave and return. There’s almost too much going on here, and even the shortest trip takes you completely different places, with new challenges and surprises. Students of Spanish flock to Antigua, a gorgeous town nestled between three volcanoes, while those travelers seeking the 'real (place name)' might head to lesser known places like Lago de Izabal or Nebaj, a Maya village hidden in a remote fold of the Cuchumatanes mountains. And sooner or later, just about everyone ends up in the Highlands – Lago de Atitlán being an irresistable drawcard

We could go to Tikal, Antigua,the capital City and other places of interest

We will discover a variety of incredible destinations. The unique hospitality of its people plus the mystique of their culture will inspire your senses. Whether your interest is in Mayan culture, colonial architecture, volcanoes or rainforest, we will have a perfect vacation.

Someday I will be able to take a trip that is more than virtual. And when I do, I'll take real pictures and take you along with me. And bring home souveniers to share.

Indeed.

Braids

I'm taking Brandi to get her hair done tomorrow. In the last 10 years I have done just about every hair style in this video.




Maybe we should try:



Or maybe



Or here


But we will probably do something like this. Again.



Because it will last for 6 weeks before I have to take the braids out. 6 weeks of just wash, rinse and done. When you have ethnic hair those 6 weeks are hair heaven.

But one thing she will never have? Dred locks. Because in order to take them out, you have to shave the head.

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Indeed.

Jake's cast, a story in pictures

Taking the splint off

The arm after 1 week in a splint
See the mark next to the wrist bone?
That's where it broke

The liner for the cast
and choosing the color

Applying the cast

The cast

The really cool and amazing part? Its waterproof! No more tying a huge garbage bag over his arm just so he can take a shower. And he can go swimming. And he can do the dishes! Who knew?

One last picture. This is what the boys were working on when the accident happened. They had taken their bikes to Josh's house to get a certain screw or something for this and were on their way back to our house to finish before it got too dark.

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Indeed.

From the sidelines

Ok, I may be just the mom on the sidelines, but, I'm pretty sure this isn't the right way to do it. Unless maybe it is.

Saturday started the first day of soccer league play. Brandi's first game was tonight. Last Monday I called the rec. center because we still had not heard from a coach about practice times, what team she was on, the where's and who's and all that jazz. They gave me a name and number of the coach. I called the coach. His response was the first bad sign.

"Um, ya. I guess I had better get on that, huh?"

Ok. Maybe he had something happen and is feeling a bit stressed and the summer got away from him and this week snuck up on him. It can happen. Right?

So first practice was Wed. night. I was at class, so her dad had to take her. She came home with a list of games and times (which I already had because I printed them off of the rec center website) and a list of which girl was in charge of bringing treats to which game. An important piece of information, because when you are 10, the treat is the best part.

I took Jake to get his cast on today. We got home at 5:30. Game starts at 6:30. Time to make a quick supper and head out. Good thing I stopped to check my e-mail because the girls were supposed to be there at 6 for their second practice!



Practice- 20 minutes of taking turns passing the ball back and forth to each other. Then the coach's wife asked him if he wanted the girls to kick the ball to him so he could decide what position they should play. Now, I am not the soccer expert here, far from it, but I would have assumed that he would have done that at the first practice? But then again, maybe not. Like I said, not an expert.

10 minutes later he told the girls to get a drink and head to the playing field. Brandi played forward. Matt told me it is called forward because she is close to the ball in the middle of the field when the game begins. When I asked what would qualify her to play that position he told me it was because she was one of the better players. Whitney had to ask, too. It was nice to have someone that understood the game as much as I do to sit with. (her explanation of soccer- Get the ball in the goal and stay in the white lines while you do it.)

Now I know they are only 10 and some of the girls have never played and it is supposed to be all fun and not about the winning, but shouldn't they be learning about the game and how to play together as a team? The team they were playing seemed to know what was going on. Our team? Not so much.

There was this one time, Brandi and another player were moving the ball down the field toward the goal. Brandi looked for someone to pass the ball to, down the field. The entire team was behind her. It was no suprise when the other team stole the ball. But on the upside, our team was in position to stop them from getting back down to their goal. I looked around for our coach to see why he was not directing the girls from the sideline. No where in sight. Not a clue where he was. The other girls' coach was right there giving direction, calling to them, watching, doing things that I have seen coaches do when I watch movies or pretend to watch games at the high school. You know, running around the sidelines, waving arms, yelling direction at players. That kind of thing. Our coach? Sitting under a tree in the shade.

We lost. 3-0.

Next practice? Saturday. 30 minutes before game time.

It's gonna be a long 6 weeks.

(PS, I know they are only 10, and it is all about the fun, and I am NOT one of those moms on the sidelines screaming and getting mad about the game- [and even if I was, I don't know enough about the game to] and I don't expect them to look like a well oiled pro team, but I would like the girls to win once in a while. Or score. Scoring would be nice)

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Indeed.

English Trifle

Things to do in England:
Visit Westminster Abbey, the Tower of London, and the London Zoo
Take the Jack the Ripper tour--- creepy!
Sample authentic English scones and crumpets
Discover a dead body

What begins as a holiday trip for amateur sleuth and cooking aficionado Sadie Hoffmiller and her daughter, Breanna, turns into a bizarre mystery when they discover a dead body in the sitting room of an English manor. Breanna's boyfriend, Liam, is heir to both the family title and the family estate of Southgate, where everyone seems to have a secret . . . or two. When the body in the sitting room disappears, Sadie and Breanna are stranded at the estate until the police can clear them to leave. With their departure delayed, they might as well solve the murder.
Armed with a jogging whistle, her personal recipe collection, and an unfailing sense of American justice, Sadie begins her own investigation to find the killer. But as Sadie uncovers layer after layer of misdirection, secrets and outright lies, she wonders if anyone is telling the truth--or if the case is really as hopeless as it appears to be.
Take a missing family history, toss in a secret romance, mix with a mysterious murder, and this is one vacation Sadie will never forget.

True story- A package came in the mail. I saw Josi's name in the return address space and knew what was inside. One of the boys said, "What's in the package?" Brandi, smarty pants that she is, said, "It's a book. Am I right?" I said, "Of course, but what book could it be? hmm." Then Brandi gets a gleam in her eye and says, "I bet it's that cooking book with your name in it. I know that because its from Josi." I told you she was miss smarty pants.

You know I turned to the acknowledgement page first because I had to see my name in print before doing anything else. Awesome feeling. How do authors stand it? seeing their books with their very own name on shelves in bookstores and libraries and in people's hands?

So, on to the actual book. Only Sadie Hoffmiller could go on vacation and become embroiled in a murder investigation. An investigation that almost doesn't happen when the body and all evidence disappears. Only Sadie would think to snoop around where she shouldn't be and believe that a jogging whistle will save her.

(Everytime Sadie put her whistle in her pocket I was reminded of my friend's daughter. When she was a teen, she often wanted to go jogging by herself. Her mom didn't think it was a safe idea for a young girl. The daughter would always say, 'But mom, I have my phone." to which her mom and I would laugh because we could just picture it-- bad guy is trying to snatch young girl, young girl says Wait while I whip out my phone and call for help-- Ya, not gonna happen. But I digress)

Where was I? Oh, yes. Sadie. Cooking is in her blood. She can't help it if she takes a measure of curiosity and layers it with crumpets, family secrets, lost loves and tops it with her desire for one last answer. Or recipe. Either one will do, both would be better.

Josi has outdone herself with this one. I could not figure out who done it until Josi told us. Well done, Josi.

And be sure to read chapter one of book three which is included at the back of the book. It opens with an amazing chocolate cake that I promise is to die for. And given Sadie's propensity to get embroiled in murder, I am sure someone will.

Purchase book here

Product details
Publisher: Shadow Mountain (August 5, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1606411217
ISBN-13: 978-1606411216
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches

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Indeed.

Comfortably Yum

Food for Body and Spirit
By Luisa M. Perkins

In a world of drive-thru meals designed to be consumed on the go, home-cooked food is even more an expression of love than it was a generation ago. This collection of 95 tried-and-true, "real food" recipes will delight both cook and eater. Your grandmother would be so proud.

A few months ago I won a give away on Annette's blog. And to tell you the truth, I forgot about it. Until the package arrived in the mail a couple of weeks ago. Then I was excited all over again. And today I hate that it is 100+* and I only have a swamp cooler to pretend to cool the house, because I want to do some serious cooking with Luisa. She is a woman after my own heart/stomach. You take a good recipe and mess with it and make it even better. Reading through the book made me want to through a dinner party. Or breakfast party. Or lunch. And maybe even start eating sugar again (well not really the eating sugar part, except for the doughnuts, but I will mess with her recipes so I can eat them).

Luisa has written this book in an easy to read format. Yes, it is a cookbook, but it is a cookbook written by a friend with notes about each section and each recipe- what works, where she got it, why she adapted it etc. it is like that special recipe lovingly handed to you by your grandmother with all of her hand written notes on it that you then tuck into your book and use over and over again. But Luisa has lovingly typed out her notes and put them into an easy to use format.

I love the quote that she has on the introduction to the Desserts section. It is an Eastern philosophy quote by Maha Chohan:

"If a woman could see the sparks of light going forth from her fingertips when she is cooking and the substance of light that goes into the food she handles, she would be amazed to see how much of herself she charges into the meals she prepares for her family and friends."

You know what I just realized? I could so easily make her Confetti Salad for dinner tonight. I have all the ingredients and it does not involve warming up the kitchen with a stove. Oh yes. Oh yum.

Publication Date:May 20 2009
ISBN/EAN13:1442145056 / 9781442145054
Page Count:158
Binding Type:US Trade Paper
Trim Size:8.25" x 8.25"
Language:English
Color:Black and White

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Indeed.

Agent in Old Lace

Shannon Tanner has it all—a perfect family, a perfect job, and a perfect boyfriend. Or so she thinks. What Shannon doesn’t know is that her boyfriend, Mark, is stealing money from her father and making millions doing it. When Shannon learns Mark’s secret, he turns on her, and Shannon’s life abruptly goes from perfect to perilous.

In an effort to protect Shannon, the FBI assigns their only female agent to go undercover as her personal bodyguard. But when the agent breaks her leg the day before the assignment, they turn to the next best thing: their top agent, Rick Holden—in a dress.

Quote from Agent in Old Lace: Life seems safe again for Shannon with Rick by her side and Mark apparently gone for good. Then Shannon gets word that her best friend has been kidnapped, and it becomes clear that Mark isn’t going to stop any time soon. Shannon realizes the only way to save herself and her friend—and stop Mark once and for all—is by sending Rick, her only source of protection, away. Can Rick save Shannon before it’s too late?

Tristi Pinkston’s contemporary novel debut promises to entertain and uplift her fans and new readers alike.

He looked into her eyes as she stepped away. Her hand lingered on his shoulder. He reached around her waist and pulled her back toward him, slowly lowering his head to hers. He kissed her with a gentle passion, stroking the back of her head with his hand, then pulled back. She could have stayed in his arms forever.

“That was payback for last night,” he said.

“You kissed me a lot more than I kissed you,” she pointed out.

“Retribution is always somewhat off balance.”

When I was first introduced to Tristi's writing, I did not know that I had had a small taste of it before. It was 2008 and Tristi had a new novel coming out, Season of Sacrifice. As I read the bits and blurbs about this book, I had a strange feeling of deja vous. I was sure I had read this book before, yet it was still in the "coming soon to a store near you" stage. So when we next had a Blogging Babes lunch I asked Tristi why it seemed so familiar to me. Turns out, I had read it before, when it was in manuscript form. She had submitted it to Karlene, but alas it was just mere weeks before we were closing our doors, so we couldn't publish it.

This book, Agent in Old Lace, is a departure from Tristi's normal genre of historical fiction. This mystery and suspense at it's best with a side of romance thrown in for good measure. I was caught up in the story from the very beginning. I even put off doing a bit of homework so that I could finish, (I just didn't get around to doing the review until now, even though I finished it way back in May!).

Well, done, Tristi. Well done. I loved every single word from beginning to end. Except for one small thing. And that small thing is just a personal preference of mine and has nothing to do with Tristi's writing or storytelling ability. If I had had a say in it, the third to last paragraph would have happened somewhere else. But, like I said, that's just me.

Purchase book here

Product details
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Bonneville Books; 1 edition (May 15, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1599553082
ISBN-13: 978-1599553085
Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.7 inches

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Indeed.

When you have boys

So, last night Jake and his friend said they were going to run up to Josh's house and would be back in 5 minutes. It takes 5 min to get to Josh's house so I said, "Do you want me to time you?" Jake said 10 minutes then and Josh said better make it 15 just to be safe. I said I would time them, they got on their bikes and left. At 20 minutes I was thinking to myself, "I told you so". Just a couple minutes later Jake and Josh came walking in and I was ready to say neener, neener to them or some such silliness when Jake said, "I crashed.... bad" I turned around expecting blood all over and could only see a couple of scrapes that needed cleaning. However everytime I touched his arm to clean out the elbow or hand, he would wince and gasp. I felt around but could find nothing to concern me. He kept saying he couldn't move his fingers, or turn his wrist, so I dug out a sling thinking that it was probably just sore from impact and if I immobilized it for a bit he would feel better. I told him that if it didn't feel better in 30 minutes to let me know. In 30 minutes, he let me know.

I asked him, "On a scale of 1-10, what is your pain level?" He said, "8." We both started laughing because it reminded us of this:




But he was serious so I looked at it again and his fingers looked a bit grey so I started investigating further. He had a small bump on his wrist that kind of concerned me, so we headed to the emergency room because of course it is after 9 pm.

X-rays showed a break in the radius, but not just any ordinary break. No, a small piece of the bone had twisted at an awkward angle. Jacob had the choice to either grit his teeth and let the doctor move it into place or be sedated. I said if he choose the gritting teeth option, I was headed to the waiting room. He choose sedation.

We moved rooms, he got an I.V. and some warm blankets to stop his shivering (nerves), the orthepedic came and looked (he was there setting 2 other broken arms and a little girl with a broken leg came in as we were leaving). Jake then got some fast acting anesthesia and the dr. moved his arm to a special x-ray machine.

The meds weren't in a high enough dosage and Jake tried to get up off of the bed. It took the respritory guy, two nurses another dr. to hold him down enough the nurse could give him more meds. By the time the second dose took full effect, the orthepedic was done and wrapping Jake's arm in a splint. From the moment of first dose to Jake waking up enough to be coherent- 15 minutes. First dose to splint, 5 minutes. Jake, of course, remembers none of this.

I guess he was dreaming because when he started waking up and talking to us, he thought he was in an episode of Stargate SG-1. It was pretty funny. One of the nurses told me that he was impressed with the job I have done raising Jake because how good he was and of all the things he didn't say and do as he was coming out of anesthesia. He said he hears a lot of horrible things from kids and Jake was one of the more mild mannered ones he has ever had. Jake is a good kid. Love you son.

You may have to click to make it bigger, but the dr. drew a line

so you can see where the break is, but you can definately see

the bend in the bone

The next picture was taken .2 minutes into the manipulation. The dr.

drew a mark so you can see where the break is

He has an appointment with the orthepedic next week. Jake has a splint for the rest of this week and then next week if the bone is still where it should be, it will be cast in a short cast. Yay, just in time for band camp! The dr. was teasing him saying that maybe he should add a drum stick to the cast next week.

Brandi is feeling left out and wants a cast and me to cut her food for her, and to not have to do chores for a week and to be able to sit on the couch and watch movies. She suggested that perhaps she will break a leg during soccer. I just looked at her. Silly girl.

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Indeed.

No subject

I have lots and lots of things going on and most of what is in my head is not post worthy or dealing with my Assessment and Diagnosis class, which is really a fancy way of saying Abnormal Psych, what it is and how to diagnose it.

I have been teaching the 15-16 year old Sunday School class and am loving it. Yesterday we were talking about the Oath and Covenant of the Priesthood. I had a special lesson planned and could not get the class to settle down. I have a feeling that the adversary was really trying to keep me from teaching something. We finally got through it and the last 10 minutes of class it finally happened. I had asked 4 of the boys to tell us a bit about their feelings as they: prepared the sacrament, passed the sacrament, blessed the sacrament and took the sacrament to shutins. As these young men spoke, the spirit was so strong and the rest of the class so attentive, it was just amazing. That right there is what I was hoping for with this lesson.

Book reviews coming for: Agent in Old Lace- by Tristi Pinkston, English Trifle- by Josi Kilpack, Home- by Marilynne Robinson, Table For Five- by Susan Wiggs (which moved me in a way I have not been moved for a very long time).

League play for soccer begins this Saturday. I hope it is not as hot as it has been the last couple of days, but then it is July, right? At least it is not raining like it did for most of June's soccer.

Where in the World?

Last time we were in Italy. David tells me I was not clear on the fact that I was asking only for the country and not a particular city. Sorry. I'll try to be less like mud this time.

This description is lifted right from the webpage and pasted here with the country name taken out

_____ is one of the smallest European countries, located in the most oriental point of Europe, in the Mediterranean Sea, between Italy and Turkey. Despite its size, it is considered one of the top vacation destinations by the Europeans and the other nationalities due to its enormous natural beauty and the careless life style that it shows.

Whether for winter or summer vacation, ______ offers many options to its visitors. One of its strong advantages is the calm Mediterranean weather that allows traveling at ease and is ideal for perfect tanning in summer! On the sandy beaches of the _____ islands you will fall in love with the unique blue color of the Aegean or the Ionian Sea.

For those who are fond of sports, many kinds are provided on the hot tourist destinations all over the country. The more adventurous can choose from windsurfing, kitesurfing, rafting, hiking, rock climbing, kayaking offered by quite many places. For those who seek a more relaxed version of ______ active vacation, may choose from horse riding, golf, biking or even from a kind of the special ______ vacation packages, including gastronomy, archaeological, medical, religious holidays that will give you an insight to particular aspects of this magnificent country and will bring you in actual touch with its deep roots and culture.

However, ______ is not only a summer-land. For those who love snow sports or romantic vacations relaxing at the fireplace, then you only have to choose between the popular winter destinations such as Kalavryta, Zagoria, Arachova and many others.

In ______ you will find every type of accommodation, from luxurious villas and hotels to rooms to let and camping sites. Whether you want a cheap vacation or a luxury one, this is the ideal place.

The rich culture and the numerous traditions is another reason why ______ vacation has seen that popularity. The archaeological miracles from the “Golden Era” and even earlier are a major tourist attraction, including tours on the Acropolis of Athens, Ancient Olympia, Delphi, Vergina. On the other hand the Byzantine era has left its indelible stamp, as seen on the countless churches and monasteries spread all over _____. Religious and other festivals are taking place every year on every spot of the country, while the different traditions, cuisine and local products vary from place to place.

Although its heavy history and the many wars ______ has undergone, it would be wrong to imagine it as a deep thought country dipped in philosophy. The Mediterranean temperament does not leave much space for that, as you will easily realize on your vacation to ______. The famous _____ night seems never to end, with the most vivid one being the capital city, Athens. Characterized by many as “a city that never sleeps”, it boasts for a more than vivid nightlife, with hundreds of clubs, bars, cafes, restaurants and taverns. Theatres and music scenes with every kind of music, including the _____ music as well, are filling the city with melodies and a constant movement till early in the morning. The islands of Mykonos, Rhodes, Corfu, Ios follow the same entertainment style, more or less; no matter where, it is guaranteed that you will not get bored

We used to have a neighbor from here. I was den leader when his son was in cub scouts. I had the father come and speak to us about his home country and he brought us a treat from there, baklava. Mmmmm. I was in heaven with that. If you have never tried it, you should.

So, where in the world are we?

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Indeed.

Stressed

They say that stressed spelled backwards is desserts, but there is nothing quick in this house to use as stress food. I guess that is a good thing, because even though the scale hasn't changed numbers, (I think it does that on purpose) my clothes all fit differently and I took another bag of them to DI.

I did make cookies today. No sugar, I used agave instead. Did you know that agave is also what is used to make tequila? Just thought I'd through that interesting tidbit in for the fun of it. I wanted chocolate chip cookies, but the no sugar thing, remember? So I had a bag of carob chips in the pantry. And wheat flour. The cookies didn't spread the way chocolate chip cookies do and the recipe said they would. Hmmm. Again, I feel like I am learning to cook all over again. The cookies taste ok, but if you are expecting a chocolate chip cookie, you are going to be disappointed. It wasn't what I was aiming for, but I am too hot and tired to do anything else. So I had a glass of lemon water.

In the last week I have found my desk top again. Now if I can just keep the kids from piling it full again, that will be great. Somehow the kids managed to open a box full of filed papers and scattered them all over the office floor- and then just shoved them under the desk hoping I wouldn't noticed. Ha! I noticed. But I did do a bunch of shredding of old papers I don't need anymore so that cleared up a lot of space.

And I rearranged the family room. But the stupid converter box we bought for the t.v. doesn't work so I can't watch anything down there. And the stupid t.v. that is in my bedroom, (that came from I don't know where- ask the kids' dad, it was his) has a code on it that blocks all tv14 ratings and no one knows the code so I can't watch NCIS or The Mentalist or even Dr. Phil!

I even watched the first 2 disks of Anne of Green Gables. Both sides of both disks.

Dishes done, laundry caught up, office cleaned, garden weeded, furniture rearranged, took kids to library... All in an effort to not do my homework. Really.

My learning team has to do a mock intake interview with someone that has a mood disorder. We choose bipolar I. Guess who was voluntold that they are the patient? I would much rather be the therapist this time. Much easier.

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Indeed.

Organization

The boys and I made this on Friday. Here is Brandi doing her best Vanna White impersonation after we are all done. I bought too many cross pieces and not enough "t" joints but we improvised and it works. I don't think my "laundry room" (alcove in the family room made by bookcases) has ever been this clean in the last 17 years! It is so nice to have everyone's baskets off of the floor.

I even have one that we labeled "Deal With It" If I find it on the floor or am not sure who's it is, I put it in this basket. If it is still there when I go down the next day to do laundry, too bad because the basket gets emptied into a DI (thrift store) bag. Why didn't I get to this earlier?

You can see I was doing laundry as we worked, so it was put to immediate use

I included this close up shot just in case you want to make one because I'll tell you a secret if you promise not to tell anyone else. I had a hard time figuring out how he did the braces that go front to back and cut the risers wrong. Lucky for me, all I had to do to make it right was cut them in half. I felt like we were playing with giant Tinker toys.

Then I did a bit more playing around with bangles.

I saw these stickers and just couldn't resist. They were so cute.

Calypso Blue

I'm pairing it with the blue beads and hoops and shoes I bought this weekend to go with the yellow dress I also bought this weekend (Jess, Matt and I went shopping, bought 8 shirts, 5 pair of jeans, the above mentioned jewelry, 2 pair of shoes and spent less than $200. Yay for clearance sales)

Jess sparked this idea when we were talking about some beads we want to make using the comic papers.

I was having a hard time getting a good shot of this one. The inside is my favorite part. This bangle seems to be the favorite of all of them this weekend.

Another try

Here they are all together.

I didn't get a shot of the travel sticker bracelet by itself.

I was going to post a short video of Jordan, but I am having problems getting it into the right format to post. I'll work on that some more tomorrow, right now I have some abnormal psych waiting for me.

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Indeed.

Hearts knit together in unity and love

A few weeks ago in Relief Society our lesson was on "Having our hearts knit together in unity and love". The discussion turned to when there is discord in our homes. The teacher asked what we have been told to do when we are at odds with our spouse. One of the sisters quipped, "The huband is supposed to back down." There was laughter, then the teacher said, "President Eyring (I think it was) told us that the person that is right should go and apologize to the other person."

Our lovely sister then said, "Ya, I do a lot of apologizing." (if you know this sister, you know that a lot of what she says is tongue in cheek)

Jess and I were discussing this and the propensity of women to assume that they are always right. Who decided that? And why? I don't get it.

After that I started thinking about how often I assert that I am always right. And what message that is giving my children.

Then my sister did a post on reasons for removing toxic relationships from our lives. I remembered when I had to do that with a friend and how hard it was, but how much better life is now.

Then I thought about a conversation I had last week with another sister and how when she was trying to tell me something I totally made the conversation all about me. When I thought of that, I was saddened that I had done that. Then I started thinking about how often I have become that toxic person with my sisters. Not a good personal inventory report I am sorry to say.

Now, about unity. We also talked about unity and how that does not mean that we all have to have the same thoughts, ideas and opinions. It does mean, however, that we have the same purpose in mind and work toward that end. We just may each go about it in a different way. And that is ok.

**Ok, here we are a few days later and I still can't find my train of thought, so I am going to leave it at that.

One last thought. Today in Sunday School class (I am teaching the 15-16 year olds) we were talking about Remaining steadfast and immovable in our testimonies. The discussion had turned to ways to not listen to the temptations of the adversary. I had just made a comment about being careful who we listen to and one of the boys said, "See, that is where we teenagers have it made when it comes to avoiding temptation. We don't listen to anybody."

If only it were that easy.

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Indeed.

Conversations

Brandi- Mom, did you see that guy that came out of the soccer shop just as we were going in? The one in the blue shirt?

Me- I guess (because I really don't remember any one)

Brandi- He looked like a woman. I mean he had on a really tight shirt.

Me- So do you think only women wear tight shirts???

Brandi- Not any more!!

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Indeed.

Interrupted thoughts

I was in the middle of a post when I stopped to deal with something. Then I went back to the post and my personal feelings were overwhelming to the point that I was in tears. (unrelated to the something and totally related to what I was writing though the something did make me want to cry)

Enough tears that I could not see what I was writing and had to redo my makeup because it was time to take Brandi to library and Ethan to take a test to makeup credit and pick up a UB order and deliver it. By the time I got home I had lost my train of thought. Or was out of the groove. Or something.

I am going to let that post sit until I can finish it. In the mean time I will do a quick Where in the World to lighten the mood a bit.

So last time we were in England, the setting for Josi S. Kilpack's new book, English Trifle.

Today's stop was inspired by these pictures

She said this was the way to be a Zen master.

I think she is in the wrong garden.

She also wanted to take a picture of me in this pose.

I just laughed.

While here we will see
the Duomo, La Scala, Castello Sforzesco and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
Then we will move on to another city to see scenic canals, beautiful buildings and world famous landmarks, in a city that exudes romance, history, fantastic photo opportunities and good food, almost at every corner. Whether taking a gondola down the Grand Canal or examining this romantic city's unique setting and architecture while on foot, you will find _____ inviting and magical.

The next city stop in this country is one who's art and architecture rivals that of the country's capitol. During the Renaissance, it was the art center of western civilization. A list of past residents of the city represents the "Who's Who" of the Masters, including: Dante, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael, among others. Culture seems to ooze from the frescoes and statues; perhaps that is why its museums tend to be incredibly attractive to tourists.

Then off to the capitol city. Oh so many things to see and do while here in "the eternal city". It is such a wonderful and popular place that all roads lead here.

Where in the World are we today?

*and if my descriptions sound like a guide book, I took them off of a guide to this country website.

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Indeed.

Lemon Tart

A recipe for murder!

•5 families living on Peregrine Circle
•1 flowered curtain tieback
•1 missing child
•1 body in the field

Mix with a long list of suspects and top with two very different detectives. Increase heat until only the truth remains.

Award-winning author Josi S. Kilpack introduces a new series of culinary "cozies" that is sure to tantalize mystery lovers. In this debut volume, cooking aficionado-turned-amateur detective, Sadie Hoffmiller, tries to solve the murder of Anne Lemmon, her beautiful young neighbor - a single mother who was mysteriously killed while a lemon tart was baking in her oven. At the heart of Sadie's search is Anne's missing two-year-old son, Trevor. Whoever took the child must be the murderer, but Sadie is certain that the police are looking at all the wrong suspects - including her!

Armed with a handful of her very best culinary masterpieces, Sadie is determined to bake her way to proving her innocence, rescuing Trevor, and finding out exactly who had a motive for murder.


Mom’s Lemon Tart
Crust
1 cup all- purpose flour
1/3 cup powdered sugar
Pinch of salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter (cut into smaller pieces)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a food processor or mixer, combine ingredients for crust. Pulse together until a dough starts to form in clumps. Press into tart pan, making sure to cover bottom and sides evenly. Pierce the bottom of the crust with a fork and place in freezer for 10 to 15 minutes. Place tart pan on a cookie sheet and bake until crust is a golden-brown color, approximately 12 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.

Filling
5 oz. cream cheese
1/2 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons—DO NOT use concentrated lemon juice)
2 large eggs
Zest from one lemon (get zest from lemon before juicing)

Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees. Mix cream cheese with electric beaters until smooth. Add sugar. Mix until well blended. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each egg. Stop and scrape bowl halfway through. Add the lemon juice and zest and mix until smooth.

Pour filling into tart crust and bake on cookie sheet for 20 to 30 minutes or until filling is set. Let tart cool on wire cooling rack. Cover and refrigerate until well chilled. Use whipped cream as an optional topping. It can be piped on instars or served on top with each piece. For extra flavor in the whipped cream, add a teaspoon of lemon zest..

I thought I had reviewed this book when I read it back in April? March? But I guess I didn't. So here you go.

I loved this book. Sadie is your standard neighborhood busy body. But not the kind you don't like. In fact, she is the one that everyone relies on to know things or to help out. She doesn't mean to get involved in a murder investigation. It just sorta happens. Can Sadie help it if she noticed something strange at Anne's house and walked in on a murder investigation? Or that she becomes a suspect because she notices things that others don't? Or that the murderer is not who you think it is?

I am usually pretty good at guessing who the bad guy is fairly early in the book. Imagine my surprise when it wasn't who I thought.

This genre is a departure for Josi. And I think she did a great job. Even though you will find this series of culinary mysteries at Deseret Book, it is not a Mormon book in the sense of the characters being Mormon, because they are not.

I have always loved Josi's writing. She has a way of telling a story that makes you love her characters and you feel as if you know them all personally. You can find my reviews of others of Josi's books here, here and here. You can purchase them here. Read Josi's blog here or go to
Josi's website here.

While you are at the website, you can preorder book two in the series, and read chapter 1.

Then when you get your copy of book 2, turn it over and open the back cover. Read about the author then turn the pages until you get to page 351. Notice that it is chapter one of book 3. Don't stop to read it yet because you need to turn the page two more times. See the top of page 347? Where it says Acknowledgements? yes? Scan down to the bottom of the page then back up one line. See that second word? Sandra? Woo Hoo!! that would be me.

And how do I know that it is on that precise page in that precise spot. Because I have my copy of the book sitting right next to me and I am headed to my room to do some serious reading.

Oh, and the reason I didn't tell you the title of book 2? Because it is the location of the next Where in the World?

Last time we were in Scotland and today we are headed not very far away from there. Here we can eat scones and crumpets, take the Jack the Ripper tour, see the changing of the guards. Hopefully we don't discover a dead body like Sadie does in book two of Josi's series. If you are my family you know that my sister, Sharon, (and I think my brother in law as well?) went there on her mission. Or you may know that President Hinckley went there, too.

But the easiest way to know, Head over to Josi's and read the first chapter.

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Indeed.

Bangles

Just something I was doodling around with this weekend. We have so many ideas running around here of things we would like to do with the unfinished bracelets. There is no way I could ever wear all the bracelets we have ideas to make. I think I may need to open an Etsy shop.

This one is my favorite.
I am for sure keeping this one and the flower one.

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Indeed.

From sea to shining sea

Up at the crack of dawn, head to the high school to load the marching band. We usually have 5-6 parents to march the parade route with the band and keep them supplied with water. 4 miles in 90+ weather is a loooong way. This year we had 1 dad. 1. I had no idea how we were going to do it with 1 dad and the band and color guard directors.

We got to the parade staging area for marching bands. Someone made the parking lot smaller in the past year. And they were still trying to cram all of the marching bands and their various busses and support vehicles in a parking lot 1/4 the size it was before. Um? problem anyone?

How about when we were in the median of the road waiting our turn to squeeze in and the policeman stopped traffic both ways and then directed the bus coming out of the parking lot to go around us into the opposite lane (headed the wrong direction) and then back behind us into the proper lane? And the reason it was a problem? Either the bus driver was new or not watching, but I was scrambling my feet onto the seat so the fender wouldn't crush me when she hit the suburban.

How she missed us, I have no idea, but if you had put a piece of paper between us and the bus it would have yellow scrapes on one side and silver on the other. After she cleared us the policeman looked at the kid's dad and said, "Wow, just wow". Brandi, in the back seat said, "That was scary" and I just sat in the passenger seat trying to breath again.

We did have a couple more parents meet us at the staging area to walk with the band, so there were enough to keep the band hydrated.

Here are a few pictures from the morning of the 4th.

Oh, Say can you see?

Brandi watching the rest of the parade from the top of the suburban
while we load the band trailer after the parade

Brandi and I waiting for the parade to start.

We got rained on for about 15-20 minutes at the beginning,

then it cleared up and was nice the rest of the morning.

(Brandi has a sour candy in her mouth- I guess they were really

sour by the faces she was making)

Ethan getting parade ready

Jacob
Pre-parade staging field

See those clouds? Don't be fooled.

They dumped water on us for 15 minutes about half an hour after this picture.

Whitney's family went to DC this past week to visit their son that is doing an internship there. They said that the 4th in DC is better than anywhere they have ever been for that celebration. I was thinking- President Obama's daughter, Malia, was born on the 4th of July. She just turned 11. How awesome is that to celebrate your birthday, not only in the nation's capitol, but in the White House? And she gets to do it 3 more times. Lucky her.

I would like to celebrate the 4th in DC sometime. And while that would make a great Where in the World destination, it isn't one of this month's destinations.

The last Where in the World location was indeed, Philadelphia. David wrote a wonderful piece on those men that sacraficed their all to grant us our independence and freedom.

On a side note, I was teaching the 15-17 year olds in Sunday School yesterday. we were discussing Learning through study and faith. I wrote on the chalk board the following: 2+2=? E=mc2 When in the course of human events....

Then I asked the students who could read what was on the board- not will you read but can you read it? Of course they all could. Then I asked them if they knew what it meant or what it was. They all knew the math equation, most of them knew the equation meant energy=mass x the speed of light squared- whatever that means (their words) But only 2 of the 16 knew where the quote came from! I was flabbergasted. I told them to go home and read it. And then read it again.

Today's installment of Where in the World? begins with Spectacular Jousting at Linlithgow Palace, then we can go see Stirling Castle, or Castle Tioram, or Edinburgh Castle. Or we could witness the Clash of the Centuries: The magnificent setting of Caerlaverock Castle provides a great backdrop for a celebration of two thousand years of (this country's) rich history.

Re-enactors from all over _______ will depict Romans, Vikings, Medieval ____, Redcoats and Covenanters right through to the fighting troops of the 20th century in a packed programme of events and activities.

This country is where golf originated. Did you know that the name golf stands for Gentelmen Only Ladies Forbidden? Really.

My children's great great grandfather McGregor was a doctor there before immigrating to America.

My friend Lindsey is living there for a while. I wish I could go for a visit.

And this band was the first in the parade on Saturday. I am including it because 1) it is a hint and 2) Trevor used to play drum in this band

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Indeed.