My Poor little Pumpkin . . .

It is Halloween night, and I am home -- with William. Charles took the other kids out to Trunk-or-Treat and some neighborhoods, too. Poor William woke-up last night coughing and he was sporting a fever a few days ago. So, he (and I) had to miss out on all the Halloween fun. Luckily, (for him) he does not really know what he is missing. :-)

So, while William was coughing and having a rough night (in my bed) it made me think about my last post -- the one about not thinking about the "deep cosmos"anymore. Well, as I was thinking (like I was really going to stop!) it came to my mind, something I already knew, but once again was thrust forefront in my mind -- Family and children are the answer to all my deep cosmic thoughts. There is nothing greater, more important, or more eternal, than families. Of course, I know that. But at different times in life, and as the children grow and become "real" little people, my perspective changes, and my understanding deepens. How I truly love my little family. 

A little sickness can change perspective -- really quickly. William suddenly became so fragile, and weak and it made me realize (again) how much I love each one of my children and how precious their little lives are. William has been a little ball of joy, and the fear of him being taken by illness (which was never really a fear as it is now because of Swine Flu, etc.) was overwhelming to me. I was ready to run him straight to the emergency room . . . but instead we opted for a blessing, and he was able to sleep. We are keeping a close eye on him . . . hopefully, he will heal quickly! 

I took some pictures of William the other day, and it amazed me how fast he has grown into a little man. I love him so much. He adds so much to our family. What joy each child brings. 

Happy Halloween to all! Maybe I will be able to make it out next year! More Halloween pictures to come after trick-or-treating! 

A New Game Plan

I adore my family more than anything. My children are my treasures. Motherhood is the most noble calling, and I feel honored to hold the title of "Mother".  I would not change careers with any women in the world . . . 

However, every now and again -- I get frustrated. Yes, it is true! I am admitting weakness. I find that, though I adore my children -- the constant questions, begging for food, loud noises, homework, and poop -- it can get to me, I am not immune. I hate to admit it, but it is a reality. I finally figured out why. . . 

I am a "thinker". I always have been. No matter what I am doing -- whether it is running or making dinner -- I am ALWAYS considering deep doctrine, going over finances in my head, pondering the cosmos, determining my political stance, figuring out recipes for dinner, planning my young women lesson, thinking about the ladies I visit teach, reflecting on the scriptures I read, wondering about my children's future, reminding myself to fold laundry, determining how to rearrange the furniture, considering my great love for Charles, etc., etc., and so on, and so forth . . . 

So, while I am diving into these deep and entrancing thoughts -- and usually when I am just about to unfold the mysteries of the universe -- I will feel a tug on my pants (while stirring the spaghetti). My "trance" of deep thought will be broken, and I'll hear, "Mommy! Mommy! I'm poopy!" or "Mommy! Mommy! I'm starving!" etc., etc., forever. :-) The great mysteries of the universe must wait -- poop takes precedence -- hence my frustration. 

My thoughts are so captivating (to me) that when they are interrupted, it is like trying to read an intriguing book, while someone is asking you basic life questions -- during the climax. You just feel like saying, "Away with you! Can't you see I'm slaying a dragon? Or throwing the ring into Mount Doom?"  I interrupted Charles, just yesterday, and he answered as he was reading, but he answered "yes" to a question which deserved a "no" answer -- he was lost in his book, lost in thought. . . exactly how I get, when I am just thinking to myself. Which is why I think I get "frustrated" so easily, when I'm interrupted.  I am always "reading" the book in my mind. The children can't see that. There is no physical evidence that I am engaged in unlocking the deep mysteries of the world. 

So, on that same note (being a deep-thinker) I came across some old school work from classes I took in college. One semester stood out in particular . . .  I was taking a Philosophy class (Intro to Logic) and a Marriage and Family Relations class. The funny thing was . . . I got a stellar grade in my Philosophy class (A's on all my papers/tests) but my final grade in my Marriage/Family class was a "C"!!!! Ha! So, I guess I am stellar at thinking/analyzing life, yet when I have to apply it to practical life-circumstances (such as marriage/family) I am only "average"!  

After discovering this new insightful information (I am logical, but not practical) -- I want to somehow conquer my "average" understanding of practical life-circumstances (marriage and family) and close-the-book on my over-powering philosophical mind. :-) As a result, I believe I will conquer my "frustrations" which come when my train-of-thought gets thrown off-track. 

So, I have come up with a new "game plan" for success!! My new (and infallible) plan for Logic vs. Life Circumstances is:  I am going to stop THINKING!!! :-) That should do the trick! ;-) It is fool-proof, really -- Frustration elimination! Wink! ;-)

More Fun Photos

This is a dress rehearsal (they wore their costumes to a party) . . . the real thing will be this Saturday!! Happy Halloween time!!! Pumpkin carving on the menu for tonight!! 

Halloween Fun

We had a little Halloween get-together with our friends, the Harlins. It was SO much fun! The kids (and grown-ups) LOVED it! We had some games, food, and we watched Harry Potter. 

Here is the donut-eating competition. . . It was cracking me up, William wanted to do it, too. Guess who won?? Daniel managed to snark it down the fastest. :-) 

Then the dads went for it, too. (The girls opted-out.) Guess who won? Yup, that would be Charles. :-) Tyson spent most of his time being whacked in the face. :-) Willy joined in. 

Notice William in the background . . . He was being SO funny about it! Any chance to play the game and he was there! :-) 

We had a GREAT time! 

My "Harry" Children

I thought I would share a "sneak peek" at pictures I took of the kiddos yesterday. It is too late for more ... but I promised Grandma some pictures! :-) 
(My mom made the Draco Malfoy costume! :-) )

Thanks Grandma and Grandpa for the great costumes! They are AWESOME!! More pictures to come . . . 

A True Friend

The other day I offered Daniel some Halloween M&M's to put in his lunch. I explained, though they were not Peanut M&M's, it said on the package -- they may contain nuts. This meant, if he took them -- he could not sit with Scott at the "Nut-free" table. 

Scott is Daniel's best-friend at school. Scott is extremely allergic to ALL nuts. Daniel is allergic to cashews (and we tend to stay away from tree-nuts). Scott and Daniel became best buddies and the two of them really look out for each other. Daniel does not have to sit with Scott at the Nut-free table -- but he always does. He doesn't want Scott to be alone. 

I have seen the two of them after school, running away and screaming (like the kid from the Home Alone movie -- high knees, and flailing arms ) after someone offered them trail-mix -- with nuts. Daniel said, "Quick Scott, RUN!!!" Off they go. Apparently, Scott's allergies to nuts are life-threatening. It is the same for Daniel and Cashews. Sometimes when we walk past the "nut" isle in Costco we say, "Watch out Daniel! It is your worst enemy! Not a sword, gun, bow and arrow -- piddly things! But a Cashew -- instant death!" Seeing the Costco-sized container can be a bit overwhelming for him! 

So, finding Scott as a friend has been really great. The two of them understand one another. I know Scott's parents are very concerned about him, (It is AMAZING how many things have nuts!) they sent a letter home from school explaining his allergy. Scott is a sweet little boy. He is always very polite to me, and he asks the cutest questions. The other day he came up to me and asked, "Is your baby allergic to Craisins?" (He had a bag in his hand). I said, "Nope." and he offered some to William. It was a question only one familiar with allergies would ask. 

Scott is often declaring that he and Daniel are best friends -- Daniel declares the same. 

So, back to the M&M's and Daniel. I offered them to him, explained the maybe-nut thing, and though it must have been, at least, a little tempting, (chocolate . . . yummy!) he said, "No way! Then I couldn't sit by Scott!" It wasn't even an option. Daniel is a true friend. He picked loyalty over chocolate -- now that is friendship! 

So, all is well. My only real concern is the name of the table . . . they are young now, but, being, "Nut-free" may not be so hip to the boys in a few years! ;-) wink!

Vaccinate ... Or Not?

Today the schools are beginning to line up children -- for a quick spray in the nose -- to "protect" them against the Swine Flu. My children, at least for now, will not be among them . . .

 

I have been tossing and turning over this issue. To do, or not to do? That is my question. I have being scouring all the information available, in an effort to come up with a finite decision. I am still unsure. After my pursuit for answers, I find I am even more confused?! There are "pros" and "cons" (extreme ones) on both sides. It seems to me -- you are darned if you don't, and darned if you do! So, after my research, I have chosen to be -- darned if I don't? 

Now, my biggest fear is . . .  because of the vaccine, which is basically a scaled-down version of the swine flu (mixed with some eggs, mercury, and other lovely ingredients) my kids will be surrounded by vaccinated kids and they will get sick! Aargh! Truly, this has been strange. 

I am not an extremist when it comes to vaccines. My kids have had their 100 shots in the thighs -- as I hold them down while they scream, and I cry. I am not fanatical about being "organic" and all-natural. Sometimes, my kids even eat macaroni and cheese from a box! (I know, how horrible of me!) Though I am not (and far from) "all-natural-super-organic-mom", I am VERY concerned about drugs, vaccines, and other scary chemicals put into our bodies, and the over-use/over-prescribed medicines, and "quick fixes".  

I am EXTREMELY hesitant to put any drugs into myself, or my children. The one thing I know about drugs (in any form) is that there are ALWAYS side effects, always. There is always a consequence for what you put into your body -- whether it be a good consequence, or a bad one. I lean (far) on the side of prevention (taking good care of yourself/ word of wisdom) rather than finding a drug to change the chemicals in your body. . . hence, my dilemma over the vaccine! I do believe in prevention -- yet I am anti-drug!! 

My biggest concern regarding the vaccine, is the incredible speed at which it was produced. It has not been tested long-term, and side-effects are not known because of it. I am very hesitant, personally, because when Daniel was small (about 2) he had a horrible reaction to his immunizations. He was fine for awhile, and then, after a few hours, his body swelled to twice it's size, he was covered in a rash, and he also had a hard time breathing. I remember being so scared for him, and we had to rush him back to the doctor's office. 

I  have also read many articles about the relationship, and perhaps, link, between Immunizations and Autism. I, of course, do not know if it is true, but it does lead you to wonder . . . I think it is 29 shots a child has, before the age of 4? That is quite a lot of foreign substance to inject into something so small. 

Oh, how I hate having to make these kind of decisions!

I think what is more troubling than anything, is that the "pros" and "cons" are very conflicting. The "Pros"  (the pro-vaccinate groups/messages) are highly funded, government run programs, with unlimited resources. The "Cons" (the anti-vaccinate groups/messages) have less funds, are not government run, and do not have the same "power" in their message -- but the message is not any less poignant or stirring. The "Pro" side declares, "Hooray for the vaccine, it will save the day." The "Con" side, in stark contrast, cries, "No! No! It will destroy the day!"

Is there a middle ground here? Unfortunately, no! Do, or do not. That is it. 

Continuing on . . . 

I recently read in our city, that out of the 200 patients that went to the ER for the flu (over the weekend) only 2 percent where kept at the hospital -- the rest were sent home to rest, and drink lots of liquids, and to let it pass. 

I am wondering if "fear" is not sending people into a frenzy over all of this? Is the Swine Flu really worse than the regular flu (which people die from all the time). Will the vaccine not infect others, who have not had the vaccine? If we were all to eat our fruits and veggies, drink lots of water, exercise, and get plenty of rest -- would we not, as a whole, be better off then injecting a mutated version of the disease into our bodies? 

So, so, so many questions. Have I prayed about it, yes, of course. But, ultimately, I am left to make my choice. 

I think I will just have to be very careful. I will do my best to keep our family healthy, and if (and probably when) they do get sick (with Swine flu -- or whatever) then I will have to be extra wary, and not hesitate, to take them to the doctor. 

The vaccine is NOT a guaranteed protection against the Swine Flu. The one thing that stood out to me was a piece of "news" that I read. It was a one-liner and it pretty much sealed my no-vaccine choice. It was, "Though the doctors and nurses have had the vaccine, they are still getting sick." 

It is because of that "no guarantee" that I chose not to sign my children up to have a low-dose of the swine flu injected into their bodies. I hope I have made the right decision for my family. I, of course, would be horribly disappointed in myself, if something tragic happened to any of my family, because of a decision that I made. I pray that will not be the case. 

I very strongly believe this is a decision best made on a personal level. Many of my friends are having their children get the vaccine -- and I support their decision. There are many factors that need to be considered, to be sure. The health of children being priority.  

I hope that this "pandemic" will pass . . . and quickly. It is giving me a headache. 

Religious Freedom

You know how I like my: Go! Fight! Win! moments . . . 

Apostle Says Religious Freedom Is Being Threatened - LDS Newsroom Shared via AddThis

I try to stay up-to-date with the news of the world, and more importantly -- the news of the Church. As I was checking the Church Newsroom (yesterday) I read Elder Oaks article about Religious Freedom being threatened . . .

I am so grateful to have a Prophet and Apostles, to light the path in these troubled, often confusing times. I am so grateful to have the word of God -- The Scriptures -- the Iron Rod to cling to, while traveling through the mists of darkness.

Elder Oaks is inspired. He knew who he was speaking to (the World) and he chose his words, accordingly. However, regardless of his great care and precise words, the attacks are beginning to fly (as I am certain he was expecting). It has been interesting to read the "News" (which, by the way, is suppose to be fact -- not opinion). As I read, I noticed how words and ideas were twisted, and exaggerated to fit individual opinion. One person who commented, negatively, said he had not even read the article!

As members of the Church, I believe we need to be educated on the issues that Elder Oaks so eloquently expressed. Though it may seem a far-stretched idea -- to not have religious freedom in America -- it would take little more than an "Equal Rights" law, that could threaten our freedom to preach such things as homosexuality as sin.

What an interesting world we live in, now. These are exciting times, to be sure. A little scary, yes, but exciting! As I have been doing a bit of family history, I have a new found respect for my ancestor's, and those who have paved the way before us. This country is built on the backs of faithful men and women of God -- who I imagine are rolling in their graves right about now. If our Founding Fathers were to visit America today, they would be ablaze with anger -- along with being utterly disappointed. American ideals were founded on religious freedoms. Now, too many Americans want to be free "from" religion. It is a sad, tragic thing.

Imagine a Father of a large family. He wants the best for his family, he loves them, and wants to provide for them. But the children do not care about their father, they are ungrateful for what he has provided. They disobey his rules, they turn away from him, they even fight against him. How does the Father feel, when he loves his children so much, yet, they disregard his love, and oppose him? If only the children would realize what a great, loving, father they have. If only they would follow his rules, and turn to him -- not away. They could be so happy! If only . . .

Heavenly Father must be saddened by the number of His children who have, and are, turning away from Him. It really must break His perfect heart. But, there are His children who have NOT turned away from Him, and who never will. They know how much He loves them, and they do obey His rules. They are even, happy! Oh, how heart-warming these children must be to their Heavenly Father! There is nothing as beautiful as an obedient, grateful, child! These obedient children are going to need to be strong in these latter-days! No fear . . . God is on their side!

My favorite stories are the ones that have a handful of heros, fighting-off overwhelming evil. Somehow, amazingly, despite victory seeming hopeless -- the heros always prevail. Our latter-day battles will be no different. Let us stand counted amongst the heros!

I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me.

A day may come when the courage of men fails,

when we forsake our friends

and break all bonds of fellowship,

but it is not this day.

An hour of wolves and shattered shields,

when the age of men comes crashing down,

but it is not this day!

This day we fight!!

By all that you hold dear on this good Earth,

I bid you stand, Men of the West!!!

-Aragron 

Let us "stand" steadfast and immovable! 

Take a moment and read through the words of Elder Oaks . . . It is worth it.

A William Moment

I love this picture of William. When he was born, he had such a pure, sweet face, and it has stuck with him. (Mom is very biased -- it is my right!) He is so fun for me. I am so grateful for him, and for his ability to endure being "luggage" much of the time. He has to go wherever I go, including when I run and it is SO cold outside -- he is a real trooper. I am grateful for his humor, and his easy-going personality.

This season has been so fun, because William is at the perfect age for excitement! I guess we don't get out much -- when we went to Costco the other day, I thought William was going to burst! He shrieked with excitement as we walked by the Christmas decorations . Then as we passed through the toy section -- I thought he was going to jump out of his skin! CARS!!! TRAINS!!! AIRPLANES!!! I mean, he was LOUD and everyone was smiling as they walked by us. Charles and I were cracking-up -- William was SO happy! When we go to Fred Meyer's William starts squeaking, "Pumpkins! Pumpkins!" and then we have to go and touch the pumpkins. :-) I love it.

I love the age he is at now. He is talking like crazy, saying such eloquent things he learns from his brother and sister. They are so kind to teach him lovely things to say like, "I didn't do it!" and "Oh, man!" and other such sweet phrases. He uses them so well, too. :-) He is constantly around chatter (he shares a room with the big kids) and so he picks-up the funniest things!

Anyhow, I love it. I love this age. It is filled with FUN and excitement!

Pumpkin Cookies -- SO GOOD!

I bought some of the bulk Libby's pumpkin from Costco, and I have been using it all the time! I like to make things to bring to Home and Visiting Teaching families (and to eat!) and this time of year -- pumpkin has been too fun!

Charles had a home-teaching family who would not even open the door -- for a long time -- but I encouraged him to keep trying, and keep bringing cookies. Eventually, (after many cookie drop-offs) they opened the door, and let him in! It is not the first time I have seen the power of a cookie! :-) (OK, maybe the thought behind the cookie!) ;-) wink!

Here is a GREAT website for baking ideas: http://www.verybestbaking.com/

Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Estimated Times: Preparation - 20 min Cooking - 10 min Yields - 3 dozen mini pies

Fluffy cream cheese filling sandwiched between two moist pumpkin cookies make these Mini Pumpkin Whoopie Pies the perfect hand-held snack you just won't be able to resist!
Source:

Ingredients:

COOKIES
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs, at room temperature, lightly beaten
1 cup LIBBY'S® 100% Pure Pumpkin
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

CREAM CHEESE FILLING
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar

-
Directions:

-

FOR COOKIES: PREHEAT oven to 350° F. Lightly grease or line four baking sheets with parchment paper.

-

COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger and salt in medium bowl. Beat butter and sugar in large mixer bowl on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add pumpkin and vanilla extract; beat until smooth. Stir in flour mixture until combined. Drop by heaping measuring teaspoons onto prepared baking sheets. (A total of 72 cookies are needed for the recipe.)

-

BAKE for 10 to 13 minutes or until springy to the touch. Cool on baking sheets for 5 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

-

FOR CREAM CHEESE FILLING: BEAT cream cheese, butter and vanilla extract in small mixer bowl on medium speed until fluffy. Gradually beat in powdered sugar until light and fluffy.

-

SPREAD a heaping teaspoon of filling onto flat side of one cookie; top with flat side of second cookie to make a sandwich. Repeat with remaining cookies and filling. Store in covered container in refrigerator.

-

SO GOOD!! I did not have cream cheese, so I used sour cream instead, and it was very yummy! They are yummy, cute, fun little cookies. If you like pumpkin -- I highly recommend them! :-)

Pretty Pumpkins

Me, Shandra, Jessica, Jenny, and my adopted Mother (the YW Pres.) Sis. Washburn. :-) She is SO great to work with! The girls are all SO good!
We always have so much fun at our YW activities! Tonight we made these cute pumpkins and gave them to the Relief Society Presidency. It is hard to tell -- but they are way cute!

First we spray-painted the pumpkins gold . . .

We chatted . . .

Then they added words with black letter stickers, things like: Happy Autumn, etc.

Then we used little circle sponges (different sizes), dipped them in glue, and then added glitter. It is really hard to tell . . . but they were SUPER cute! Fun and EASY, too!

I will be making my own! :-)

Print Shop Fun

Just thought I would have a little picture-fun! I am not a pro -- but it is fun! 

Daniel as Harry. (Not perfect -- the glasses are tricky!)

Sammi as Hermione . . . he, he. 
My favorite (of course) is William as Draco Malfoy. :-) 
It is a Harry-Halloween this year! :-)