This morning I did something that I NEVER do. I got up before the sun. Why? Don't know. But it was 4:30 am, and I was wide awake. I tried to go back to sleep for at least an hour, but no use. So I got dressed, grabbed the camera, and went for a walk about town. I had been wanting to snap some pictures of my hometown anyway.
It was cool and pleasant, and seeing the sun rise was a new and beautiful experience. For a minute it made me want to be an early riser and someone who eats granola, yogurt, and grapefruit for breakfast. But now I'm tired, and it's too late to go back to bed, and I have to drive 9 hours to Utah, and I'm thinking that early mornings aren't really what they're cracked up to be.
Maybe just a little nap.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Sunday, July 29, 2007
A Heartfelt Prayer
Getting Griffin to attend Primary here in Cowley has been impossible. For whatever reason he just refuses to go, so I told him he would have to come to my grown-up classes but be absolutely quiet. Needless to say, he didn't have a great time.
So last Sunday night I was helping him with his prayers, and it went a little like this:
Griff: Dear Heavenly Father. Thank you for this day...
Me: Thankful that we could be here with Grandma.
Griff: Grandma. (For the sake of brevity, he chooses to repeat only the last word.)
Me: Thankful that we could visit with our cousins, aunts and uncles.
Griff: Uncles.
Me: Thankful that we could go to church.
LONG PAUSE.
Griff: I don't want to say that.
I guess it's like Huckleberry Finn said, "You just can't pray a lie."
So last Sunday night I was helping him with his prayers, and it went a little like this:
Griff: Dear Heavenly Father. Thank you for this day...
Me: Thankful that we could be here with Grandma.
Griff: Grandma. (For the sake of brevity, he chooses to repeat only the last word.)
Me: Thankful that we could visit with our cousins, aunts and uncles.
Griff: Uncles.
Me: Thankful that we could go to church.
LONG PAUSE.
Griff: I don't want to say that.
I guess it's like Huckleberry Finn said, "You just can't pray a lie."
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Letters Home III
Dear Mr. Wicke,
Mom and I drove the children up to the mountains yesterday. You would have loved seeing them explore and go on the "best adventures ever!" We hiked to the first spring, but they didn't stay in the ankle deep water very long. Snow run-off is a bit too cold for our Arizona babies. Then they scooted on their bums downhill and pretended to fish in the stream. They insist that we must bring you next time and go camping. I agree. The beautiful Bighorn Mountains are a delight to me. Just smelling the mixuture of pine, juniper, and sagebrush brings me a sense of peace.
Today I have promised to take them to Slide Rock and then to Ratatoille at the Hyart. It will be a busy day, but we must make up for the time spent on the couch nursing my poor tooth. What a disappointment that was. But we are up and at it and making the most of these last few days.
It won't be long now before we are home with you again, and we are all looking forward to our return. I'm not sure I will be able to convince Logan to ever go on a trip without you again. She misses, and I quote, "...the good trips when Daddy came with us and all the things we used to do together." And when I ask Griffin what he thinks he says, "I wanted him to come here."
I am being called away to settle some disagreement between our little angels. I'm not sure I want to take a trip without you either.
I love you.
Your Mrs.
Mom and I drove the children up to the mountains yesterday. You would have loved seeing them explore and go on the "best adventures ever!" We hiked to the first spring, but they didn't stay in the ankle deep water very long. Snow run-off is a bit too cold for our Arizona babies. Then they scooted on their bums downhill and pretended to fish in the stream. They insist that we must bring you next time and go camping. I agree. The beautiful Bighorn Mountains are a delight to me. Just smelling the mixuture of pine, juniper, and sagebrush brings me a sense of peace.
Today I have promised to take them to Slide Rock and then to Ratatoille at the Hyart. It will be a busy day, but we must make up for the time spent on the couch nursing my poor tooth. What a disappointment that was. But we are up and at it and making the most of these last few days.
It won't be long now before we are home with you again, and we are all looking forward to our return. I'm not sure I will be able to convince Logan to ever go on a trip without you again. She misses, and I quote, "...the good trips when Daddy came with us and all the things we used to do together." And when I ask Griffin what he thinks he says, "I wanted him to come here."
I am being called away to settle some disagreement between our little angels. I'm not sure I want to take a trip without you either.
I love you.
Your Mrs.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Road Trips include Potholes and Alternative Root Canals
Just to answer my last blog, the ginger root and mangos were not available at the Lovell Red Apple. In fact, just to give you a glimpse at what I was up against, there were only two red onions to choose from: bad and worse, and the lettuce was limp. All of it. I miss good produce.
Now to more current news: There has been a pothole in our road trip, aside from the poor vegetables. On Sunday my jaw began to hurt from my ear to mid jaw, and by Monday it was clear that I had an incredibly painful toothache, one like I have
never before experienced. Tuesday I went to my cousin, the dentist, who diagnosed my #19 molar as abscessed and needing a root canal. Fantastic. I hoped to just get by so I could get back home to have the work done, so he prescribed an antibiotic to see if the infection would subside. No going. By Tuesday night I was on the couch nursing glasses of ice water--the only thing that could bring relief. Despite my poor teeth I am happy to report that my kidneys work just fine.
Thursday morning found me in Dr. Scotty's chair enduring the wonderful world of dentistry. When I was a child his father, Dr. Scott Sr., forever ruined me for dentists. He was not pain sensitive, if you know what I mean. His son, on the other hand, is, but that didn't stop me from much nervous twitching, breath holding, and back arching. I am an embarrassment to myself in this arena, but it is what it is at this point. It seems to be uncontrollable.
By the time he finished at 3pm, the left side of my face, cheekbone to chin including tongue, was fairly useless, which wouldn't be much of a big deal except that Mom had scheduled me to sing at the nursing home for their weekly Relief Society meeting at which she was teaching the lesson. I sang Amazing Grace and I sounded a little like Sylvester the Cat:
My jawline also looked a little like Courtney Thorne-Smith's which I've always secretly coveted. Unfortunately I found that it doesn't look nearly as cute on me. Oh well.
After the old folks home (I know. That's horrible, but it is what we call it up here in Cowley), we bought ice cream for the kids since they had behaved well enough to deserve it. At the Red Apple I ran into an old high school friend whom I haven't seen in probably 15 years. It was wonderful except for the part when she had to tell me I had ice cream on my chin because I couldn't feel it.
Today, though, I happily proclaim that I am feeling much better and more hopeful that I shall indeed reach home relatively pain free, but with the lucky obligation of seeing an endodontist quickly on the heels of my return. May God prepare both he and I for the scene we will most assuredly endure. And if you're lucky enough to see me after, you can give me an opinion on my Courtney Thorne-Smith jawline.
Now to more current news: There has been a pothole in our road trip, aside from the poor vegetables. On Sunday my jaw began to hurt from my ear to mid jaw, and by Monday it was clear that I had an incredibly painful toothache, one like I have
never before experienced. Tuesday I went to my cousin, the dentist, who diagnosed my #19 molar as abscessed and needing a root canal. Fantastic. I hoped to just get by so I could get back home to have the work done, so he prescribed an antibiotic to see if the infection would subside. No going. By Tuesday night I was on the couch nursing glasses of ice water--the only thing that could bring relief. Despite my poor teeth I am happy to report that my kidneys work just fine.
Thursday morning found me in Dr. Scotty's chair enduring the wonderful world of dentistry. When I was a child his father, Dr. Scott Sr., forever ruined me for dentists. He was not pain sensitive, if you know what I mean. His son, on the other hand, is, but that didn't stop me from much nervous twitching, breath holding, and back arching. I am an embarrassment to myself in this arena, but it is what it is at this point. It seems to be uncontrollable.
By the time he finished at 3pm, the left side of my face, cheekbone to chin including tongue, was fairly useless, which wouldn't be much of a big deal except that Mom had scheduled me to sing at the nursing home for their weekly Relief Society meeting at which she was teaching the lesson. I sang Amazing Grace and I sounded a little like Sylvester the Cat:
Amazing Grastch, how stchweet the stchound that stchaved a wretch like me. I onstch was lostch, but now am found, was blind but now I stchee.
My jawline also looked a little like Courtney Thorne-Smith's which I've always secretly coveted. Unfortunately I found that it doesn't look nearly as cute on me. Oh well.
After the old folks home (I know. That's horrible, but it is what we call it up here in Cowley), we bought ice cream for the kids since they had behaved well enough to deserve it. At the Red Apple I ran into an old high school friend whom I haven't seen in probably 15 years. It was wonderful except for the part when she had to tell me I had ice cream on my chin because I couldn't feel it.
Today, though, I happily proclaim that I am feeling much better and more hopeful that I shall indeed reach home relatively pain free, but with the lucky obligation of seeing an endodontist quickly on the heels of my return. May God prepare both he and I for the scene we will most assuredly endure. And if you're lucky enough to see me after, you can give me an opinion on my Courtney Thorne-Smith jawline.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Letters Home II
Dear Mr. Wicke,
I am glad to be in my mother's home. It's wonderful to see our children making friends with their cousins, aunts, and uncles, who are still are the funniest people in the world to me. But I find that it is not my home anymore. My home is with you, wherever you are and wherever you go. I miss you.
Today we are going to see Jamie's new house. Then Tamara, Shanna, and I will take the kids swimming at Lori and Joe's. Our children miss their swimming pool. Last night we walked to the park where the kids ran and played until the mosquitos chased us home again. The sun goes to bed so late here that our little ones are far off their schedule. When we returned from the park it was well after 9:30, and then they were hungry so we had peanut butter and jelly close to 10:00 at night. Strange I know.
Mom and I are awaiting the arrival of Ken, Curt, and their families tonight. Of course most of the preparation revolves around food. We made a plan this morning, although she laughed at my shopping list. "Mangos and ginger root? Have you forgotten we're in Cowley?" True enough, I may be reaching a bit.
All of this would be much better with you here, my love. Before I close, Logan would like to say that she missed you and loves you, and Griffin says that he loves you SO. He has said close to 38 times that he wants to go home. You see, his home is with you too.
Our hearts are yours always,
Your Mrs.
I am glad to be in my mother's home. It's wonderful to see our children making friends with their cousins, aunts, and uncles, who are still are the funniest people in the world to me. But I find that it is not my home anymore. My home is with you, wherever you are and wherever you go. I miss you.
Today we are going to see Jamie's new house. Then Tamara, Shanna, and I will take the kids swimming at Lori and Joe's. Our children miss their swimming pool. Last night we walked to the park where the kids ran and played until the mosquitos chased us home again. The sun goes to bed so late here that our little ones are far off their schedule. When we returned from the park it was well after 9:30, and then they were hungry so we had peanut butter and jelly close to 10:00 at night. Strange I know.
Mom and I are awaiting the arrival of Ken, Curt, and their families tonight. Of course most of the preparation revolves around food. We made a plan this morning, although she laughed at my shopping list. "Mangos and ginger root? Have you forgotten we're in Cowley?" True enough, I may be reaching a bit.
All of this would be much better with you here, my love. Before I close, Logan would like to say that she missed you and loves you, and Griffin says that he loves you SO. He has said close to 38 times that he wants to go home. You see, his home is with you too.
Our hearts are yours always,
Your Mrs.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Mmm! My New Favorite Banana Bread
Most of the time I eat my way through vacations. This one is no different. Here is the recipe for a banana bread my sister in law made a couple of days ago, and it is the only one I will make from now on. That's right, Betty Crocker! You are out!!! This one is so moist with a chewy, slightly carmelized crust. So delicious! You heard me Betty: It kicks your butt.
3/4 C. butter/margarine
1 1/2 C. sugar
1 1/2 C. mashed bananas (3)
2 eggs, well beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
2 C. flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 C. buttermilk
3/4 C. walnuts, chopped (optional)
Cream butter and sugar thoroughly. Blend in bananas, eggs, and vanilla. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together. Add to banana mixture, alternating with buttermilk, mixingthoroughly after each addition. Add nuts, mix. Pour batter into 9x3x5 loaf pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/4 hour or until done.
3/4 C. butter/margarine
1 1/2 C. sugar
1 1/2 C. mashed bananas (3)
2 eggs, well beaten
1 tsp. vanilla
2 C. flour
1 tsp. soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 C. buttermilk
3/4 C. walnuts, chopped (optional)
Cream butter and sugar thoroughly. Blend in bananas, eggs, and vanilla. Sift flour, baking soda, and salt together. Add to banana mixture, alternating with buttermilk, mixingthoroughly after each addition. Add nuts, mix. Pour batter into 9x3x5 loaf pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 1/4 hour or until done.
Me and the Pioneers: Looks Like we Made It
I am back in the land of my birth. We made it!! Even though I was dumb enough to leave SLC yesterday at 4 pm. Why? No good reason except that I am stupid. So that meant that we pulled into my mom's driveway at 1:30 am. Great thing though was that I wasn't even tired. See? That is the benefit of sleeping late and not hurrying out the door.
Highlights of our trip:
1. Buying fireworks in Evanston,Wyoming.
They've got it all! My kids are going to freak out over some silly
sparklers, bottle rockets, fountains and cakes. Can't wait!
2. Stopping for Sonic drinks in Rock Springs. Logan spotted the sign long before I did and directed me to it.
3. Our peepee stop 40 miles outside of Lander.
4. Following a rainstorm and savoring the sweet smell of wet earth, hay, and alfalfa.
5. Seeing the lights of my hometown.
6. Hearing my mom say, "You just sleep as long as you want tomorrow."
7. Waking to the sound of my children playing with their grandma.
A Funny Anecdote from our Trip:
As mentioned above, about 30 miles outside of Lander Griffin begins to wail, "I need to go POTTY!"
"Well, Griff, we've got to get to the next town, or I can stop and you can go outside."
"I don't want to go outside!" He's not happy.
"Well, you're going to have to hold it then."
"I HAVE-- to GO-- POTTY!"
"Okay! I'm pulling over and you are going to have to just go!"
I find a little turn out, open the doors and order him outside. As I'm getting him out of his seat I discover that he has been sitting in half of his Sonic Blue Coconut Cream Slush for approximately 1/2 hour. Delightful.
So he exits the other door while I use our supply of wet wipes on damage control. Logan, his sister, decides she needs to go to and joins him outside. I finish sopping up the mess and dig through our suitcases to find him new clothes. It was at this moment that I realize there is no way I can make 40 miles either. I NEED to go POTTY,
too!
Now, it has been many, many years since I have peed roadside, but I rationalize that it doesn't really count in Wyoming because, if you've ever driven the state's highways, you realize that there is little to zero traffic. I justify that it really could be considered camping. However, it's not something I necessarily want my children to witness because I will never hear the end of it, or, in all likelihood, neither will our friends.
"Okay, guys, get your jammies on." I get them sidetracked, look both ways for oncoming traffic (none for miles and miles), and squat. (I know. Not a great visualization.)
Next thing I know I hear Logan say, "MO-O-O-O-M! What are you doing?"
There is no way I can be distinguished in this situation, but I try. "I'm trying to go potty."
"Mom. You're such a...(I wait for it.)...pioneer!"
Relief! It could have been so much worse.
And you know what? She might be kind of right. I did travail cross country with two children and no husband. I encountered my own hardships to be sure. After all I narrowly avoided hitting 1 cow, 1 calf, 5 deer, 8 rabbits, 2 mice and 1 raccoon last night. And worst of all...the third part of my book on tape did not download to myIPod correctly. At 11 pm, that discovery was a tragedy of epic proportion. And like Brigham, I thought with relief as I pulled into town, "This is the place."
However, unlike the pioneers I have to turn around and do it all over again in 14 days. Poor me! Good thing I've got horsepower,IPod, TV, air conditioning, and drive-through. Yeah, I'm a real pioneer alright!
Highlights of our trip:
1. Buying fireworks in Evanston,Wyoming.
They've got it all! My kids are going to freak out over some silly
sparklers, bottle rockets, fountains and cakes. Can't wait!
2. Stopping for Sonic drinks in Rock Springs. Logan spotted the sign long before I did and directed me to it.
3. Our peepee stop 40 miles outside of Lander.
4. Following a rainstorm and savoring the sweet smell of wet earth, hay, and alfalfa.
5. Seeing the lights of my hometown.
6. Hearing my mom say, "You just sleep as long as you want tomorrow."
7. Waking to the sound of my children playing with their grandma.
A Funny Anecdote from our Trip:
As mentioned above, about 30 miles outside of Lander Griffin begins to wail, "I need to go POTTY!"
"Well, Griff, we've got to get to the next town, or I can stop and you can go outside."
"I don't want to go outside!" He's not happy.
"Well, you're going to have to hold it then."
"I HAVE-- to GO-- POTTY!"
"Okay! I'm pulling over and you are going to have to just go!"
I find a little turn out, open the doors and order him outside. As I'm getting him out of his seat I discover that he has been sitting in half of his Sonic Blue Coconut Cream Slush for approximately 1/2 hour. Delightful.
So he exits the other door while I use our supply of wet wipes on damage control. Logan, his sister, decides she needs to go to and joins him outside. I finish sopping up the mess and dig through our suitcases to find him new clothes. It was at this moment that I realize there is no way I can make 40 miles either. I NEED to go POTTY,
too!
Now, it has been many, many years since I have peed roadside, but I rationalize that it doesn't really count in Wyoming because, if you've ever driven the state's highways, you realize that there is little to zero traffic. I justify that it really could be considered camping. However, it's not something I necessarily want my children to witness because I will never hear the end of it, or, in all likelihood, neither will our friends.
"Okay, guys, get your jammies on." I get them sidetracked, look both ways for oncoming traffic (none for miles and miles), and squat. (I know. Not a great visualization.)
Next thing I know I hear Logan say, "MO-O-O-O-M! What are you doing?"
There is no way I can be distinguished in this situation, but I try. "I'm trying to go potty."
"Mom. You're such a...(I wait for it.)...pioneer!"
Relief! It could have been so much worse.
And you know what? She might be kind of right. I did travail cross country with two children and no husband. I encountered my own hardships to be sure. After all I narrowly avoided hitting 1 cow, 1 calf, 5 deer, 8 rabbits, 2 mice and 1 raccoon last night. And worst of all...the third part of my book on tape did not download to myIPod correctly. At 11 pm, that discovery was a tragedy of epic proportion. And like Brigham, I thought with relief as I pulled into town, "This is the place."
However, unlike the pioneers I have to turn around and do it all over again in 14 days. Poor me! Good thing I've got horsepower,IPod, TV, air conditioning, and drive-through. Yeah, I'm a real pioneer alright!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
