I can't believe February is gone. I know it's a short month, but it felt even shorter with everything that I was able to pack in it. Beside loving, caring, serving, partying, and dating, I was able to get some good reading done through out the month. The list is not that long, but, without delay, here it is:
7. Winter Ghosts by Kate Moss
I really liked her first book Labyrinth, and was looking forward to her other ones. This is the third she has written, and although it wasn't as long or as exciting as the other ones, it was nonetheless a well written one. The theme of the novel was that of trying to overcome pain by serving others and finding yourself in that service. It had all of the author's previous tricks of past and present coming together in a very natural narration, the descriptions of the pretty and ancient part of the Southern France, the usage of the ancient language and traditions of the Cathers, ghosts, snowy mountains, caves and many more. The first half of the book was a bit overdone in describing the main character's pain, and the plot was predictable. However, I really enjoy Moss' musical language that she uses in her descriptions, as well as her passion for the history of this part of France. I've learned so much about the Cathers and the Carcassone history that I can't wait for her next book. I have to admit however, that this book felt a bit like a sad Brigadoon.
8. When Nietzsche wept by Irvin D. Yalom
I absolutely loved this book. If you are remotely interested in psychoanalysis, this book is definitely for you. The author is himself a psychoanalyst, and as such has produced a fabulous novel. The story deals with Nietzsche and the famous Dr Breuer who started this branch of medical science. They help each other fight their own demons, and through this struggle they build each other up as well as a beautiful friendship. The beauty of the novel for me was found in the dialogues between the two friends, in their debates and arguments, in their expressing what they couldn't understand. Although Nietzsche and Breuer never met, the author has beautifully intertwined truth with imagination to give us a superb book. Because this book had excellent dialogue, interesting plot, well developed characters, and amazing historical facts about psychoanalysis, the philosophy discussed in it was very welcomed and understood rather than dry and preachy. An amazingly well written novel, and an excellent read for a book club discussion.
9. Sigmund Freud - Pioneer of the mind by Catherine Reef and 10. Beyond Good and Evil by Nietzsche.
After reading When Nietzsche wept, I had to read more on the psychoanalysis on one side, and the philosophy of a much misunderstood philosopher on the other. I loved learning about Freud, but I wished to learn more about his work, and this book was of course a biography of his life. I'm looking forward to reading some of his work next month. As for Nietzsche, I really wanted to read Thus Spoke Zarathustra, his best philosophical piece, but I couldn't find it at the library, so instead I read Beyond good and evil. I have to admit that the days when I could pick up a philosophical essay or treaty and just read without stopping are gone. I had to stop several times and read something else so my mind could rest. It's very easy to judge Nietzsche because of his bad reputation of being an atheist, although born and raised by generations of clergyman. From a gospel perspective, what Nietzsche was trying to do by asking questions of our human nature and our faith in God, was basically trying to find the missing pieces of the puzzle that at that time were not available to him. He was just looking for the truth. I hope he has finally found it. Any soul deserves the truth, but especially someone who made his life's goal to understand humanity and its strengths and flaws. Thus Spoke Zarathustra is next, and I'll try to take notes to share.
11. Journey into Narnia by Kathryn Lindskoog
This book was a research in the meaning of Narnia characters and plots. It felt a bit like Sparks Notes, but it was way better. Whenever I read a book, especially a book written by an author who is known for his conversion to Christianity and his dedication in writing about being better individuals as C.S.Lewis was, I tend to read about their life and meanings of their work. This book was really fun to read and while reading it remembering the books of the series and understanding what each of the characters or the special dialogues stood for. That said, I think the author of this book took her research a bit too seriously in sharing a bunch of Scriptures, and what other great minds of the time thought and wrote on those topics. If anything, the Narnia books were just fun to read, and it wouldn't do to analyze every lit bit of the story, especially knowing that even C.S.Lewis himself didn't take it that seriously. A good book to read if you want to help your children understand Narnia books better.
12. Wizard - The life and time of Nikola Tesla - Biography of a genius by Marc. J. Seifer
Did you know that Tesla, the inventor, entrepreneur and physicist, made and invented more things for this world than many scientists combined. Did you know that Tesla invented long distance power distribution, florescent lights, remote control, contributed in technology for inventing radio, television, helped the navy by inventing the first wireless telecommunication, and many more? He was truly a genius and way ahead of his time, misunderstood and taken advantage, and miserably treated by close friends. Seifer has done an amazing job in writing an exciting biography of a such complex individual. If you want to pick one biography for the next month, this should be it. It is well researched and beautifully written.
Well, that's all for this month. My reading list for next month looks very exciting and diverse, with more philosophy, biography, romance and everything in between promising to entertain.
What have you read this month?
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Anger Management
So, I'm sure I caught your attention with my title, but I'm sorry to disappoint you all. I'm not going to any anger management program, or do I need to. However, I do find myself get angry very easily by articles I read on line nowadays. I might need some kind of help after all. And that is precisely why I have a blog. Expressing myself (that's another word for 'venting'; it just sounds fancier and more modern) about issues that I'm thinking, and that you might find very annoying or uninteresting, is a way I get rid of my anger. I encounter anger when I read what various politicians, journalists, celebrities, and writers say about topics that interest me. However, I have to admit that I really get truly angry when I read articles that are not written well, with lots of assumptions and badly expressed.
A few days ago, Elijah sent me an article from the LDS Living magazine dealing with the question of why do LDS women read Jane Austen more than the women in the rest of the country. Please read the article here. The article starts by noticing an interesting fact that a newly published biography of Jane Austen has been sold more in Salt Lake City than in any other city in the country by a ratio of 8 to 1. That was interesting to me since I thought Jane Austen was well liked and read throughout the world.
I'm thinking why that is while I'm reading the article, and then as I continue to read the article I can't think anymore because I'm baffled by what I'm reading. Elijah kept laughing at how animated and angry I got by this simple article. Well, let me explain why I was going off my deep end. One of the people who had been interviewed to throw some light in this 8 to 1 dilemma was Aspen Anderson, the Utah Regional Coordinator of the Jane Austen Society of North America. I know nothing about this woman, but her comments made me angry. I realize that she was trying to send a good message about the LDS women and our standards, but it was over the top. Basically, she said that the reason why LDS women read Jane Austen is that we can relate to the nobility of their standards. Oh, this is what really got me :
"For instance, the famous (and comical) opening line of Pride and Prejudice essentially explains the LDS belief in marriage: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that, a single man in possession of good fortune must be in want of a wife.” From an LDS perspective, any worthy man who is valiant in his testimony of the gospel is indeed “in possession of good fortune,” and should prepare to be married and to establish a family."
Everything she says in her comments about LDS women is true. We do uphold high standards of behaviour and live by high principles. Nevertheless, this has nothing to do why we read Jane Austin.
Why do I read Jane Austin? I read Jane Austin because she is funny, witty, and her characters are unforgettable in their principles and flaws. I read Jane Austin because she is easy and exciting to read, and makes me happy. I like to read Jane Austin because to me her books are more of a comedy of manners of the British society at that time rather than a philosophical essay on how to live and love. And as for upholding their standards, I would rather not compare myself to any of the characters. Even the most beloved of all of Jane Austen's characters, Elisabeth Bennet, finds herself falling in love with the haughty Darcy after she enters his house and grounds. Why do you read Jane Austen?
Let's get back to the article's question? Why do you think LDS women read Jane Austen more than the rest of the country? Some of the ideas I was thinking were that we have been taught to read good and wholesome books and there is so much trash out there that Jane Austen is what we always fall back. Also, because of our religious beliefs that teach us to marry for time and eternity, that maybe we are more prone to romance, and what better romance than Pride and Prejudice to read on those lonely nights of dreaming for our Mr. Right. Another idea I thought was the fact that most of us do stay home and being unscathed by the harsh realities of today's mean world, still cherish the ideals of love and home. So, simply put, I don't think we read Jane Austen because we identify with her characters or find our principles paralleled in her books, but because we like good, wholesome, simple to read, romantic books, and Jane Austen has provided us with a few good novels which fulfill that desire in us.
What do you think?
A few days ago, Elijah sent me an article from the LDS Living magazine dealing with the question of why do LDS women read Jane Austen more than the women in the rest of the country. Please read the article here. The article starts by noticing an interesting fact that a newly published biography of Jane Austen has been sold more in Salt Lake City than in any other city in the country by a ratio of 8 to 1. That was interesting to me since I thought Jane Austen was well liked and read throughout the world.
I'm thinking why that is while I'm reading the article, and then as I continue to read the article I can't think anymore because I'm baffled by what I'm reading. Elijah kept laughing at how animated and angry I got by this simple article. Well, let me explain why I was going off my deep end. One of the people who had been interviewed to throw some light in this 8 to 1 dilemma was Aspen Anderson, the Utah Regional Coordinator of the Jane Austen Society of North America. I know nothing about this woman, but her comments made me angry. I realize that she was trying to send a good message about the LDS women and our standards, but it was over the top. Basically, she said that the reason why LDS women read Jane Austen is that we can relate to the nobility of their standards. Oh, this is what really got me :
"For instance, the famous (and comical) opening line of Pride and Prejudice essentially explains the LDS belief in marriage: “It is a truth universally acknowledged that, a single man in possession of good fortune must be in want of a wife.” From an LDS perspective, any worthy man who is valiant in his testimony of the gospel is indeed “in possession of good fortune,” and should prepare to be married and to establish a family."
Everything she says in her comments about LDS women is true. We do uphold high standards of behaviour and live by high principles. Nevertheless, this has nothing to do why we read Jane Austin.
Why do I read Jane Austin? I read Jane Austin because she is funny, witty, and her characters are unforgettable in their principles and flaws. I read Jane Austin because she is easy and exciting to read, and makes me happy. I like to read Jane Austin because to me her books are more of a comedy of manners of the British society at that time rather than a philosophical essay on how to live and love. And as for upholding their standards, I would rather not compare myself to any of the characters. Even the most beloved of all of Jane Austen's characters, Elisabeth Bennet, finds herself falling in love with the haughty Darcy after she enters his house and grounds. Why do you read Jane Austen?
Let's get back to the article's question? Why do you think LDS women read Jane Austen more than the rest of the country? Some of the ideas I was thinking were that we have been taught to read good and wholesome books and there is so much trash out there that Jane Austen is what we always fall back. Also, because of our religious beliefs that teach us to marry for time and eternity, that maybe we are more prone to romance, and what better romance than Pride and Prejudice to read on those lonely nights of dreaming for our Mr. Right. Another idea I thought was the fact that most of us do stay home and being unscathed by the harsh realities of today's mean world, still cherish the ideals of love and home. So, simply put, I don't think we read Jane Austen because we identify with her characters or find our principles paralleled in her books, but because we like good, wholesome, simple to read, romantic books, and Jane Austen has provided us with a few good novels which fulfill that desire in us.
What do you think?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
As I go about my business
I love those days when I go around my daily business cleaning, cooking, reading, caring, learning, and everything or at least a lot of activities spur a lot of thoughts into my mind. And the best part of it is the processing of the information. I laugh at myself when I notice that I'm still getting angry at an article I read early in the morning, or when my stream of consciousness takes me from genetics to my choice of career to LDS moms to the gospel to getting angry again, this time from something I read in a book. So, here, without delay, are a few of the thoughts that occupied my mind today.
When Jefferson came home today, he specifically mentioned it to me that he had finished his class task very quickly and had asked his teacher if he could do some of his homework. He had finished all of his homework before he got home. The reason for being so diligent instead of being a normal kid: his father had bought him a model airplane and his mother had told him the other day that only when his homework was done, he could build it. Seeing Jefferson so excited about building a model airplane, and then observing how he did that in a matter of a few minutes, made me think of his abilities and talents. Jefferson is a very hands -on boy. He loves to build and create things. He likes legos and blocks and following a pattern, but his favorite thing is building something original that his mind has thought of. A day doesn't pass without Jefferson having made something fun to show and amaze us. He likes to figure out things and then build them. The other day he built a battle ship, another time a space rocket, and another time he constructed a dynamite igniter, out of paper of course. Seeing his hands build this model airplane so quickly as if it was his second nature, made me contemplate on the connection we have as family members from one generation to the other. My father was a man who could build anything out of nothing. We have an expression in my country that goes something like 'he has gold hands' which means of course that whatever he touches turns to gold. That was my father. He had a great imagination and the ability to turn that imagination into reality. The same for Elijah's father. Jefferson has definitely inherited some of their talents.
It's easy to think that he is my child and this is my family I'm building, the way I want it. And to some extent that is quite true. But we are also so connected with each other, whether by traits we have inherited through our genetics, or qualities we have adopted through our observation. So for better or for worse, we are one family and are linked to one another. I still don't fully understand how much is nature and how much is nurture in our beings, and then when you factor out our own individuality as souls created by Heavenly Father with individual traits, the equation becomes even more harder to understand. I'm grateful, however, for the little, but essential knowledge that I have that we are children of God with a potential to becoming like Him. Whatever genetics or society has given an individual, each and every one of us has the power to become better than what we are. How profoundly a life can change just by having that tiny piece of information!
I'm also grateful that we do family history as members of this church. Reading and learning about our ancestors gives us a better understanding of who we are. It helps us recognize good traits and watch for the not-so-good ones. Observing early on that Jefferson had certain abilities that Elijah's father and my father had, I nurtured it by helping him develop them. I love it when my mother speaks of her father, whose generous and thoughtful character resembles that of James. I enjoy reading stories that Elijah's grandparents tell of their early life or of their ancestors' lives. It helps me understand them better. I've still to find out where Abel (Elijah's youngest brother) and Gillian get their artistic talent from. I love Abel's realistic hand. Gillian has baffled us with her surreal artistic tendencies. Here is just one of her many gorgeous art pages that she prolifically produces each day:
Speaking of art, James came back this afternoon from his Pre-K all excited to show me his art work.
Every week, James comes with these very creative art projects that he does at Pre-K. I'm so impressed with all the things that he learns and does there. And every time I see this big smile and excitement as he tells me about his day, I feel just happy for having listened to the Spirit, and very grateful for having the Spirit in my life. Let me explain. When we first moved here last year, after registering my older children to their public schools, I turned my attention to looking for a preschool for James. I kept talking to my friends here, checking websites, calling preschools for information, but for one reason or another, I just didn't feel satisfied. And then, one day I, like many other moms, get this letter in the mail sent by one lady in our stake who was starting her own private preschool and was telling us about it. I didn't know who she was, but I immediately felt a strong impression that she was going to be perfect for James. Every time I would ask my friends about her, I would still get this strong feeling that she was what I was looking for. Without even meeting her, I informed her by email that I would like James to be in her preschool. I'm sure some of you feel that was crazy of me to register my child at a preschool whose instructor I had never met. I've learned in my life that when you hear a prompting from the Spirit to always obey, and right away. I know you are probably thinking that it's just a preschool. That may be true, but every time that James comes home from preschool happy and eager to share what he has learned, my testimony and gratitude for the Holy Ghost gets magnified tenfold. And:
6Now ye may suppose that this is afoolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by bsmall and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
When Jefferson came home today, he specifically mentioned it to me that he had finished his class task very quickly and had asked his teacher if he could do some of his homework. He had finished all of his homework before he got home. The reason for being so diligent instead of being a normal kid: his father had bought him a model airplane and his mother had told him the other day that only when his homework was done, he could build it. Seeing Jefferson so excited about building a model airplane, and then observing how he did that in a matter of a few minutes, made me think of his abilities and talents. Jefferson is a very hands -on boy. He loves to build and create things. He likes legos and blocks and following a pattern, but his favorite thing is building something original that his mind has thought of. A day doesn't pass without Jefferson having made something fun to show and amaze us. He likes to figure out things and then build them. The other day he built a battle ship, another time a space rocket, and another time he constructed a dynamite igniter, out of paper of course. Seeing his hands build this model airplane so quickly as if it was his second nature, made me contemplate on the connection we have as family members from one generation to the other. My father was a man who could build anything out of nothing. We have an expression in my country that goes something like 'he has gold hands' which means of course that whatever he touches turns to gold. That was my father. He had a great imagination and the ability to turn that imagination into reality. The same for Elijah's father. Jefferson has definitely inherited some of their talents.
It's easy to think that he is my child and this is my family I'm building, the way I want it. And to some extent that is quite true. But we are also so connected with each other, whether by traits we have inherited through our genetics, or qualities we have adopted through our observation. So for better or for worse, we are one family and are linked to one another. I still don't fully understand how much is nature and how much is nurture in our beings, and then when you factor out our own individuality as souls created by Heavenly Father with individual traits, the equation becomes even more harder to understand. I'm grateful, however, for the little, but essential knowledge that I have that we are children of God with a potential to becoming like Him. Whatever genetics or society has given an individual, each and every one of us has the power to become better than what we are. How profoundly a life can change just by having that tiny piece of information!
I'm also grateful that we do family history as members of this church. Reading and learning about our ancestors gives us a better understanding of who we are. It helps us recognize good traits and watch for the not-so-good ones. Observing early on that Jefferson had certain abilities that Elijah's father and my father had, I nurtured it by helping him develop them. I love it when my mother speaks of her father, whose generous and thoughtful character resembles that of James. I enjoy reading stories that Elijah's grandparents tell of their early life or of their ancestors' lives. It helps me understand them better. I've still to find out where Abel (Elijah's youngest brother) and Gillian get their artistic talent from. I love Abel's realistic hand. Gillian has baffled us with her surreal artistic tendencies. Here is just one of her many gorgeous art pages that she prolifically produces each day:
Speaking of art, James came back this afternoon from his Pre-K all excited to show me his art work.
Every week, James comes with these very creative art projects that he does at Pre-K. I'm so impressed with all the things that he learns and does there. And every time I see this big smile and excitement as he tells me about his day, I feel just happy for having listened to the Spirit, and very grateful for having the Spirit in my life. Let me explain. When we first moved here last year, after registering my older children to their public schools, I turned my attention to looking for a preschool for James. I kept talking to my friends here, checking websites, calling preschools for information, but for one reason or another, I just didn't feel satisfied. And then, one day I, like many other moms, get this letter in the mail sent by one lady in our stake who was starting her own private preschool and was telling us about it. I didn't know who she was, but I immediately felt a strong impression that she was going to be perfect for James. Every time I would ask my friends about her, I would still get this strong feeling that she was what I was looking for. Without even meeting her, I informed her by email that I would like James to be in her preschool. I'm sure some of you feel that was crazy of me to register my child at a preschool whose instructor I had never met. I've learned in my life that when you hear a prompting from the Spirit to always obey, and right away. I know you are probably thinking that it's just a preschool. That may be true, but every time that James comes home from preschool happy and eager to share what he has learned, my testimony and gratitude for the Holy Ghost gets magnified tenfold. And:6Now ye may suppose that this is afoolishness in me; but behold I say unto you, that by bsmall and simple things are great things brought to pass; and small means in many instances doth confound the wise.
7And the Lord God doth work by ameans to bring about his great and eternal purposes; and by very bsmall means the Lord doth cconfound the wise and bringeth about the salvation of many souls. (Alma 37)
And speaking of small and great things, I went to Stake Enrichment Night tonight, where we attended various workshops with topics varying from gospel centered marriage, to family reunions, to write your family story, to nutritious food and healthy lifestyle. However, my favorite of the ones I attended was called Life's lessons learned from quilting. I never knew how serious and beautiful art quilting was till I married Elijah and got as gifts gorgeous hand sewn quilts made by Elijah's grandmother. And then, when I lived near his family for a couple of years, I experienced first hand by observing her how intricate and creative this particular art form is. Tonight I really enjoyed learning a bit of the history of how this hand sewn piece by piece quilt making really started and was passed on from one generation to another. But what made the class special was the way our instructor intertwined the life lessons she had learned from her life, as well as other stories of how quilts were a way to show love and kindness and give comfort to each other, be they family members, friends, or even strangers. One particular story she shared with us touched me deeply and made me think on my way home. I love those moments when you feel touched by someone's good deeds and you want to be a better person. The story she shared was not unlike many stories of good people out there performing good works. A lady, after hearing in the news that at this particular country babies were being sent home wrapped in newspaper, was determined to do her part to help them. She started making quilts and within a short time she had made about 1000 quilts. The lady was blind.
This story touched me, and so did the other ones. Sister Shafer's presentation truly brought the Spirit in the room. I felt humbled by what I learned, and by what the Spirit taught me. I have always appreciated art, the beautiful works of the great classical artists. I love attending museums, and learning about the language needed to interpret a symbolic painting or sculpture. But I didn't need to have a big art history book tucked under my arm to understand what those quilts represented. The language of love is universal. Making a quilt is like giving something of yourself to comfort others.
On the way home, I thought of my talents, interests and abilities I have. I thought of my goals and the reasons behind them. I contemplated the way I spend my time. Although serving others is my way of life, how I was taught and how I truly feel happy, I still thought I could do better in giving comfort to others. Not every one of us can take up quilting as an interest, but each and everyone of us can find a way to share kindness with another. Even though I haven't shared half of the thoughts that were roaming in my mind today, let me close this very long post with a quote that Sister Shafer shared with us: "What do we live for, if it is not to make life less difficult for each other?" - George Eliot
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Gratitude is the memory of the heart -Jean Baptiste Massieu
The house is clean. The children are in bed. Mom is watching her movie upstairs. I just finished my book about Nietzsche. The brownies are cooking and will be ready right before Elijah arrives home. Today is Tuesday, and Elijah comes home late. He volunteers at the temple on Tuesdays, and doesn't come home till past 10. The clock is ticking ten. I've missed my husband all day. I miss him worse especially after having had him home for a long week-end.
I love Tuesdays, though. It's the only day in the week that I have two hours in the morning to myself without feeling guilty that I'm not reading or playing with my children. They are all at school and Charlton is taking a nap. I love to have my house clean in general, but especially for those two hours. I put my kind of music I'm feeling for that day, and then either read my books, or articles on line, or just finish a project I need done. I cherish those two hours. I try to think about my life, and ponder on how I'm doing. I feel very relaxed in my clean, quiet, and beautiful home, and thoughts come easily into my mind.
Today I kept thinking about the blessing of having Elijah as my husband and the father of my children. I was reviewing my week-end and kept thinking of the many activities we were able to accomplish. I noticed, however, as the events flashed back into my mind that Elijah was always working hard either taking care of the house chores, or fulfilling his calling, or making his family happy. Events of the whole week flashed back, this time showing Elijah leading FHE on Monday, coming late from the Temple on Tuesday, watching Star Trek with the children on Wednesday, attending the temple with me on Thursday, helping our friend move on Friday, spending one-on-one time with Gillian and taking me on a date on Saturday, attend his meetings and being a good friend to others on Sunday.
Yesterday, being a holiday, Elijah was home. I wanted to take the family on a fun activity, but Elijah mentioned that he couldn't since he had reserved this day for taking care of finances and taxes. I didn't feel like going anywhere without him. We stayed home and rested. That is to say I rested. The children knew that dad had a lot of work to do and he shouldn't be disturbed, but they were constantly drawn to him. They love him and feel very comfortable around him. Elijah stopped his work several times yesterday. He played for about an hour basketball with the children. He had bought each of them their own basketball, even for Charlton, and they were having a field day playing and laughing. Later on, Jefferson wanted to talk to him about things that he had been thinking. He asked specifically if they could talk without being disturbed. Jefferson loves to build and make things with his hands and imagination, and he was telling his father that he needed some help finding materials. Elijah was listening very attentively and Jefferson knew his father was taking him seriously. Throughout the day, Elijah played with James, talked with Gillian, fed Charlton, had conversations with me, and all the while trying to get his taxes done. As this stream-of-consciousness kept occupying my mind, I felt this overwhelming gratitude for Elijah. I felt blessed to have a man who takes his responsibility as a father and as a husband not only very seriously, but with joy and love. And as Elder Oaks once said "Love is the greatest principle to be learned and applied in the family setting."
The children feel his love in the quiet manner he speaks to them. They feel his love in the time he spends with them playing, reading, watching, talking. They feel his love when he tells them "I love you" throughout the day. They feel he loves them when he shares his testimony with them and his desire for all of us to be together. They feel his love when although he lacks sleep and is extremely busy, he makes time for each and everyone of them.
I feel his love in everything he does. I feel his love for me as he strives to be a righteous man, father and husband. I feel his love for me as he works hard to provide for his family. I feel his love for me when he asks for my counsel or when he offers his advice. His love for me is shown when he comes home everyday with a smile, regardless of his day. He shows his love when he asks me about my day, thoughts, feelings; when he inquires about my interests, goals; when he tries to encourage me to be the best or to slow down; when he calls me in the middle of the day and tells me he misses his gem; when he sends me articles to read and be informed so I wouldn't feel that motherhood has detached me from the world; when he takes care of the children so I could enjoy nights out with friends; when he patiently endures my mood swings; when he writes poems about me; when he tries to guess what is my "favorite" pastry for the week; when he finds movies that I would enjoy; when he kisses me and tells me "I love you" a thousand times a day.
I love Tuesdays. They give me the chance to think in silence for a few hours and be grateful for what I have. And although Elijah comes home late on these days, I welcome that too. It makes me miss him more, and be grateful more. I love you, Elijah.
I love Tuesdays, though. It's the only day in the week that I have two hours in the morning to myself without feeling guilty that I'm not reading or playing with my children. They are all at school and Charlton is taking a nap. I love to have my house clean in general, but especially for those two hours. I put my kind of music I'm feeling for that day, and then either read my books, or articles on line, or just finish a project I need done. I cherish those two hours. I try to think about my life, and ponder on how I'm doing. I feel very relaxed in my clean, quiet, and beautiful home, and thoughts come easily into my mind.
Today I kept thinking about the blessing of having Elijah as my husband and the father of my children. I was reviewing my week-end and kept thinking of the many activities we were able to accomplish. I noticed, however, as the events flashed back into my mind that Elijah was always working hard either taking care of the house chores, or fulfilling his calling, or making his family happy. Events of the whole week flashed back, this time showing Elijah leading FHE on Monday, coming late from the Temple on Tuesday, watching Star Trek with the children on Wednesday, attending the temple with me on Thursday, helping our friend move on Friday, spending one-on-one time with Gillian and taking me on a date on Saturday, attend his meetings and being a good friend to others on Sunday.
Yesterday, being a holiday, Elijah was home. I wanted to take the family on a fun activity, but Elijah mentioned that he couldn't since he had reserved this day for taking care of finances and taxes. I didn't feel like going anywhere without him. We stayed home and rested. That is to say I rested. The children knew that dad had a lot of work to do and he shouldn't be disturbed, but they were constantly drawn to him. They love him and feel very comfortable around him. Elijah stopped his work several times yesterday. He played for about an hour basketball with the children. He had bought each of them their own basketball, even for Charlton, and they were having a field day playing and laughing. Later on, Jefferson wanted to talk to him about things that he had been thinking. He asked specifically if they could talk without being disturbed. Jefferson loves to build and make things with his hands and imagination, and he was telling his father that he needed some help finding materials. Elijah was listening very attentively and Jefferson knew his father was taking him seriously. Throughout the day, Elijah played with James, talked with Gillian, fed Charlton, had conversations with me, and all the while trying to get his taxes done. As this stream-of-consciousness kept occupying my mind, I felt this overwhelming gratitude for Elijah. I felt blessed to have a man who takes his responsibility as a father and as a husband not only very seriously, but with joy and love. And as Elder Oaks once said "Love is the greatest principle to be learned and applied in the family setting."
The children feel his love in the quiet manner he speaks to them. They feel his love in the time he spends with them playing, reading, watching, talking. They feel his love when he tells them "I love you" throughout the day. They feel he loves them when he shares his testimony with them and his desire for all of us to be together. They feel his love when although he lacks sleep and is extremely busy, he makes time for each and everyone of them.
I feel his love in everything he does. I feel his love for me as he strives to be a righteous man, father and husband. I feel his love for me as he works hard to provide for his family. I feel his love for me when he asks for my counsel or when he offers his advice. His love for me is shown when he comes home everyday with a smile, regardless of his day. He shows his love when he asks me about my day, thoughts, feelings; when he inquires about my interests, goals; when he tries to encourage me to be the best or to slow down; when he calls me in the middle of the day and tells me he misses his gem; when he sends me articles to read and be informed so I wouldn't feel that motherhood has detached me from the world; when he takes care of the children so I could enjoy nights out with friends; when he patiently endures my mood swings; when he writes poems about me; when he tries to guess what is my "favorite" pastry for the week; when he finds movies that I would enjoy; when he kisses me and tells me "I love you" a thousand times a day.
I love Tuesdays. They give me the chance to think in silence for a few hours and be grateful for what I have. And although Elijah comes home late on these days, I welcome that too. It makes me miss him more, and be grateful more. I love you, Elijah.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
18 months and going strong
Charlton entered Nursery today. We have been counting the days for him to be on his own for those two hours. The children were adamant about taking him to Nursery themselves. I didn't even get a chance to talk to the Nursery leaders and ask them how Charlton did, because he was picked up by a very zealous sister way before I got out of the room. Charlton is blessed to have such a happy family who loves him, plays with him and cares for him. Gillian is like a second mother to him. She protects him, cares for his needs, feeds him, reads to him, loves him, and lets him play in her room. Often times, he will go to Gillian for love and support. Jefferson and James are so good to him. They play with him all day long. They anticipate his needs and make sure he is very comfortable. They each have special games they play with Charlton. Gillian reads to him, and plays hide and seek with him around the house. Jefferson likes sliding down the stairs and Charlton really enjoys imitating him. James plays with him pillow fights or slides on the floor with blankets.
However, Charlton favorite games involve balls. He loves going out and playing baseball, soccer and basketball. He likes kicking and throwing balls. When he sees his siblings play basketball, he wants a ball of his own, and then tries to throw the ball. It doesn't go far of course, but as far as he is concerned as long as his eyes are on the hoop, he has scored points.
He is still eating very well and everything I give, often times better than my other children. He loves apple sauce and lots of fruit. However, I have to say that although he likes fruit as much as I do, he also has a sixth sense when it comes to sweets. He has learned all the places where candy is stored, and he takes our hand and guides us to where he needs us to go. He doesn't need to express himself in words; his whole demeanor tells us what he wants.
Charlton is a very happy boy. He sleeps well, and naps well. He still takes two naps, but I'm rarely home for him to do just that. His vocabulary is increasing each day, but he still speaks like a baby with lots of unrecognizable sounds. His favorite things to say are 'clock' and 'trash.' In fact, Charlton loves to take things to the trash can, and always points to things and says 'trash?' He loves to be clean and tries to clean his nose with a handkerchief. If there is food on the table, he will make sure it's clean. Charlton will not eat till that specific dirty spot is taken care of. My favorite facial expression that Charlton exhibits, besides his smile, is his pouty face. I like it when he raises an eyebrow as if to challenge my authority.
He enjoys reading books, especially about animals. He will do a funny wolf howl or a dog barking or a lion roaring. Charlton is so fun to have around. He is very lovable and so handsome that I can't keep my hands off him. None of us can for that matter. He makes us all happy.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
A day with my boys
This morning I was awaken by Jefferson telling me he was all dressed and ready for our date. It was around 8:00 in the morning, and that didn't make me very happy. Saturdays are my 'sleep in' days. Nevertheless, seeing how excited Jefferson was, I got up, fed all the children breakfast, and then got ready. Since my mother and Elijah were still asleep, I put Gillian in charge of James and Charlton. Jefferson and I headed toward one of the Farmers' Market near our house. It was drizzling a bit, but that didn't prevent us from checking out every single vendor and their produce. We noticed a vendor selling fresh pastries, and it didn't take long for Jefferson and I to purchase a Napoleon and a Cinnamon bun for ourselves. While eating our pastries, we started with our shopping. Jefferson was quite taken by the five-pound Red Bass we bought. He didn't want to carry it though; he just wanted to look at it. However, he did help me carry most of the produce.
We had a good time talking about foods we like and don't like, kinds of foods that are good for you and the other kinds that are just tasty. We made plans for our own garden we wanted to plant this year and made a list of the produce we wanted to grow. Jefferson is such a serious thinker that I really enjoy talking to him. He is very thoughtful and truly thinks about things. I never have a conversation with him in which he hasn't listened carefully and then thought about his answer. Today, he thanked me for taking him out and said that he really enjoyed being with me. I did too.
When we got home, we put the groceries up, wrapped Oliver's birthday present, and then, along with James, drove to the church to celebrate Oliver's birthday. The kids had so much fun riding their bikes and playing with each other that when it was time to go, my boys couldn't believe that much time had past. Gillian stayed home with dad, and helped him with a few errands.
When we got back, the children were ready to watch their Saturday movie. I put Charlton down for a nap, and then took my mother out for some fresh air. Since it was raining, and we had had lunch already, we decided that instead of going to eat out somewhere, we would go shopping, the next best thing. There is nothing more therapeutic than shopping, especially if you are shopping for yourself. We strolled from one store to another enjoying ourselves and wanting to buy anything and everything we set our eyes on. I kept trying to convince my mother to buy a pair of jeans, but of course she said jeans was not the appropriate attire for an European older lady. I'm glad I feel free of conventions and expectations. We had a good time talking and laughing, and trying on dresses and blouses and boots and all sorts of accessories.
Tonight, after we ate dinner, Elijah took me out to the movies. My mom watched the kids, and my husband and I watched "Unknown." There were a bunch of movies out, but nothing looked good and interesting, and most of them were rated R. The "Unknown" sounded interesting from what we watched in the previews. We weren't disappointed; the movie was good and entertaining. It had a good plot, with twists and turns and kept you guessing throughout. Liam Neeson played the main character, and as always he did a fantastic job. Elijah and I had a good time just being together. On the way home, we decided that we would take turns in choosing our date night activity. Till now, Elijah has been the one planning them with me occasionally suggesting ideas. Wanting to have a variety of activities, we decided we should come up with our own ideas of what we consider fun. So, friends, I need a few tips of good restaurants and fun date activities. It's a blessing to have my mother here take care of the children, so Elijah and I could spend some time with each other. Although Elijah and I spend a lot of good time together at home (we make sure our children are asleep by 8 p.m.), I feel it's equally important to spend time out of the house as a couple. It's a good opportunity to talk, to learn and enjoy each other's interests, and simply to be together in a relaxing and fun atmosphere.
What are some fun activities you do with your children? What has been your favorite idea for a date with your spouse?
We had a good time talking about foods we like and don't like, kinds of foods that are good for you and the other kinds that are just tasty. We made plans for our own garden we wanted to plant this year and made a list of the produce we wanted to grow. Jefferson is such a serious thinker that I really enjoy talking to him. He is very thoughtful and truly thinks about things. I never have a conversation with him in which he hasn't listened carefully and then thought about his answer. Today, he thanked me for taking him out and said that he really enjoyed being with me. I did too.When we got home, we put the groceries up, wrapped Oliver's birthday present, and then, along with James, drove to the church to celebrate Oliver's birthday. The kids had so much fun riding their bikes and playing with each other that when it was time to go, my boys couldn't believe that much time had past. Gillian stayed home with dad, and helped him with a few errands.
When we got back, the children were ready to watch their Saturday movie. I put Charlton down for a nap, and then took my mother out for some fresh air. Since it was raining, and we had had lunch already, we decided that instead of going to eat out somewhere, we would go shopping, the next best thing. There is nothing more therapeutic than shopping, especially if you are shopping for yourself. We strolled from one store to another enjoying ourselves and wanting to buy anything and everything we set our eyes on. I kept trying to convince my mother to buy a pair of jeans, but of course she said jeans was not the appropriate attire for an European older lady. I'm glad I feel free of conventions and expectations. We had a good time talking and laughing, and trying on dresses and blouses and boots and all sorts of accessories.
Tonight, after we ate dinner, Elijah took me out to the movies. My mom watched the kids, and my husband and I watched "Unknown." There were a bunch of movies out, but nothing looked good and interesting, and most of them were rated R. The "Unknown" sounded interesting from what we watched in the previews. We weren't disappointed; the movie was good and entertaining. It had a good plot, with twists and turns and kept you guessing throughout. Liam Neeson played the main character, and as always he did a fantastic job. Elijah and I had a good time just being together. On the way home, we decided that we would take turns in choosing our date night activity. Till now, Elijah has been the one planning them with me occasionally suggesting ideas. Wanting to have a variety of activities, we decided we should come up with our own ideas of what we consider fun. So, friends, I need a few tips of good restaurants and fun date activities. It's a blessing to have my mother here take care of the children, so Elijah and I could spend some time with each other. Although Elijah and I spend a lot of good time together at home (we make sure our children are asleep by 8 p.m.), I feel it's equally important to spend time out of the house as a couple. It's a good opportunity to talk, to learn and enjoy each other's interests, and simply to be together in a relaxing and fun atmosphere.
What are some fun activities you do with your children? What has been your favorite idea for a date with your spouse?
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Valentine's celebration continues
Because my older children had a field trip on Friday, they weren't able to celebrate Valentine on that day. And since Monday was off, they celebrated it today.
James said he had a lot of fun at Pre-K. They shared Valentine's cards and candy with each other, played Valentine's games, ate heart cookies that their teacher had made for them, and made cards for their parents.
Jefferson's class made a smiley box wishing their parents a great Valentine's Day. There are ten Kindergartners and 9 First Graders. Each one of them has a unique and fun personality. It was very funny to watch, but too long to transfer it here.
Gillian's class had a party organized with all the parents attending. They started by singing a song about peace and love:
And then we ate, took pictures, browsed around checking our children work, and socialized.
In the end, our children gave us Valentine's cards. Usually, Gillian takes time with her art, but this card didn't have any extraordinary drawings. That changed when I opened it and inside the card I found Hamlet's declaration of love to Ophelia. The word 'doubt' was spelled wrong without a b, but the whole poem was perfectly memorized and well written.
Doubt stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt that I love.
I had introduced Gillian to Shakespeare a few years ago when I found these great children's version of Shakespeare's plays with the real poems or sonnets on the side of the page. However, these particular verses were memorized I'm sure during dinner time. Last year, during his motorcycle tour, Elijah visited the city of Ashland in Oregon, where they have a replica of the Globe theater and run Shakespeare's plays year around. He brought me back a mug with a lot of love quotes from Shakespeare's plays imprinted on it. Every time I use, the children want me to read some of the quotes. When I told Gillian that the 'doubt not' verses were the first of Shakespeare unforgettable quotes I had memorized at the age of nine, she was impressed. It was my turn to be impressed today. And she isn't even nine yet.
James said he had a lot of fun at Pre-K. They shared Valentine's cards and candy with each other, played Valentine's games, ate heart cookies that their teacher had made for them, and made cards for their parents.
Jefferson's class made a smiley box wishing their parents a great Valentine's Day. There are ten Kindergartners and 9 First Graders. Each one of them has a unique and fun personality. It was very funny to watch, but too long to transfer it here.
Gillian's class had a party organized with all the parents attending. They started by singing a song about peace and love:
And then we ate, took pictures, browsed around checking our children work, and socialized.
In the end, our children gave us Valentine's cards. Usually, Gillian takes time with her art, but this card didn't have any extraordinary drawings. That changed when I opened it and inside the card I found Hamlet's declaration of love to Ophelia. The word 'doubt' was spelled wrong without a b, but the whole poem was perfectly memorized and well written.
Doubt stars are fire; Doubt that the sun doth move; Doubt truth to be a liar; But never doubt that I love.
Monday, February 14, 2011
Life has taught us that love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking outward together in the same direction. Antoine de Saint-Exupery
We hosted our yearly Valentine party this past Friday. It's a wonderful tradition. I love to host and make people happy. Besides throwing birthday parties for family and friends and having them over for lunches and dinners on a constant basis, Elijah and I throw a Valentine's party each year, and I throw a Christmas 'tea' party for just my lady friends near Christmas time. We have been doing this for years and each time we have all enjoyed it. Because our house is not quite big to fit everybody we like to invite, each year we invite different couples. That way we can have everyone over at one time or another. This also makes it interesting for us, because with different couples each year the dynamic is different and we try to tailor to our present couples. As a result, we don't feel like we are repeating the same stuff.
We play a lot of games, eat good food, have fun prizes, and lots of laughs. The main point of the party, however, is to bring a romantic spirit into our lives, and believe me we all feel it. Husbands and wives often times will have tears in their eyes when their partner is sharing something about them. I do all the time. This is a special way to celebrate Valentine's without feeling the pressure of commercialism. Nevertheless, I always have at hand roses and chocolates for the couples to enjoy afterward.
On Saturday, I took Gillian on our date. She had expressed a desire to go and see the movie "Tangled." What better activity to do on a Valentine's week-end, right? Well, the movie wasn't being shown anywhere nearby, so I had to drive thirty minutes away to find the only movie theater that was still showing it. It was worth it. We both loved it and kept sharing our favorite parts. I thought it was so beautifully done with music, and romance, and a nice plot. I loved the many artistic ideas that were so wonderfully intertwined throughout the plot. With the exception of the witch's song "Mother knows best," I truly enjoyed the whole movie. Who would have thought I would be thrilled about an animated movie! Welcome to the high tech world of the 21st century.
On Sunday, Elijah and I took a three hour nap after church. I have to say that was the best kind of celebration yet. Do you know how hard it is for those kind of naps to come along these days? A big 'thank you' to our kids for not disturbing us, and to Charlton for being a good napper himself.
Today, the kids were home from school. I was planning to take them to San Francisco and check out the new exhibition of Curious George prints at the Jewish Art Museum, and then take mom to see some other outdoor sights. Alas, it didn't happen. I don't function very well when the morning starts gloomy and rainy. The kids decided they wanted to play with each other, and so it was settled that I would read by the fire and the kids would play inside and then outside when the sky cleared. It was a lazy day, but very relaxing.
In the evening, Elijah shared a special FHE lesson about true love, the perfect love that our Heavenly Father and Jesus have for us. When Elijah asked the children how did they know that Jesus loved us, Gillian immediately shared a scripture by heart (John 15:13 - "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.") I was so proud.
You see, I teach Valiant 8 year old girls and boys in Primary. Gillian is in my class. Since we have started this year, I have had all of them memorize several scriptures and Articles of Faith. My goal as a teacher is to have them memorize all of the Articles of Faith (13) and 15 scriptures by the end of the year. I know they will do it. They have already memorized two scriptures and two Articles of Faith. They are so excited about it. They always ask me what scripture they are going to memorize that day. And when I hear my own daughter share a scripture by heart appropriately, I feel that we are truly raising a chosen generation. I'm grateful to be a mother and a teacher to such valiant spirits.
How was your Valentine's week-end? Do you like receiving roses and chocolates, and go out for dinner? Is there any special traditions you have as a couple or family to celebrate Valentine's?
We play a lot of games, eat good food, have fun prizes, and lots of laughs. The main point of the party, however, is to bring a romantic spirit into our lives, and believe me we all feel it. Husbands and wives often times will have tears in their eyes when their partner is sharing something about them. I do all the time. This is a special way to celebrate Valentine's without feeling the pressure of commercialism. Nevertheless, I always have at hand roses and chocolates for the couples to enjoy afterward.
On Saturday, I took Gillian on our date. She had expressed a desire to go and see the movie "Tangled." What better activity to do on a Valentine's week-end, right? Well, the movie wasn't being shown anywhere nearby, so I had to drive thirty minutes away to find the only movie theater that was still showing it. It was worth it. We both loved it and kept sharing our favorite parts. I thought it was so beautifully done with music, and romance, and a nice plot. I loved the many artistic ideas that were so wonderfully intertwined throughout the plot. With the exception of the witch's song "Mother knows best," I truly enjoyed the whole movie. Who would have thought I would be thrilled about an animated movie! Welcome to the high tech world of the 21st century.
On Sunday, Elijah and I took a three hour nap after church. I have to say that was the best kind of celebration yet. Do you know how hard it is for those kind of naps to come along these days? A big 'thank you' to our kids for not disturbing us, and to Charlton for being a good napper himself.
Today, the kids were home from school. I was planning to take them to San Francisco and check out the new exhibition of Curious George prints at the Jewish Art Museum, and then take mom to see some other outdoor sights. Alas, it didn't happen. I don't function very well when the morning starts gloomy and rainy. The kids decided they wanted to play with each other, and so it was settled that I would read by the fire and the kids would play inside and then outside when the sky cleared. It was a lazy day, but very relaxing.
In the evening, Elijah shared a special FHE lesson about true love, the perfect love that our Heavenly Father and Jesus have for us. When Elijah asked the children how did they know that Jesus loved us, Gillian immediately shared a scripture by heart (John 15:13 - "Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.") I was so proud.
You see, I teach Valiant 8 year old girls and boys in Primary. Gillian is in my class. Since we have started this year, I have had all of them memorize several scriptures and Articles of Faith. My goal as a teacher is to have them memorize all of the Articles of Faith (13) and 15 scriptures by the end of the year. I know they will do it. They have already memorized two scriptures and two Articles of Faith. They are so excited about it. They always ask me what scripture they are going to memorize that day. And when I hear my own daughter share a scripture by heart appropriately, I feel that we are truly raising a chosen generation. I'm grateful to be a mother and a teacher to such valiant spirits.
How was your Valentine's week-end? Do you like receiving roses and chocolates, and go out for dinner? Is there any special traditions you have as a couple or family to celebrate Valentine's?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
An off day that only sweets can fix
You know you are doing well as a mother, when, while with friends and not accompanied by your children, you:
1. Count out loud along with the walking man on the crossroad signal - 5 4 3 2 1 Blast Off!
2. You are driving with your friend, and you spot a firetruck or dump truck, and you tell your friend "Look, a firetruck!"
3. While driving in the car by yourself, you unconsciously change Elton John's lyrics from 'Rocket man' to 'Rocket math.'
4. As you leave your friends, you throw them a kiss and you tell your friends that you love them.
You know you've lost it and you need a break when you are supposed to pick up your child at 12:40 at your friend's house, and you completely have spaced that pick up out, and are reminded only when your friend calls you at 1:35 while you are shopping leisurely at Costco. Many apologies to Amy for being patient and kind toward me and not calling me a bad mother and friend.
I felt so badly today after this happened. I cried the whole time while driving to pick James up. I couldn't believe I had forgotten about James, and I felt miserable that I did such a thing to Amy, who has just adopted a little 4 month old baby and is trying to find pockets of time to rest and adjust to this new addition to her family. Again, Amy, I hope you can forgive me. I would never in a hundred years take advantage of any of my friends and leave my children for them to take care. I can't believe this happened to me and I still don't understand how I could have slipped. I could blame it only on my fatigue and the busy schedule of dropping off and picking up my children and mom so many times a day. One thing for sure, I needed some rest.
Instead, I went to the Recipe Exchange that my friends and I organize every month. I thought that being with friends and sharing with them what I felt would help. It did, but I still feel very embarrassed and shocked that something like that happened to me.
This month, we were bringing Valentine treats. I really wanted to make my so very yummy sweetheart trifle, but considering the lack of time and energy, I cooked another delicious, but quick dessert, Glazed Mint Brownies. It should like this:
but I didn't have time to wait for the cake to fully cool down, so instead it looked like this:
Either way, this was an easy and absolutely delicious dessert. I'm not a person that likes sweets a lot, nevertheless I had three pieces way before I got to my friend's house. It helped with the sour mood I was all day. I'm sharing the recipe with you in hopes that it will cheer you up as well in days like I had today.
Glazed Mint Brownies
1. Count out loud along with the walking man on the crossroad signal - 5 4 3 2 1 Blast Off!
2. You are driving with your friend, and you spot a firetruck or dump truck, and you tell your friend "Look, a firetruck!"
3. While driving in the car by yourself, you unconsciously change Elton John's lyrics from 'Rocket man' to 'Rocket math.'
4. As you leave your friends, you throw them a kiss and you tell your friends that you love them.
You know you've lost it and you need a break when you are supposed to pick up your child at 12:40 at your friend's house, and you completely have spaced that pick up out, and are reminded only when your friend calls you at 1:35 while you are shopping leisurely at Costco. Many apologies to Amy for being patient and kind toward me and not calling me a bad mother and friend.
I felt so badly today after this happened. I cried the whole time while driving to pick James up. I couldn't believe I had forgotten about James, and I felt miserable that I did such a thing to Amy, who has just adopted a little 4 month old baby and is trying to find pockets of time to rest and adjust to this new addition to her family. Again, Amy, I hope you can forgive me. I would never in a hundred years take advantage of any of my friends and leave my children for them to take care. I can't believe this happened to me and I still don't understand how I could have slipped. I could blame it only on my fatigue and the busy schedule of dropping off and picking up my children and mom so many times a day. One thing for sure, I needed some rest.
Instead, I went to the Recipe Exchange that my friends and I organize every month. I thought that being with friends and sharing with them what I felt would help. It did, but I still feel very embarrassed and shocked that something like that happened to me.
This month, we were bringing Valentine treats. I really wanted to make my so very yummy sweetheart trifle, but considering the lack of time and energy, I cooked another delicious, but quick dessert, Glazed Mint Brownies. It should like this:
but I didn't have time to wait for the cake to fully cool down, so instead it looked like this:
Either way, this was an easy and absolutely delicious dessert. I'm not a person that likes sweets a lot, nevertheless I had three pieces way before I got to my friend's house. It helped with the sour mood I was all day. I'm sharing the recipe with you in hopes that it will cheer you up as well in days like I had today.Glazed Mint Brownies
Ingredients
- 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
FILLING:- 3 tablespoons butter, softened
- 1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 3 to 4 drops green food coloring, optional
GLAZE:- 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons butter
Directions
- In a microwave, melt chocolate and butter; stir until smooth. Cool slightly. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, sugar and flour until blended. Stir in the chocolate mixture.
- Pour into a greased 9-in. square baking pan. Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack.
- In a small bowl, beat the filling ingredients until creamy. Spread over brownies.
- For glaze, in a microwave, melt chocolate chips and butter; stir until smooth. Spread over filling. Refrigerate until filling and glaze are set. Yield: 12-16 brownies.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Happy Birthday, Mother!
My mother turned 62 today. Birthdays are big deal in Albania. My mother and I love to celebrate birthdays, and desire that our birthdays are celebrated with a big boom. Elijah volunteers as a temple worker at the temple on Tuesdays, so we began mom's birthday celebration yesterday. We took the whole family to a steakhouse downtown Walnut Creek called Fleming's. We had not been there before, but had wanted to try it out so we decided that was the place. As soon as we entered it, we were impressed with its atmosphere, nice service and table settings. This last one was very important as my mother will not sit and eat in a restaurant where the tables aren't covered with table cloths. We have no idea where this particularity comes from since my mother grew up mostly in boarding schools. We can only infer that she is factitious by nature. She used to make me iron every single pillow case, sheets, napkins, table cloths, and even underwear. Weird, but neat.
Anyways, she loved the restaurant as soon as we sat down. It was funny when we tried to look through the menu. We kept turning page after page to find the food selection. The three fourth of the menu consisted of wine selections, and only the last pages had information on the food. But whatever food they offered, it was cooked in perfection. I would highly recommend it. It is a bit pricey, but absolutely worth it. It is best to just go as a couple and not accompanied by kids. Our older children did fine, but Charlton kept wanting to try every body's food and as such would cause a bit of discomfort for the rest of us.
After enjoying this delicious meal, we stopped for ice cream at the Cold Stone Creamery in Pleasant Hill. Charlton wanted his own ice cream and didn't want to share with anybody. That boy knows how to eat. When we arrived home, the children lined up with presents in hand and took turns giving their grandmother presents they had helped select with a bit of guidance by mom. Gillian gave her a pretty necklace; Jefferson had chosen some perfume; James had chosen to buy her and himself a pair of sun glasses. As for Charlton and me, we gave her a pretty gray sweater she could match with Gillian's necklace. Elijah had bought her specific candy from Trader Joe's that had peanut butter filling, since my mother loves peanut butter. I think Lili was very happy.
Today, we bought her an Ice cream cake. Lili loves ice cream, so it made sense to buy her an ice cream cake. I wasn't mistaken; she loved it. We sang "Happy Birthday" to her and shared our love for her with hugs and kisses. The birthday celebration was a hit, and my mother really enjoyed herself.
Anyways, she loved the restaurant as soon as we sat down. It was funny when we tried to look through the menu. We kept turning page after page to find the food selection. The three fourth of the menu consisted of wine selections, and only the last pages had information on the food. But whatever food they offered, it was cooked in perfection. I would highly recommend it. It is a bit pricey, but absolutely worth it. It is best to just go as a couple and not accompanied by kids. Our older children did fine, but Charlton kept wanting to try every body's food and as such would cause a bit of discomfort for the rest of us.
After enjoying this delicious meal, we stopped for ice cream at the Cold Stone Creamery in Pleasant Hill. Charlton wanted his own ice cream and didn't want to share with anybody. That boy knows how to eat. When we arrived home, the children lined up with presents in hand and took turns giving their grandmother presents they had helped select with a bit of guidance by mom. Gillian gave her a pretty necklace; Jefferson had chosen some perfume; James had chosen to buy her and himself a pair of sun glasses. As for Charlton and me, we gave her a pretty gray sweater she could match with Gillian's necklace. Elijah had bought her specific candy from Trader Joe's that had peanut butter filling, since my mother loves peanut butter. I think Lili was very happy.
Today, we bought her an Ice cream cake. Lili loves ice cream, so it made sense to buy her an ice cream cake. I wasn't mistaken; she loved it. We sang "Happy Birthday" to her and shared our love for her with hugs and kisses. The birthday celebration was a hit, and my mother really enjoyed herself.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Dates, farewells, and Christmas presents
For a while now, I have been taking each child on a date on Saturdays. This Saturday it was James' turn to go on a date with mom. He was very excited and kept saying that we couldn't take Charlton with us because this was his time with me. We held hands and started our date by eating a Cinnabon. James ate only a little bit of his; he wanted to save the rest for his brothers and sister. It touched my heart and I was so grateful for his sweet and loving personality. After that, we headed off toward a book store. We read a few books and then tried to choose some to buy and bring home. Again, James asked me if he could choose a book for Gillian and Jefferson. I helped him in finding the right ones for them. As for himself, he wanted to buy several, but we had to be satisfied with just two. We read those at the bookstore and then a couple times tonight. He kept saying to Elijah tonight that those were the books that mom bought for him when we were on a date together. He looked and sounded so proud. Knowing that the third child usually gets the least attention, I have always made sure that James spend a great deal of time with me. We read together, we play board games, we talk. However, Charlton is always with us, unless he is sleeping. I didn't realize that that was a big deal to James, till I saw him today feel so happy to have me for himself.
After dropping James off, I got a ride with a friend to a luncheon. We were throwing a farewell party to a friend of ours who is moving away. The day was absolutely beautiful, the food good, the company fabulous, and everybody seemed happy. I have to say, however, that farewell parties make me sad. It's so hard to build true friendships, and after you do, you want them to last for a long time. I'm so good in building relationships, but not so good in keeping them when life requires us or our friends to move. I think of many friends of mine that I haven't kept in touch for many years very often. I wish I could do better in calling or writing emails to them just to keep in touch. I know most people use Facebook to do just that, but that isn't what I mean just knowing what your friends are doing. I want to have and keep a relationship with those friends as if they were here. I would like to develop that quality.
When I got back from the luncheon, I got the kids ready to go and play at the park. They had been all day in the house playing soccer and basketball with my mother. I felt they needed to just go and run around without any purpose. I also wanted my mother to get some fresh air. Elijah had left the house early in the morning. He was attending a cooking class at the Sur La Table restaurant downtown San Francisco. He was going to learn how to make French pastry. As you may have guessed that was a Christmas present from me. I love French pastry and he loves to cook, what better present than to combine those two desires in one cooking class. He loved it. They had made a bunch of eclairs, napoleons, palmeras, and many more. I can't wait to taste the fruit of his labour.
After dropping James off, I got a ride with a friend to a luncheon. We were throwing a farewell party to a friend of ours who is moving away. The day was absolutely beautiful, the food good, the company fabulous, and everybody seemed happy. I have to say, however, that farewell parties make me sad. It's so hard to build true friendships, and after you do, you want them to last for a long time. I'm so good in building relationships, but not so good in keeping them when life requires us or our friends to move. I think of many friends of mine that I haven't kept in touch for many years very often. I wish I could do better in calling or writing emails to them just to keep in touch. I know most people use Facebook to do just that, but that isn't what I mean just knowing what your friends are doing. I want to have and keep a relationship with those friends as if they were here. I would like to develop that quality.
When I got back from the luncheon, I got the kids ready to go and play at the park. They had been all day in the house playing soccer and basketball with my mother. I felt they needed to just go and run around without any purpose. I also wanted my mother to get some fresh air. Elijah had left the house early in the morning. He was attending a cooking class at the Sur La Table restaurant downtown San Francisco. He was going to learn how to make French pastry. As you may have guessed that was a Christmas present from me. I love French pastry and he loves to cook, what better present than to combine those two desires in one cooking class. He loved it. They had made a bunch of eclairs, napoleons, palmeras, and many more. I can't wait to taste the fruit of his labour.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
The Phantom and the ladies
I attended book club tonight, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. That is not to say that I don't enjoy book club every time I attend. However tonight I felt that I really needed to get out of the house and do something just for me, with no children demanding, no mother hoovering around, and no dishes aggravating my calmness. The funny thing is that there were only five of us tonight at book club, but even so we stayed till just before midnight. I think we all needed a night away from everything.
It was delicious being with friends and talking about anything and everything. I can't remember what we didn't touch upon. I remember conversing about family, husbands, children, friends, good qualities we like in others and would like to emulate, movies, musicals, life stories, religion, food, TV shows, motherhood, individual desires, and many more. Talking, venting, sharing, learning, all of that made me more calmer and ready to start my day refreshed. I believe as women, especially most of us who do stay home and don't have constant adult conversations, need these nights out as much as men need sports or long meetings. It helps us feel we aren't the only ones who lose it sometimes with the children or who can't stand one more load of laundry or dishes or who fall asleep while reading to the kids. It also helps me learn from others how to be a better individual or friend.
However, my favorite get together is book club. Reading a book for me is like listening to a symphony trying to enjoy the music as well as understand its genius. Talking about the books I read comes so naturally to me as if a melody is flowing amorously directly from my soul. It's this connection that I have with the written word that makes me defy sleep and fatigue. I also enjoy tremendously what others have to say. I love to hear things that I haven't thought of myself or sides of the story or the character that I haven't considered. I truly enjoy it when I learn new things or I have been made to think beyond the obvious.
Tonight we discussed the Phantom of the Opera. I really enjoyed reading this book. Even though I liked the book better than the musical, I have to admit that I was grateful that I had heard and seen the musical, because while I read the words I could hear the music accompanying the specific scenes. We all agreed that the book really made us want to visit the cellars and the underside of the Paris Opera House.
This month, befitting to our President's day celebrations, we are reading John Adams. I can't wait to read it again and learn and be inspired by the great men and women of that time as our country was being born.
What books is your book club reading? What is your favorite outing by yourself?
It was delicious being with friends and talking about anything and everything. I can't remember what we didn't touch upon. I remember conversing about family, husbands, children, friends, good qualities we like in others and would like to emulate, movies, musicals, life stories, religion, food, TV shows, motherhood, individual desires, and many more. Talking, venting, sharing, learning, all of that made me more calmer and ready to start my day refreshed. I believe as women, especially most of us who do stay home and don't have constant adult conversations, need these nights out as much as men need sports or long meetings. It helps us feel we aren't the only ones who lose it sometimes with the children or who can't stand one more load of laundry or dishes or who fall asleep while reading to the kids. It also helps me learn from others how to be a better individual or friend.
However, my favorite get together is book club. Reading a book for me is like listening to a symphony trying to enjoy the music as well as understand its genius. Talking about the books I read comes so naturally to me as if a melody is flowing amorously directly from my soul. It's this connection that I have with the written word that makes me defy sleep and fatigue. I also enjoy tremendously what others have to say. I love to hear things that I haven't thought of myself or sides of the story or the character that I haven't considered. I truly enjoy it when I learn new things or I have been made to think beyond the obvious.
Tonight we discussed the Phantom of the Opera. I really enjoyed reading this book. Even though I liked the book better than the musical, I have to admit that I was grateful that I had heard and seen the musical, because while I read the words I could hear the music accompanying the specific scenes. We all agreed that the book really made us want to visit the cellars and the underside of the Paris Opera House.
This month, befitting to our President's day celebrations, we are reading John Adams. I can't wait to read it again and learn and be inspired by the great men and women of that time as our country was being born.
What books is your book club reading? What is your favorite outing by yourself?
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Groundhog Day
Since Phil predicted Spring is coming soon, here is a spectacular way of celebrating the warmth of the sun and the aroma of the flowers (Of course, we here in California celebrate Spring everyday of the year; it's just gorgeous outside!):
The Spring Song by Mendelssohn
What is your favorite place to go and visit during Spring? I love gardens. There are plenty of them here in California. I can't wait to revisit them.
The Spring Song by Mendelssohn
What is your favorite place to go and visit during Spring? I love gardens. There are plenty of them here in California. I can't wait to revisit them.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Back in business...
The past two weeks have been packed with reading books, going on dates, watching movies, cooking with mom, visiting places, working hard to maintain a balance of time and energy between my children, my mom, my husband, and myself, and so much more that it's hard to summarize in writing. In short, life has been busy. I've also felt a bit frustrated for not being able to be back on my normal schedule. Having my mom here has thrown me off a bit. I've loved talking to her, taking her to see the area, learning to cook the way she does, helping her have a relationship with my children, and discussing books, movies, and life. However, that has meant that I have had to give up my own time. Admittedly, this has made me a bit overwhelmed. My husband and children know that I need my personal time and space, and they see to it that I'm not disturbed during those times. My mother isn't getting the message yet. These past few days, I've tried to go about my business as before, but it hasn't worked. Logically, business can't be run the same, since I've got another person in the family to account for. So, I'm trying to think of ways that I can find a balance.
The positive side of having my mother here is the fact that I have a build-in babysitter. Just a day after she arrived, Elijah and I went to see Harry Potter. We hadn't seen it yet, and so we left the kids with mom, and went into town. On her first week-end here, we left Charlton with her, and took the kids to see The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. We waited so long because Jefferson and James hadn't finished reading the Chronicles of Narnia series yet. As soon as we were done reading the Dawn Treader, we went to see it, and we all loved it. The children kept telling us afterwards how the movie was different from the book. It was amazing discussing the books with them. I'm so glad we have the rule in our house that we read the book first and then watch the movie. Although, I have to say I didn't keep this rule myself this past week. I love BBC productions of various classics, and since I've been in a Charles Dickens reading spree since December, I order a BBC production of one of his novels, Little Dorrit. The interesting part is that although I've read a great many novels written by Charles Dickens, Little Dorrit isn't one of them. Normally, I would wait to watch the series till after I have read the book, but as soon as I saw that Matthew Macfadyen was playing in it, I gave up the rules, and set up for three nights in a row watching Little Dorrit. It goes to show how sometimes vanity wins over principles. Only sometimes, and only if Matthew Macfadyen or Richard Armitage or ... you get the point. So, although I'm trying to blame my mother for taking my time and not letting me write in my blog for the past week, maybe I should blame my attraction with the classics, and perhaps my infatuation with handsome actors. In all seriousness, if you get a chance, either read or watch Little Dorrit. It showed me why we still read classics today. It was wonderful, and it had everything a great classic has, beautiful language, well developed characters, interesting story, a good little mystery into the plot, and yes, happy ending. I love Dickens, because from all the classical authors, his novels always end well, and that makes me want to read his books.
Speaking of reading books, we had a feast reading these past two weeks. My favorite book for adults is a biography of Nikola Tesla. Elijah got it for Christmas and I've been reading it in between other books. I'm still reading it and I really like it. No matter what kind of books you like to read, this biography is sure to please everyone. For young adults, I got Gillian, and consequently the older boys, historical fiction written G. A. Henty, an author that wrote over hundreds of books relating to events during world history. The one we are reading now is called Under Wellington's Command. And as for little kids' books, we have read too many to count, but my boys' favorite for these past two weeks is one called Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies written by Carolyn Crimi. My kids loved it that there was finally a pirate who loved reading and who used his knowledge to get out of hard situations. A winner with any little reader.
Besides entertaining ourselves with movies and books, we've worked hard, played hard and partied hard. We've realized that Charlton is a great addition to start doing chores. He likes taking care of himself, wants to be clean, tidies his toys up better than the older children, and has consistently offered himself to help with putting out the trash cans.
We've played many a games of Qwirkle (a very frustrating game), Operations, Candyland, Monopoly, baseball, basketball, Play dough, and found out that James is unbeatable in Dominoes. We are all shocked that he can win game after game with an unprecedented calmness.
We also finally took down our Christmas tree that the kids wanted to keep up till Mommy Lily came. The house looks so bare after all the Christmas decorations are gone, and even though we've put up Valentine's decorations, it just isn't the same. Nevertheless, it was time to take them down.
A week ago, my mother expressed a desire to have a desk in her room where she could study and do her homework. Oh, did I tell you that besides dropping and picking up my kids at school, I have an additional drop off and pick up? Well, we found my mother an English class at Loma Vista adult center, which meets Monday through Thursday. That means that on those days I get to be a chauffeur for my three kids and my mother. Just in case you were wondering where my time was spent. Anyways, she asked me if I could get her a desk, and so I went to Walmart and bought her one. I then proceeded to assemble it and although it took me over an hour to finish it, I was very proud of myself. A woman of many talents, what can I say. I know this desk looks very simple to assemble, but just give me a break and let me be proud of doing something like that by myself. I'm not the creative and building kind.
We also had many friends over for dinner a few times these weeks. I love entertaining friends and family, and although we invite friends throughout the week, we mostly have dinner with friends on Sundays. Two Sundays ago we had invited a couple of families from our ward, and I was excited to cook a good meal. For some reason, the meal was a disaster. I had overcooked (borderline burnt) the pork chops; I had forgotten to add the herbs and spices to the soup, therefore it tasted totally blend; the potatoes were dry; and the salad was missing ingredients. The only thing that was good were the rolls, and the dessert that our friend brought. So, in case you have a dinner like ours sometimes, here is the roll recipe for you to please your guests:
Dinner Rolls
(for 24 rolls)
1 egg room temperature
1 1/3 cups warm water
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp Italian seasoning (sometimes I put the spices in and sometimes I leave them out, especially if I want to eat the rolls with jam)
4 cups bread flour
2 tsp active dry yeast
Add ingredients to the pan in the order listed. Place the pan in the bread machine.
Select the DOUGH program, and then press START.
Remove the dough from the pan when beeper sounds a few times.
Take the dough out and place on a lightly floured surface. Divide into pieces and shape.
Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until double in size. (I place the covered sheet in the oven with a temperature of 200 degrees. This way takes much less time for the dough to double.)
Bake at 350 F for 15 -25 minutes. Brush with butter and coarse salt.
Enjoy!
What have you been doing lately? What are some of the books, movies, or shows that you have enjoyed recently? What is a good dinner story that makes you laugh? What is a good recipe that has always been triumphant in delivering you from trouble? Have you been enjoying a good project these days?
Here to a Fabulous February!
The positive side of having my mother here is the fact that I have a build-in babysitter. Just a day after she arrived, Elijah and I went to see Harry Potter. We hadn't seen it yet, and so we left the kids with mom, and went into town. On her first week-end here, we left Charlton with her, and took the kids to see The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. We waited so long because Jefferson and James hadn't finished reading the Chronicles of Narnia series yet. As soon as we were done reading the Dawn Treader, we went to see it, and we all loved it. The children kept telling us afterwards how the movie was different from the book. It was amazing discussing the books with them. I'm so glad we have the rule in our house that we read the book first and then watch the movie. Although, I have to say I didn't keep this rule myself this past week. I love BBC productions of various classics, and since I've been in a Charles Dickens reading spree since December, I order a BBC production of one of his novels, Little Dorrit. The interesting part is that although I've read a great many novels written by Charles Dickens, Little Dorrit isn't one of them. Normally, I would wait to watch the series till after I have read the book, but as soon as I saw that Matthew Macfadyen was playing in it, I gave up the rules, and set up for three nights in a row watching Little Dorrit. It goes to show how sometimes vanity wins over principles. Only sometimes, and only if Matthew Macfadyen or Richard Armitage or ... you get the point. So, although I'm trying to blame my mother for taking my time and not letting me write in my blog for the past week, maybe I should blame my attraction with the classics, and perhaps my infatuation with handsome actors. In all seriousness, if you get a chance, either read or watch Little Dorrit. It showed me why we still read classics today. It was wonderful, and it had everything a great classic has, beautiful language, well developed characters, interesting story, a good little mystery into the plot, and yes, happy ending. I love Dickens, because from all the classical authors, his novels always end well, and that makes me want to read his books.
Speaking of reading books, we had a feast reading these past two weeks. My favorite book for adults is a biography of Nikola Tesla. Elijah got it for Christmas and I've been reading it in between other books. I'm still reading it and I really like it. No matter what kind of books you like to read, this biography is sure to please everyone. For young adults, I got Gillian, and consequently the older boys, historical fiction written G. A. Henty, an author that wrote over hundreds of books relating to events during world history. The one we are reading now is called Under Wellington's Command. And as for little kids' books, we have read too many to count, but my boys' favorite for these past two weeks is one called Henry and the Buccaneer Bunnies written by Carolyn Crimi. My kids loved it that there was finally a pirate who loved reading and who used his knowledge to get out of hard situations. A winner with any little reader.
Besides entertaining ourselves with movies and books, we've worked hard, played hard and partied hard. We've realized that Charlton is a great addition to start doing chores. He likes taking care of himself, wants to be clean, tidies his toys up better than the older children, and has consistently offered himself to help with putting out the trash cans.
We've played many a games of Qwirkle (a very frustrating game), Operations, Candyland, Monopoly, baseball, basketball, Play dough, and found out that James is unbeatable in Dominoes. We are all shocked that he can win game after game with an unprecedented calmness.
We also finally took down our Christmas tree that the kids wanted to keep up till Mommy Lily came. The house looks so bare after all the Christmas decorations are gone, and even though we've put up Valentine's decorations, it just isn't the same. Nevertheless, it was time to take them down.
A week ago, my mother expressed a desire to have a desk in her room where she could study and do her homework. Oh, did I tell you that besides dropping and picking up my kids at school, I have an additional drop off and pick up? Well, we found my mother an English class at Loma Vista adult center, which meets Monday through Thursday. That means that on those days I get to be a chauffeur for my three kids and my mother. Just in case you were wondering where my time was spent. Anyways, she asked me if I could get her a desk, and so I went to Walmart and bought her one. I then proceeded to assemble it and although it took me over an hour to finish it, I was very proud of myself. A woman of many talents, what can I say. I know this desk looks very simple to assemble, but just give me a break and let me be proud of doing something like that by myself. I'm not the creative and building kind.
We also had many friends over for dinner a few times these weeks. I love entertaining friends and family, and although we invite friends throughout the week, we mostly have dinner with friends on Sundays. Two Sundays ago we had invited a couple of families from our ward, and I was excited to cook a good meal. For some reason, the meal was a disaster. I had overcooked (borderline burnt) the pork chops; I had forgotten to add the herbs and spices to the soup, therefore it tasted totally blend; the potatoes were dry; and the salad was missing ingredients. The only thing that was good were the rolls, and the dessert that our friend brought. So, in case you have a dinner like ours sometimes, here is the roll recipe for you to please your guests:Dinner Rolls
(for 24 rolls)
1 egg room temperature
1 1/3 cups warm water
1/4 cup oil
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 tsp salt
2 tsp Italian seasoning (sometimes I put the spices in and sometimes I leave them out, especially if I want to eat the rolls with jam)
4 cups bread flour
2 tsp active dry yeast
Add ingredients to the pan in the order listed. Place the pan in the bread machine.
Select the DOUGH program, and then press START.
Remove the dough from the pan when beeper sounds a few times.
Take the dough out and place on a lightly floured surface. Divide into pieces and shape.
Place on a greased baking sheet. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until double in size. (I place the covered sheet in the oven with a temperature of 200 degrees. This way takes much less time for the dough to double.)
Bake at 350 F for 15 -25 minutes. Brush with butter and coarse salt.
Enjoy!
What have you been doing lately? What are some of the books, movies, or shows that you have enjoyed recently? What is a good dinner story that makes you laugh? What is a good recipe that has always been triumphant in delivering you from trouble? Have you been enjoying a good project these days?
Here to a Fabulous February!
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