Sweet Baby James

Today is Mother's Day and I feel very blessed to have little James in my life. I think every mother can sit and watch their child for hours and never get bored. I watch him and I am constantly amazed by him and the little miracle he is our lives. In so many ways I wish I could be like him- carefree, sweet, innocent, pure, obedient (most of the time), loving and unreserved. I know it sounds cliche, but he really is the closest thing to heaven that I've ever encountered. He has such a sweet, tender spirit about him and has brought a strong spirit into our home. As hard as motherhood can be at times, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything. I feel sorry for women who choose not to have children because they have no idea how much love and joy they miss out on. I love watching James get excited about the simple things in life like a butterfly or a dandelion. He thinks dandelions are the most beautiful flowers he's ever seen and, actually, the more I look at them, they really are quite pretty. He finds beauty in everything, including a pebble and it reminds me to look for the beauty around me and to focus on wonderful and positive things in my life. It is so clear to me now why Jesus loved being around little children. He was probably able to relate to them more than He could to anyone else on Earth and they loved Him unconditionally. My little boy has made me a better person. His presence has softened me and made me more patient and loving and kind. He fascinates me. Everything about him completely fascinates me and I never thought I would feel that way about a little child. Heavenly Father has given us the perfect way to learn firsthand about the kind of love that He has for us. I love my son more than I can comprehend. I can't begin to fathom how much Heavenly Father loves us, being a perfect Father.

Mother of the Year

Well, I don't think I'll be getting the 'mother of the year' award this year. On Tuesday I took James to the doctor for a check-up along with immunizations. He's way behind on his shots and the nurse and doctor both mentioned that he was behind, like I didn't already know. James was already acting nervous just being at the doctor's office because he has a very long memory. In fact, it amazes me that he remembers things that happened six months ago. Anyway, so he was already asking to go 'bye-bye.' We were waiting for the nurse to come back to give him his shots when James took a dive onto the hard tile floor. He it so hard that I was afraid to pull him up off the ground for fear of what I would see. Thankfully, there was no blood but a massive goose egg and bruise was already forming in the middle of his forehead. His nose was bleeding slightly and, in between sobs, he would say 'bye-bye.' It was so sad because I knew his agony wasn't over yet. The embarrasing part was that the doctor had just gotten done telling me that the biggest hazard at this age are accidents.' I just nodded and smiled and pointed to a scab on his head. It was only moments later when the entire office heard a massive 'thud' and then screaming and wailing. Poor James had a really hard day. He received three shots and by the time we left the office, he looked like he'd been beat up. Poor little man.
By the way, the Colbert Report last night-- genius! His interview with the congresswoman from Guam was hilarious! I love that guy. One of the best shows on tv, next to 'the Office' and '30 Rock.' "I could stand here all day watching tv." "That's a $200 13" plasma tv." I love it!

It's a girl!

The fetus has officially been designated female, due September 6.

Newish hobby

About a year and a half ago, while serving in a stake calling, I sat in a meeting with the stake presidency while we discussed the goals of the stake. There were three main objectives: get to know your neighbor, family history work, and increasing temple attendance. As I listened to the inspired counsel of my stake president, I felt that I was doing alright in two of the three areas-- I knew most of my neighbors and had a good report with them and Adam and I were fairly consistent at temple attendance. When it came to family history work, I felt a strong impression that I needed to start somewhere. I wasn't sure how or where to start or when I would find the time in between cleaning, feeding, playing and chasing James. I finally asked my mom a week or two later if she wanted to start working together on family history, knowing that she had done quite a bit of research on her side of the family when she was younger. She was excited and said she'd been thinking about working on it for a long time. Once my mom oriented me on family names and dates, I went straight to the internet. I strongly believe that one of the reasons why the Lord has given us this great tool is to further family history work. Since I began my new hobby, I have found over 200 names on my mother's side and I have nearly 1000 names ready to be taken to the temple on my father's side. Last month, I was able to be baptized for one of my ggg grandmothers and gggg grandmothers. All of that research has taken me less than two years to complete. It wasn't that long ago when people had to write to each other or the government to request information, census records, etc and then wait for a reply. It's a miracle how quick and easy it's become to do this work. I'm thankful that I listened and followed the counsel of my stake president. I know it's brought great blessings into my life but especially the lives of my ancestors.
A couple of days ago, I sat down at the computer to research the family names of an elderly friend of Adam's who lives in England and has no living relatives. He didn't even know all of the names of his grandparents. Within an hour's time, I found nearly all of his grandparents, greatgrandparents, and on one line, his ggg grandparents clear back to the 1700's. It's absolutely amazing to me! And it's the one gift that we could give him that I know he would really enjoy and appreciate. He's not a member of the church but he has a strong desire to know where he came from and who is ancestors are. I'm grateful that I'm in a position that I can give that knowledge to him.

Wagon Train rides again

Yesterday I received a very fun letter from one of my crazy friends from the wagon train of 1997, John Lodefink. John is very good about keeping me updated on current or future reenactments. There's actually going to be a reenactment this year from Nauvoo to Winter Quarters May 31-June 28. I really, really wish I could go but it is just not feasible this year. The flier says that the wagon train will be completed in three stages ending in Salt Lake in 2010. So, all you trail lovers out there, get ready for 2010 because we're going baby! Check out the website www.vanfleetwagontrain.com.

Salsa Chicken and Rice Recipe

I decided to post one of my favorite recipes. It is soooooo easy yet very flavorful and a little spicy. I love it! This is easily converted to a vegan/vegetarian-friendly recipe- simply omit the chicken. I actually don't even end up eating the chicken, I only add it for Adam.
Ingredients:
1 can (10oz) Old El Paso enchilada sauce
1 cup uncooked converted white rice
1 cup Old El Paso Thick n' Chunky salsa
2 cans (10oz) condensed cream of celery soup
1 can (15oz) black beans, drained, rinsed
5 chicken breast halves

1. Heat oven to 350. Spray 13x9 glass baking dish with cooking spray. Reserve 2 tablespoons enchilada sauce for brushing on chicken. In large bowl, mix remaining enchilada sauce, the uncooked rice, salsa, soup and beans; pour into baking dish.
2.Arrange chicken over rice mixture. Cover tightly with foil. (I use frozen solid breasts and it works great)
3. Bake 1 hour. Uncover; brush chicken with reserved 2T enchilada sauce. Bake uncovered 1 hour longer or until chicken is fork-tender, its juices run clear.
I sometimes add a little grated cheese on top as well (gotta love cheese).

Be sure to use converted rice in this recipe and not regular white rice. The acidity in the salsa and enchilada sauce prevents the non-converted rice from becoming tender.

I like food that's a little on the spicy side, so I use medium temp salsa and enchilada sauce to give a kick. I love this recipe. I hope some of you try it. If you do, let me know what you honestly think, even if you hate it. Prep time is only 15 minutes. I would love to have some of your favorite recipes that are quick and easy. I'm all about convenience and simplicity.

Young women's swap meet

I am the Young Women's president in my ward. I am responsible for about eighteen girls every Wednesday night between 7:00 and 8:30. Last night for our activity, everyone brought stuff that they don't use or wear anymore or just simply don't want anymore. We had an interesting hodgepodge of things. Possibly the most random item was something that I had brought hoping to get rid of but not really expecting that anyone would actually want it. It was a six foot tall inflatable easter bunny. I was surprised when one of the girls clung on to it and wouldn't let it go. She said it was 'so awesome' and had plans to put it in her yard. I told her she should put in front of her sister's door in the middle of the night so that when she opened the door in the morning she would find Mr. Cottontail waiting to greet her. I hope she does it; that would be 'so awesome.'