Going To China?

This morning I was going to China to get my baby and so was my neighbor Mandy. Our hubbys were still at work but would meet us at the airport. So I grabbed our suitcases, one very large one and one medium one with a smaller one inside of it. I never zipped the suitcases up. I also grabbed the one paper that I would need in China. So Mandy and I drove together to the airport. As we got out of the car I asked what time our flight was. Mandy didn't know. Then I realized I hadn't even talked to the adoption agency to make sure we had a flight. Maybe we didn't even have a flight to China!

I looked at my watch and it was about 5:53 pm. And then I looked at the paper I needed for China and it said I needed to have it checked by a “street person” for verification. Strange. And then it occurred to me that I didn't pack anything in my unzipped suitcases. Nothing. No clothes, no toothbrush, no nothin'. I mentioned it to Mandy who just laughed a little. I called Daniel, who would be driving home from work, to ask him to bring me my clothes. And toothbrush. And stuff. He didn't answer. So I called my kids at home to get my things together.  And then I woke up.

Last week referrals came out for our LID. If we hadn't pulled our paperwork a year and a half ago, we would have a picture and information on our new daughter. Or son. But we pulled the paperwork. No referral.  Just a really strange dream. I asked Daniel if he thought the dream meant we just aren't supposed to go to China. A reiteration, if you will. No clothes packed in the suitcases, no flight tickets, unzipped suitcases, and I don't even wear a watch! Daniel said it's just anxiety. Well, yeah. Me and my anxiety driven self have been up since 6:30 this morning.

I look at where we are now in our lives and know that Heavenly Father knew at the time what we didn't. I am helping to care for Daniel's mom right now. I can't imagine doing what needs to be done with a toddler who is working on attachment. Isaac begins junior high at the end of August, close to when we would be traveling. I will be able to focus on his preparation without travel plans and without a toddler who demands 24/7 care on attachment. One of my kids is having some health issues that need to be cared for at Primary Children's hospital and I can't imagine taking care of him while taking care of a toddler who is dealing with abandonment issues. And so many more things going on. Some that could be canceled or put off for the time if a toddler came. But many that are just how we live right now.

I sometimes wonder if I am trying to talk myself into just accepting (once again) the fact that we are finished. But I know that we are. I know that things have worked in our favor and in our best interest. And I do love where we are right now. I am so excited for the few who stayed and saw it through. They now have a referral and the future is bright for them and their growing families. And I am a bit sad for those of us who had to make the heartbreaking decision to be done before referrals came. Hearts will mend over time. And children keep us busy and Joyful.

Make A Meal With Food Storage.

Each month our Stake does an order of items from Provident Pantry.  This month I got 2 cans of diced dehydrated broccoli.  What the heck do you do with diced dehydtrated broccoli you ask?  Well, how about some Chicken Divan.  Okey Dokey.  Let's see how the diced dehydrated broccoli does.  .

First put 2/3 cup of broccoli in a bowl and boil 2 cups of water.

Add the boiling water to the broccoli.

Cover the bowl and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.  While you wait for that, get your chicken ready and get your sauce ready.  Mix 1/2 can Cream of Chicken, 1/2 can Cream of Mushroom, 1/2 cup Greek Yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and about 1/4 teaspoon of curry powder.

When the broccoli is rehydrated, drain the water out.

Put it in a baking dish, add the chicken next, then cover with the sauce and then put some cheese on it and then about 3/4 cup of bread crumbs on that.

Bake at 300 degrees for about 30 minutes.  And then enjoy.  The broccoli tasted like broccoli.  Imagine that!  It turned out pretty good for a casserol.  Most of us enjoyed it.  Some of us (them) are not broccoli enthusiasts.

But if broccoli was needed, especially in casserole form, I would recommend having diced dehydrated broccoli in food storage.

Cute Quips

Ruthann asked if they (the kids) can have our house when we die.  Because Daniel and I may die at any time.  She asks this quite a bit.  So I always remind her that she will have her own house and they can sell this one or do whatever they want.  So, again, "Can we have this house when you and dad die?" 

Sam then comes in and says this...

"No!  It will smell like old people!"

Hardee har har....

Book Special. Take A Look.

Hi everyone.  This is a very special post.  We went to a family reunion today and as we got ready to leave, Daniel's cousin Jennilyn handed me these two books and told me her story.  Cheryl Compton, the author, is her very dear friend.  She wrote these 2 books and will have 2 more out soon.  Jennilyn helped with editing and is helping her to get these books out to people.  They contain Book of Mormon stories (that my teacher tells to me dun dun) TALES FROM THE DUST.  Catchy title.  The first book is Journey To The Promised Land.  The second is Missions To The Lamanites. These 2 get you half way through the Book of Mormon.  The next 2 will take you to the end.

The author did the artwork too.  It's beatiful and the books are in rhyme.  They are so fun to read. I think they'd make great gifts for your kids!

They are simple enough for any child to read.  Heck!  I enjoyed reading them.  And I'm not a child.  I think they would make a great Sacrament meeting book.  Great for Family Home Evening even!

When these books go to Deseret Book, they will be sold for about $14 each (or more).  I can get you the books, straight from Jennilyn for $10 each.  If you are interested, please let me know.  If you would like to preview them, come on over.  But these ones are mine. 

If you would like to buy a book, or both books, please let me know.  You can call me (801)528-2694.  You can email me lovelaughloud@hotmail.com or you can catch me when you see me. 

Thanks and have a terrific summer day!

A Little Splash of Blue And An Update.

So here is my kitchen with the painting all finished.  I still need window treatments and new towels.  Yellow!  I will now proceed to tell you what we've been up to lately that is causing me to not blog so much.  Isaac has been taking merit badge classes for Scouts.  He will be done with the last 3 on Friday.  He's very happy about that. 

Ruthann was able to go to a kid's camp for gifted children.  I saw some of those children, I think they are all just regular kids.  She had fun with art, science and photography.  She is finished with that and began an art class with a gal in our ward. 

Sam is at day camp today.  Lucky guy.  I was just there last week with my cubs and so I'm glad Daniel went with Sam today.  Sam is the one who chose our kitchen paint colors.  Isn't he a fantastic guy?  He also helped me paint.

We will go to a few of the summer movies, especially now that camps are over.  And we will continue to go to Lagoon.  Only 9 weeks until school begins again.  I found this rug at Kohl's and need to go get another one.  Cute, huh?!  Today we are going to have lunch with our friends from Georgia.  We traveled to China together to get our daughters.  This will be the first time we've seen them since then.

We put the pool up.  Finally!  So the kids have spent some time out there.  Next Monday we begin training goats and kids for the goat show in the county fair.  And in less than a week Isaac will get his braces off!  Our summer is fun!  How's yours?

Splashing All Over.

More colorful splashes in the kitchen and dining room.  After I painted the counter bottom Sam said we just need more bright colors in the house.  So I obliged.  I added the blue shortly after the red.

I think it looks cabana-like.  It kinda feels like you could open the window and smell the beach.  It's not done yet.  I need to add some yellow splashes to compliment the stools.  And redo the window treatments.  Oh it's so fun!

And I made some of my delicious cookies but used Splenda instead of white sugar.  Hmmm.  They turned out good.  Just not quite the same.  Have you baked with Splenda?  Do you like the results?

A Splash Of Color.

Can you say Bored?!

This is before.  A Big Fat Blah!!

And this is after!  Hip Hip Hooray!

The counter wall is red and the stools are yellow.  It is so much more fun to sit there now. 

Isaac says it looks like a diner.  I need another splash of color elsewhere. 

Think blue...

Joy And Reality.

A moment of Joy.  I was in the kitchen and heard Sam playing the piano.  Ruthie came in and asked if he was going to start taking lessons again.  He said "No. You're going to teach me." So Ruthie began his first lesson.  They even played a duet.

I just love moments like this.

A moment of reality.  I am putting together the list of cub scouts going to day camp.  And getting Sam and Daniel's med forms filled out for Webelos camp.  And getting ready to take Isaac in for a physical before he goes to Scout camp.  And making myself available to go to day camp with Ruthie.  And the thought occurred to me that this is the last year for day camp for Sam.  And Ruthie is just beginning.  But in 4 years she'll be getting ready for girls camp.  And Isaac is going to Scout Camp!  What the??  And when I am released as a den leader I won't be going to cub day camp anymore.  Anymore.  And  a small part of me was sad.  And another part of me can't wait for someone else to be a den leader.  And another part of me is ready to paint something.

And so I show you this.  The yellow and red are my inspiration for the work I am about to do.  Yes, my kitchen is already splashed with red.  But the yellow is new.  And the idea in my head, thanks to another PTA mom, is ready to pop out all over the place. 

Just you wait!