Weekend Happenings

I went down to Windsor on Wednesday - Sunday to hang out with the Edmondson gang. Kelly and Jody went out of town for a quick get away on Thursday and I stayed with the kids. They were adorable and so, so good. What I love most is how affectionate they are. Rylee runs at a dead run when she sees me and holds her arms up for me to lift her up. Cohen is my shadow-always at my side and tells me, "I wuv you." Ammon is always planning things for us to do together like playing duck, duck, goose or watching a movie or reading a book or going to the park. My favorite was when he asked me if I wanted to "join" him on the porch for some fresh air. I did and we told scary stories. He loved it. So did Cohen till he got scared. Funny Ammon story: I overheard him and Jody talking about how smoking can stunt your growth and cause your lungs to turn black. I'm not sure how they got on that subject but anyway..... that night I was almost asleep and Ammon who always sleeps with me when I'm there suddenly asked out of the blue. "Hey grandma what are those two things like marbles by my willy?" I'm dying right now but the nurse that I am, replies, "testicles." He replies, "If I smoke will they turn black?" Funny, funny kid. It was so fun to hang out with them, watch Ammon's last soccer game (he was great for about 3/4 of it then was ready for it to end), go to Ammon's school carnival and go shopping with Kelly. The only bad part is saying goodbye, especially to Ammon because he falls apart every time and has to have about 15 "one more hugs". I am so fortunate to have 3 of 10 granchildren living close enough to me to drive to but really miss my other seven. Wish they lived closer so I could drive to see them too! Love all ten of them sooooo much!!

On another note, Lindsey's husband Alan was called as Hyde Park Stake's (London, England) newest Stake President. I'm so proud of them to be worthy and willing to serve in this capacity. Lindsey was worried about only being 25 and having to 'change'. I assured her they are aware of her age and she is perfect the way she is. Congratulations Phillips family.

Prop 8 Video

Watch this video-http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1815820715?bctid=1822459319. I think it is a chilling comment on what will happen if Proposition 8 passes. It is so scary to think that parent's may lose their rights regarding what their children may be taught. If this is how things occur, I would definitely go the home school route.

Tag Time

A-Z Tag

A- Attached Or Single: Attached
B- Best Friend: Kasey, Kelly, Lindsey, Alex
C- Cake Or Pie: Either. Love desserts. German Chocolate Cake, Lemon Meringue or Cherry Pie (has to be tart cherries, no canned fillings!)
D- Day Of Choice: Saturday-can always count on sleeping in!
E- Essential Item: Vaseline, for my lips
F- Favorite Color: Black to wear, blue or green
G- Greatest Accomplishment: My children
H- Hometown: Born in Provo, Utah but count Mesa, Arizona as my hometown.
I- Indulgences: Trips-love to travel
J- January Or July: July!!!! Trinity Lake time!
.K- Kids:Five and 10 grandchildren with one on the way!
L- Life is Incomplete without: Family and the Gospel
M- Marriage Date: December 19, 1974
N- Number of Siblings: Four
O- Oranges or Apples: Apples, but I really prefer sweets!
P- Phobias or Fears: Snakes
Q- Quotes: "Father forgive them for they do not what they know." Gordon B Hinkley
R- Reason to Smile: Grandchildren and their cute sayings
S- Season: Summer-warmth and Trinity Lake
T- Tag five friends: Kelly, Kasey, Lindsey, Kalie, Rachon
U- Unknown Fact about Me: I exercise moderately not hard core because I hate the feeling of sweating!
V- Very favorite store: Target-isn't it everyones?
W- Worst Habit: Interrupting people when they are talking
X- X-ray or Ultra sound: Ultrasound-what a dumb question
Y- Your Favorite Food:Chocolate, Seafood
Z- Your Zodiac sign: Taurus

Casa KidWalk 2008

Saturday was the Casa Kid Walk. Cohen and Ammon were in town so they came with me, Kelly and Rylee. They had fun running all over but it was freeeeezing cold. We raised over $40,000 to help abused and disadvantaged children. We serve about 70 children in this area and it costs about $1000 a year for each child to have an advocate. This is one of our two main fundraisers and I am so happy that in this economic crisis, people are still willing to give to help children who are less fortunate.

Excitement at Church

This cute little boy caused some excitement in church yesterday. He didn't want to go to nursery and had such a sad face about it, that I told him he could go with Grandma to her classes. In Relief Society, he climbed on top of some stacked chairs and was sitting there looking angelic. Suddenly an alarm started, telling everyone to move out of the building. Cohen started bawling. He had tripped the fire alarm! Primary was emptying. The other ward was in the middle of blessing the Sacrament and someone came out to see if the fire was real. I ran out, told the Bishop what had happened, called the fire department and order was restored after about 5-10 minutes of continual alarm sounding. it took that long to get the alarm company to stop the alarm. News travels fast though and everyone knew that Crazy Cohen had started the alarm. I told Ammon about who had done it after church. Ammon's jaw dropped when he heard it was Cohen and I guess he gave Cohen quite the lecture on their way home to Windsor.

Happy B-day Lindsey Loo!

Poor Linds. She didn't get her present from me yet, I'm mailing it tomorrow. I had to order what she wanted and it took ages to get here. Then I called today and could only talk a few minutes because I was on call and had to do a case this morning. Hope you had a great day anyway honey. I love you tons and love your sweet family too! It's so fun visiting you in London but I wish you lived closer so we could hang out more often.

The Happiest Place on Earth

I just returned from Disneyland. It was so much fun. Going to Disneyland is kind of an emotional/spiritual experience for me. I got to relive my own childhood experiences there, experiences with my five children there and now create some new ones with grandchildren. No matter what your age, walking down Main Street just makes me want to skip, dance and sing! My usual visits have all taken place in the summer when it has been soooo hot and the lines soooo long and still I loved it. We went there Thursday and Friday and the lines were amazingly short both days. Loved it! Love California Adventure Park too! On Saturday we headed to Newport Beach and parked ourselves right outside a beach house we have spent a week at with our kids and my extended family. It was so fun to be back. I want to go again and again.

Highlights:

1. Getting to the hotel and Cohen running up to me and hugging me super tight and laying on my shoulder. His out of the blue declarations several times of "I love you so much Grandma" or "I'm going to miss you when you go home, Grandma"

2. Watching Ammon and Cohen's big eyes and uncontrollable excitement about our impending Disneyland Adventure.

3. Having my sister drive over from Mesa with Emily and spending a couple of days with us-so fun-not enough time.

4. Spending time with Kelly, Jody, Ammon, Cohen and Rylee.

5. Eating at Cheesecake Factory-love chicken madeira!

6. Getting cupcakes at Sprinkles.

7. Parade at Disneyland (it is amazing, floats are so cool and it is such a mini production!) and fireworks later that night.

8. Riding the Tower of Terror with Jody (my scary ride companion)-I was sooooo scared because I didn't know what it was about but loved it!!

9. Watching Ammon and his "crush" (Emily). After Julie and Emily left, he turned to me at dinner and, almost crying, said, "I miss Emily!"

10. Lots of deja vu experiences.

Thanks Walt Disney for being so creative and creating such a magical experience for so many people!

Primary Children's Program

Today at church was the Primary Children's Program and I had the worst time not bawling. It was so dang adorable and the children's sweet spirits shone through. I didn't even have children or grandchildren to watch and I was so wishing I could wear sunglasses to cover the tears trying to break through. So, so adorable. I woule love to go to every one of my grandchildren's primary programs. Probably won't be able to but girls, please let me know when your ward has them and if possible I can arrange trips around them.

My favorite today was when the boys sang Called to Serve and then they had anyone who had gone on a mission come up and sing with them. Made me want to serve a mission. Someday. Then maybe I can go up and sing with those choice little Spirits too.

Sacrament was just a great meeting. Then I watched Julian, an autistic boy who is about 11 for an hour and then gave my Relief Society lesson. I wish I could have gone home after the second hour.

Sleep

One of my greatest talents has always been the ability to sleep. Any time, any place, I could sleep. From high school on, I have taken naps, almost every day. And Sunday naps are a major ritual-just ask my kids!

I am sad to announce that this great talent is declining as my age is rising. I can't sleep. And it is driving me bonkers. I woke up this morning at 3:00 wide awake and never went back to sleep before I had to go to work at 6:30. I came home at 1:00 completely exhausted and have not been able to really fall asleep for a nap. Lately when I go to sleep, it is not uncommon for me to toss and turn and have major trouble falling asleep for a couple of hours. The week I work this problem plays havoc on how I feel and my mental alertness. I feel like I've got jet lag half the time. My work week is the worst because I start playing games with myself like, "you've got to get to sleep, you only have 5 more hours of sleep, etc" And then I start thinking of kids, grandkids, work, and trips and it goes round and round. I'm going insane! Ambien helps but I will only let myself use that once or twice a week. My new plan is to have an I don't care attitude about sleep. If I can't sleep, I'll get up and read or watch a movie until I can. I'm going to quit obssessing about it. (Well right after I finish this blog). But if you have great ideas about sleeping better , pass them on. I miss my talent.

P.S. My back is almost back to normal and I'm not sure what did the trick.

BACK ATTACK

Once or twice a year my back attacks me and leaves me feeling miserable, with no motivation. I have been fighting a hurting back for over a week now. Hence, no blog about our great time at Trinity Lake over Labor Day. No blog about last weekend spending a fun night with Kyle and Madison. I have cancelled out of a temple trip, going down to see Kelly, and a visit to a friend all because my back is so much worse when I sit down. I can't travel in a car for a distance or sit at a computer. I don't have the usual low back pain. It runs across my shoulders and knots up in the bra area. So I don't wear my bra much either. Not that anyone could tell. I have been laying down a lot, watching tv or reading. I have been using muscle relaxers and lots of tylenol and warm packs. Tomorrow I am getting a massage. Luckily, Lee has been off elk hunting so he hasn't had to listen to my complaining. It feels a tiny bit better today-I haven't used a muscle relaxer all day so I think the spasms are letting up. I think pushing guerneys and lifting patients up in beds eventually plays havoc with every nurses back. Can I please retire??

BYU FOOTBALL-RISE AND SHOUT THE COUGARS ARE OUT!

I have never been a big football fan. My dad and brothers watched it nonstop. Lee and his dad watched it nonstop. I think I just rebelled because I was so sick of having it in my face and ears for so many years. Watching it at McKinleyville High was miserable because it was so cold. All of a sudden I am interested in football, well just BYU football. I know all about Max Hall, Austin Collie, Harvey Unga and a few others. I attribute this to three reasons:

1. I have lots of free time. Yes, there comes a time in life you are actually looking for new things to be interested in. Novel thought, huh, young mothers?

2. I love reality tv. Mainly competitions like Top Model, Project Runway, Design Star, etc. Football is a great reality competition.

3. Alex's boyfriend is a football player. Okay, that probably is the reason I started looking at the team. He has had a competition for the kicker start and so I started reading the BYU football page and got more interested. (In my defense, I was a total Cougar fan when I attended BYU!) Today I found a video with an interview with Mitch at http://www.byucougars.com/football under the videos section for day 19 of Fall Camp.

We will be up at the lake Saturday when they play Iowa for their first game. Lee wants Alex to have her cell phone with her so we can get updates. He's glad that for once I want to watch the games with him. Go Cougars!

Stalking the Blogs

Okay, we all do it, don't we? You read someone's comment on a blog. It intrigues you so you go to their blog and pretty soon you are reading about someone's life you don't even know. I usually don't have a lot of time for this but tonight I was looking at Lindsey's blog and the other blogs she views. I decided to check out Cafe Johnsonia which had some info about a couple in a plane crash and that led me into finding out more about this couple. Such a sad story but so heartwarming how so many people have rallied around trying to help them. I donated. Not a lot but a little. The price of a movie and treats that we can wait another few weeks to enjoy. Sometimes it takes sacrifice to help others but it is always worth it. Check out their story at http://blog.cjanerun.com.

Making a Difference, Part II

Imagine you are a child who finds yourself in court; the victim of abuse or neglect... in the company of a judge, attorneys, social workers... all strangers. You are scared; your world has been turned upside down. You are alone.
This is the reality abused children face all the time. Far too many children have never slept in a warm bed, had clean clothes to wear, nutritious food to eat, or someone to hug. That's where CASA comes in. We provide one-to-one advocacy to help prevent children from "falling through the cracks."
Our trained volunteers advocate for abused children in court, assuring that they are placed in safe, nurturing homes where they will flourish. We speak for children who would otherwise have no voice, giving unconditional love, ensuring that each child receives the needed services to heal.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) speaks for children in court because all children have a right to live in a safe, healthy and secure environment.

It is time for CASA's annual Kidwalk. CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers who are advocating for abused and neglected children. When children are removed from their homes by Child Welfare Services due to abuse or neglect, they become part of an overburdened system. Lawyers, social workers, and foster parents have serveral cases and kids competing for their time and attention. A CASA gets to focus on just one child. CASA is an amazing organization that helps children who were not fortunate to be born into good homes. It is an amazing way to make a difference once a year to the life of a child. If you would like to help go to http://www.firstgiving.com/pamiorg2008. The children, and I appreciate your help!!


A true story of one child helped by CASA:


My name is Sarah. When I was seven years old, my father didn't come home enough to care for me and my little sister Maggie. I fed Maggie and dressed her for pre-school, gave her baths and put her to sleep at night. Maggie was only four years old. When there was food, we ate macaroni and cheese and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and when there wasn't I would have to ask the neighbors for food. But even this was better than it had been before we'd been taken away from our Mom. She would use a lot of drugs everyday and pass-out and there were always people at our house that weren't safe for Maggie and me. My sister and I were taken away from our father and for two years, I could barely speak to anyone. I felt so alone, but my CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer, Victoria, stuck with me and, over time, helped me to find my voice again. Victoria went to court with me and visited every week, traveling as far as Crescent City to not miss our time together.
She helped me not be afraid at night anymore and, for a time, was the nicest person in my life. After five years of foster homes and eleven moves, Victoria, my CASA, was still there, happily helping me adjust to my new adopted parents and a new safe and stable home where I could have a life just like other kids. Maggie also found a home where she grew up. I don't see her very often, but sometimes we exchange emails.I don't see Victoria anymore. I don't need to. She helped me to be strong and today I am married to a wonderful man and we have a beautiful baby girl of our own. Without my CASA I don't know how I would have made it through those years – I'm just glad CASA was there and I didn't have to find out.

Visitors

It's been a fun, and busy, last couple of weeks. First my dad came for a visit on Wednesday, August 5. It was so nice having him here. We watched Olympics together, saw a couple of movies (really like Dark Knight, X-files was okay), and ate lots of food. Wish the weather had been better but, hey, it is Humboldt County.

Alex flew in on Sunday and Kelly and the kids came that evening. Had so much fun with a fuller house. The kids are so cute and LOVE hanging out here in McKinleyville. They love going to the Jones' "tree fort" (play equipment) and riding down our driveway. Ammon loves gopher hunting and watching movies and Cohen loves eating and watching movies. Rylee just wanders around the house is such a cutie. We took the kids to Redwood Park and marveled at all the hippies there and left the kids one night for a movie night-Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. We loved the first one and didn't like the second. They tried to pack 3 books worth into one movie and did a bad job with it.

On Wednesday, my dad left, Kelly left and Alex and I headed to Redding to visit Toni and Shelby and Whitney (actually Hathaway now) Berry. Toni is one of my most favorite people in the world and probably the best friend I've ever had. They moved about 15+ years ago but we reconnect a few times a year. One of the greatest things was when her girls and Alex became so close. We had a blast with them laying by their pool, eating out, going to see Mamma Mia and shopping. We went to a cupcake place and tasted a few, had gelato and got bread at Harvest Bread. Then we headed to Trinity Lake for a couple of days. We have so much fun with the Berry's. One of the hysterical highlights was our sex talk on Thursday night with Shelby and Alex and Toni and I. Soooo funny! I'm not sure who learned more.

Lee came to the lake on Friday night and the Berry's left. We had fun Friday with just Lee, Alex and I. We all layed on an air mattress and watched Fugitive outside Friday night after going to Trinity Alps for dinner. Saturday we visited the Jones' on their houseboat. A fire closed off our usual road home so we had to take a detour that was twice as long. Despite that ride home, the past 10 days have been soo much fun! Thanks for the visits. I love my family, love my friends and it was so much fun to have the boyfriend talks with Alex!!!

Happy Birthday Kyle and Cohen!

Kyle and Cohen turned three yesterday (Kyle) and today (Cohen)! It is so crazy they are only a day apart. Unfortunately we missed Kyle's big day in Seattle but talked to him on the phone. He is so cute-I said, "Happy Birthday Kyle" and he said, "Happy Birthday, to you"! I just love our sweet Kyle. He has the cutest, melt your heart smile ever and is incredibly sweet. He also give the biggest, strongest hugs ever. Hope you had a great day Kyle.

Cohen came here yesterday and we blew up the jumpy house and he has some friends over now for cake and ice cream. He's been so funny today. Loving the birthday scene. My dad is visiting and put $10 in a one hand and asked him to guess where it was. He said the right hand and got the $10. Then he quickly said, "Let's do it again with the other hand!" Smart boy. Love that crazy Cohen too!

So. Much. Fun.

I was supposed to be at the lake this week but the forest fires have made the lake hazy, smoky and undesirable. Horrible summer at the lake. I have been dying for a water/sun experience so drove to Kelly's on Monday and checked into a 4 star hotel for a couple of nights (good deal on Hotwire). It has been so fun. Feels so good to be in the sun, swim and read. Love a nice hotel, doing whatever I want, when I want with no responsibilities. I have also had the bonus of seeing Kelly and family each evening for dinners out and had the boys spend the night with me. They have loved the hotel, loved the pool, loved the jacuzzi. It has been the best of both worlds-time for myself and time with family. I suggest all couples or women alone should check into a local or nearby hotel a couple of times a year just to relax. Thanks Lee for letting me go. Again. It has been so much fun!

Back

Yes I am finally back in McKinleyville. Well until I go to the lake tomorrow morning till Sunday. I loved being in London and being with Linds and her cute family but it was nice to have a husband again and be in my home. Lee has been busy getting the backyard sprinkler system in prior to getting a yard. Can't wait.



Top Things I did in London

1. Held Oliver. He is the mellowest, sweetest baby. Love having him lay on my chest.
2. Hung out with Isobel. Hilarious child-mimics everything! She is so smart and funny-has things pretty well figured out and is adorable!
3. Doing day to day things with Linds. Just having her close to me every day.
4. Watching Alan and Lindsey and their little family. So impressed by their interactions, prayers, scripture studies.
5. Nando's. Portuguese BBQ chicken. ymmm!
6. Trying lots of new recipes. Lots of cooking and eating.
7. Going to the beautiful parks-love, love, love the London parks.
8. Sacrament meeting in White Chapel. 80% African. So impressed with how all the men/boys were in suits, white shirts and ties. Mind you this is an urban community (think Harlem). One man spoke who joined the church prior to the priesthood being extended to all males. He was investigating and all his friends told him it was a racist church but he couldn't deny the Spirit that it was true and joined anyway. He now is a temple worker. I was almost bawling listening to him and just the general Spirit of the meeting. Such humble people.

Mamma Mia

Lindsey, Isobel, Oliver and I went to the movie Mamma Mia last night-we enjoyed it. Music of Abba is so fun. I kept thinking though-Meryl Streep? It must have been a fun movie for the actors to be in. I've seen the stage musical twice-London and Las Vegas- and it's always fun. Makes you want to stand up and dance (the audience does in the play). We had to ply Izzywith lots of sweets to keep her interested. About 30 minutes till the end of the movie, she suddenly upchucked it all up. We did a quick clean up and finished the movie. As we left the theatre, Isobel announced "I like movies!" We were feeling guilty for giving her so many treats but I guess it didn't do any permanent damage!

COOKING

Rather than cook all the usual meals, Linds and I decided to try some new ones while I'm here. The weather is not cooperating (rainy) so it's been fun to cook. Here are the ones we've liked so far:

Lemon Cream Pasta with Asparagus and Squash

8 oz. dried mafalda or rotini
1-2 cooked chicken breasts cut up
2 cups asparagus, cut in 2 inch pieces
1 medium zucchini or squash, sliced in halves
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. butter
1 cup whipping cream
2 tsp lemon peel, shredded


Cook pasta and drain; keep warm. Cook asparagus, squash and garlic in hot butter for 2-3 minutes in a skillet. Add veggies and chicken to pasta. Combine whipping cream and lemon peel in a skillet; bring to boil. To serve, pour cream mixture over pasta mixture. Stir gently to coat.

This is really yummy and very easy and fast to fix.


Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Cake
A Friend made this for Lindsey-it is more like a quiche. great with a salad. She made it for me and I love it!
Note: The conversions from g/ml to cups are approximate. I did my best!

Preheat oven to 180C/350F.

Boil 2 tomatoes for 3 seconds in boiling water, then rinse them in cold water, peel and de-seed them. Dice, place in a pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper, let them cool and dry out a bit. Chop 8 basil leaves and add to tomatoes.

Cut 200 g. mozzarella (just less than a cup) into pieces.

Whisk 3 eggs, 150g flour (over 1/2 cup, not yet 3/4 cup), 1 tablespoon baking powder.

Add 80 ml olive oil (6 tablespoons, or over 1/4 cup), bit by bit, then 125 ml milk (warmed) (over 1/2 cup), and 100 g grated gruyere cheese (just less than a cup).

Add tomatoes and mozzarella.

Pour into a loaf pan and cook for 45 minutes.


Vegetable Pie-also made by Linds' English friend
This was delicious too!
Preheat oven to 150'C/300'F. Oil a springform cake pan.

Step 1:
Lightly fry all in a skillet:
1 onion, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
3 cups veggies, chopped (broccoli, carrots--I personally stopped using water-based veggies like mushrooms and courgettes because it made the pie too soggy)
1 grated potato

Step 2:
In a large bowl, beat together:
1 cup milk
3 egg yolks
salt and pepper
1 T. flour
2 t. baking powder

Step 3:
Beat 3 egg whites until soft peaks form.

Step 4:
Add veggies from Step 1 to egg mixture. Add 1 cup grated cheese (I use gruyere) and 2 T. melted butter. Fold in the egg whites. Bake at 150'C until golden brown, about 25-30 minutes.

CHICKEN MILANO-this was my favorite new one

1 tablespoon butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup chicken broth, divided
1 cup heavy cream
1 pound skinless, boneless chicken breast halves
salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
8 ounces dry fettuccini pasta
DIRECTIONS
In a large saucepan over low heat, melt butter; add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and 3/4 cup of the chicken broth; increase to medium heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for about 10 minutes or until the tomatoes are tender. Add the cream and bring to a boil; stirring. Simmer over medium heat until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm oil and saute chicken. Press on chicken occasionally with a slotted spatula. Cook for about 4 minutes per side or until the meat feels springy and is no longer pink inside. Transfer to a board; cover and keep warm. Discard the fat from the skillet.
In the same skillet, over medium heat, bring 1/4 cup chicken broth to a boil; stirring the pan juices. Reduce slightly and add to the cream sauce; stir in basil and adjust seasonings to taste.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain, transfer to a bowl and toss with 3 to 4 tablespoons of the sauce.
Cut each chicken breast into 2 to 3 diagonal slices. Reheat the sauce gently if needed. Transfer the pasta to serving plates; top with chicken and coat with the cream sauce; serve.

Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies
I got this recipe from Alyssa Allgaier, who found it in the Martha Stewart Magazine, the issue of May 2007 (Carolynn's Chocolate Chip Cookies). They are to die for. I sometimes cook them a little too long, but if you take the out of the oven right when they start to turn brown, they will stay soft. Delicious!

2 cups plus 2 T. flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. baking soda
Whisk together in a small bowl.

1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
Melt butter, then turn off heat.

1 cup plus 2 T. brown sugart
1/2 cup sugar
Add sugars to boutter, whisk until combined, transfer to a medium bowl and let cool.

1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/2 T. (it really is written this way in the recipe! I guess it means 1 1/2 t.) pure vanilla extract
Whisk egg, yolk and vanilla into butter mixture. Fold in dry ingredients.

1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup toasted walnuts, broken into large pieces (optional)
Fold in chocolate chips and nuts, if using.

Wrap dough in plastic and refrigerate for 1 hour. Bake on an ungreased baking sheet at 325'F/170'C for 12 minutes, or until just barely golden brown.



CHICKEN BREASTS STUFFED WITH ARTICHOKES, LEMON AND GOAT CHEESE-COOKING LIGHT

2 ½ T. Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 t. grated lemon peel
¼ t. salt
¼ t. freshly grounded pepper
1 (6 oz) artichoke hearts, chopped
1 (3 oz) herbed goat cheese, softened
4 skinless boneless chicken
cooking spray

preheat oven to 375
combine first 6 ingredients and stir well
Pound chicken breasts to ½ inch thickness. Top each breast half with 2 T cheese mixture and roll up jelly roll fashion. Secure with wooden picks.

Heat large skillet with spry and add chicken to pan. Cook 3 minutes on each side till brown. Put pan inoven for 15 minutes until done.






MIXED APPLE SALAD OVER GREENS

Dressing
¼ c. fresh lemon juice
2 T. honey
1 t. olive oil
dash of salt, dash of ground pepper

Salad
2 c. chopped Granny Smith apple
2 C. Braeburn apple
¼ c. crumbled blue cheese
2 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled
4 c. mixed salad greens.

Happy Birthday to my Ditzy Diva

Happy Birthday Alexa!! She is 5 years old-hard to believe she's not older-she acts like she is my age and we are bff's when I am with her. She is a laugh a minute, always gesturing with her hands and so expressive with her face when she talks. She thinks she knows about everything and I am totally in love with her little saucy personality. Love you Lexy Lou!

Lost in London

That is what Izzy and I were last night for about an hour and a half. I had gone out with her for a walk in her push chair (stroller). I went a usual route but thought I knew my way around so tried a different way back. Wrong move. I ended up having no idea where I was. And did I mention it was raining and getting dark? I asked people where certain landmarks were and tried to find them to no avail. I spent over $20 in phone booths to call Lindsey for directions. She was talking to Alex for over an hour and so the calls were diverted (voicemail). I'd walk a little more, find another phone booth and try again. About half of the phone booths ate my money and would not let me call. Luckily I had taken some money and my debit card with me (I often don't). I finally realized I was in the wrong neighborhood and asked a couple how to get to Kilburn High Street. They told me to take the tube (subway). I got the stroller down the stairs, got on the tube and got to the Kilburn station. oops, I'm used to the Kilburn Park station which is close to Lindsey's. I didn't know there were two stations. I take out some more money at a atm and plan to get a cab. Try to call Linds again and get hold of her. By this time I finally know where I am and start walking towards her neighborhood and she meets me and picks me up. Izzy had a great time, I bought her chocolate, and I got extra exercise so all ended well. I will be sticking to my normal routes now.

A Special Place

I've decided that there should be a special place that all men/boys that can't be honest with women should go. Maybe a special penance on judgement day. Alex is going thru a disappointment from "another fine young man". I can well remember my own disappointments. They say they'll call and you wait. And wait. And wait. They kiss you and you wait. They lie. They can't ever call you or talk to you and just be honest about their feelings. So disappointing. I guess we all finally find a good one but in the meantime, there should be a place certain ones should go. Far, far far away. And they should be punished for their deceit.

Oliver

I, too, am in love with Oliver. He is a dream baby. Gorgeous, content and sleeps a lot. Izzy is an adorable big sister. She hasn't completely warmed up to me yet, but I have plans.... Linds looks great. I brought my new camera but didn't check to see if it was charged and didn't bring the battery with me. Typical Pam. I'm going to get a disposable camera today and will post pictures later this week. In the meantime, I am enjoying the Phillips family in Jolly Ol' London!

MEMORY LANE

I got this from a Kelly's blog. I thought it would be fun! I hope you will play along.Here are the directions:
1. Think of a memory you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you. If you don't want to play on your blog, or if you don't have a blog, I'll leave my memory of you in my comments.

Ten

The number of adorable grandchildren I have. I love them all so much and am so lucky to have each of them (and their parents) in my life. Baby Phillips (still no name) was born Wednesday-the nerve of him to not wait until I arrived! I get there on Tuesday though and can't wait to cuddle with him and Izzy. On the way to San Fran to get my flight to London I get to stop a night in Windsor and cuddle with Ammon, Cohen (if he'll let me) and Rylee. Grandchildren are amazing, simply amazing.

Happy Birthday Ammon

Today is Ammon's 5th birthday. We went down to Windsor over the weekend for his party on Saturday. It was so hot and they don't have ac in the house so it was really warm. After his party Kelly and I went to the mall to get pedicures and be in air conditioning. We came home on Sunday and said goodbye to Ammon in the foyer after Sacrament meeting. Talk about hard. He must have hugged Lee, then me, back to Lee, then me about 20 times. I guess he walked into Primary and they had to bring him to Kelly because he was crying because we were leaving. Gotta love someone who loves you that much!! He is so adorable and tender hearted. Hope you have a great day Ammon. We love you so much!

Tag

What I was doing 15 years ago:
1. Finishing my last year of nursing school at College of the Redwoods
2. Being a mom to Chris (he was 16), Kasey-14, Kelly-13, Lindsey-10 and Alex-5. Long time ago!! I was alternating studying with going to kids games and bringing along flashcards to sneak in studying when they weren’t playing!
3. I was wearing my hair in that frizzy perm style everyone was doing-yuck!
4. We were just getting ready to move into the house on Gwin.

What I was doing 10 years ago:
1. Being a nurse at General Hospital-working in OB at this time
2. Still a busy mom, worked night shifts.
3. I was totally into rubber stamping and was into online card exchanges.

What I was doing 5 years ago:
1. Nursing House Supervisor at General Hospital
2. Chris, Kasey and Kelly and Lindsey have all graduated from high school.
3. Hanging out with Alex, Natalie and Danielle a lot!

What I was doing yesterday:
At the pool at Pinewood Cove by myself-gorgeous day, beautiful sounds. Drove home about 3:30 to surprise Lee because I could tell he was tired of his alone time. We went to Live From New York for dinner, then he went to meetings and I caught up on my reality shows.


5 things on today’s to do list:
1. Visit 2 of my 4 people I visit teach, will send cards to the other two
2. Pack for Kelly’s-going to Ammon’s birthday party
3. Call Alex for updates on her love life (Go Mitch!)
4. Call my sister, Julie, to hear about her trip to Mexico
5. Get a new suitcase for my trip to Lindsey’s


5 snacks I enjoy:
1. Sweets!! Candy, cookies, cake, all of it!! Chocolate!
2. Wheat thins
3. Watermelon
4. Carrots
5. Yoplait yogurt over cheerios-try it, it’s great!


5 things I’d do if I was a billionaire
1. Every year we’d have a spectacular family reunion I would pay for
2. Help each child get a house
3. Travel more and bring along family members
4. Quit working
5. Go to underdeveloped countries and use my nursing skills.
5 places I’ve lived


1. Mesa, Arizona
2. Provo, Utah
3. Blue Lake, Arcata and McKinleyville, California
4. Jackson, Mississippi
5. St. Petersburg, Florida (also Virginia Beach, Virginia and Visalia, California-last 3 when Lee was playing baseball)


5 bad habits
1. Spending too much money
2. Eating too much and/or eating just for the sake of the love of food
3. Talking during movies, tv shows (I drive my girls crazy with this!)
4. Interrupting others when they are talking-one of my worst, unstoppable habits.
5. Chewing and smacking gum all the time!


5 jobs I’ve had
1. Waitress
2. Real Estate Secretary
3. Sold Avon
4. Sold for Lots of chocolates-a candy making company
5. Teacher’s aide

5 trivia bits about me: 1. I was voted "most talkative" in my high school graduating class of 356. My cousin was voted the same thing in her graduating class the same year at the other high school in Mesa. 2. I was a foreign exchange student to Cartagena, Colombia my junior year. 3. I was a bat girl for BYU's baseball team when Lee was playing baseball there. I tried out for the position solely to be around him more. Strategy that paid off. 4. Even though I was voted most talkative earlier, I think I am sometimes a little shy, somewhat of a loner now. I enjoy alone time. 5. My first car was a VW bug I bought myself for $400.

5 pet peeves: 1. Tip jars everywhere! I now need to tip someone for getting me an ice cream cone? What are they being paid for? 2. Dirty dishes in the kitchen sink. Hate this. Isn't it just as easy to put them in the dishwasher? 3. People who cross the double yellow lines to pass people. Especially on the winding road to Trinity Lake and almost kill people. 4. Answering the phone and noone is there. Another telemarketer call. Why do they call us on an automatic system and then not speak for 30 seconds. Don't they know it just makes us mad that we have to wait and then we are really not going to listen to their spiel. 5. Delayed planes, flying out of Humboldt County-takes way to much time out of my traveling schedule!

I tag anyone who hasn't been tagged yet!!

Alone at Trinity Lake

I knew this time would come eventually. The summer when all my kids would be moved away and there would be noone to go to the lake with me. It's happened, and I survived. I spent Mon-Thursday up at Trinity Lake. By myself. Yikes! Actually it was still enjoyable, just not as much fun as when I have company. Here was my routine:

9:00-wake up (yes I slept in that long!)

9:00-10:00-morning walk

10-12 Read scriptures, books, eat breakfast, lounge

12-3 Head to the pool since we haven't brought the boat up. I would meet random people here and get a small dose of adult conversation.

3-7 Shower, read some more, play scrabble, eat dinner. One day I went into Weaverville for supplies and to call Alex and catch up on her love life (living vicariously!)

7-11 Watch videos, read

11 or so-bedtime. And yes I slept great and felt safe. I just lock myself in good

There was hardly anyone up there this week-only about 7 groups. I love, love, love Trinity Lake though. I love waking up to sunshine everyday, wearing shorts and flip flops, hearing the birds sing and seeing chipmunks and deer all over. I will continue to go up by myself because I love it so much but, please, visitors are welcome-ANYTIME!!

Friday Night Date Night

Friday night Madison came over for a quick girl's night out before she goes back to Seattle. I could spend days with this little girl. She is seriously so much fun. Half of her sentences begin, "Actually...." I had to work late so I picked her up and we decided to go to the movies and see Kung Fu Panda. We had about an hour so we went to K-Mart and got a Hannah Montana gift pack and treats first. Then on to the movie, and popcorn and snacks. The movie started at 8:00 at night so I knew she might not make it. About 20 minutes before it was to end, she turned to me and asked if we could leave. She was asleep by the time we got home. The next morning I fixed her pancakes and she had a bubble bath in my jacuzzi tub and then we met Kalie at the hospital because I had a case that morning. A short, but oh so sweet, experience with such a cutie!!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day to my hubbie, Lee who is the best father/grandfather/husband ever!! Seriously, he is so into his kids and grandkids it is crazy. I knew when I started dating him and watched him interact with little kids that he was a keeper and he is! (Plus he's hot still-at 56!!)

Happy Father's Day to my dad, Patrick Gerald Pomeroy, who has been a great dad and example of integrity and morality to me. Love you tons dad!

Happy Father's Day to Charlie"Beans" Iorg, my father-in-law-another great dad. Thanks for teaching Lee how to be such a loving, great dad. You are a wonderful dad in law!!

Happy Father's Day to Chris, Matt, Jody and Alan-the other fathers in our family-equally great dads. We are blessed to have all of you in our lives.

Happy Birthday Rylee Roo!

Happy Birthday shout out to Miss Rylee Alexandra Edmondson who turned 1 today! We love this little girl so much. She has tons of personality and is just as cute as can be. Happy day Roo girl!

CRAZY LIFE

Okay, I officially believe I have a crazy life lately. I work one week and then am gone a week and it keeps repeating itself. In most ways it is lots of fun but I am getting soooo tired too. I am never just home, catching up on things (like sleep and housekeeping). When I got back from Kasey's, I worked a week and was on call (and worked some) the weekend. I left Sunday afternoon for Kelly's where I picked up Alex and the next morning we drove her back to Provo. Stayed 2 nights and met her friends (adorable girls, cute boy) and flew back to Kelly's. Stayed a night there and we drove back to McKinleyville Thursday night. Friday morning two little cuties (Madison and Kyle) came for the weekend.
We had so much fun with them. Madison and Ammon are the best of buddies. Actually she keeps trying to talk him into being her boyfriend but he's not buying that. Kyle is the biggest love ever, his smile melts me all the time. Cohen is still the craziest nut alive and Rylee is just perfect. Each night all of them but Rylee would lay in my bed with me and we'd watch a movie. Madison, Ammon and Kyle all wanted to lay by me (Cohen could care less) so usually one was watching the movie on top of me. One by one they'd all fall asleep. We'd put them on the floor for bed but by morning 1-3 would be in bed with us. Not the best nights sleep.
I am now on my work week and another on call weekend. I'm hoping Lee will take the trailer up to Trinity on Monday for me. The only problem I have, is no one to go up there with. I may stay a night or two by myself and come home for a couple of days. Then we'll go to Kelly's for Ammon's birthday or back up to the lake. Then it's work for a week and off to London for two weeks and the birth of baby Phillips. Oh, and sometime in between now and then Kasey and kids will come visit (hopefully!) before they move to Alaska. Whew!!! Do I live a busy life or what?????

Iowa

I just completed my last trip to Iowa that I'll probably ever make. Kasey and family are moving in a few weeks and I can't imagine any other reason to visit there again. I had a great and productive trip (we did lots of packing for their move). Lee was there half the time, Alex was there a couple of days at the start of my trip. The weather started getting humid yesterday so it was a good time to leave.

Sienna gave me the same act she gave Kelly and Alex. When I got in the van she put her blanket over her face and would just peek out. If I looked at her she'd hide again. We dropped the kids off at their weekly babysitting group and Kasey, Alex and I went to a restaurant for some divine Chicken Marsala. Once we got home, Sienna was all over me from then on. I called her the Poker because if I was busy she'd come up and poke me to remind me she was still there. She was always climbing into my lap if I was sitting down and giving me hugs and kisses. She is such a cuddler and so, so beautiful. I just love looking at her dimple! She always wanted Grandma to brush her teeth every night too. One of the things that was so cute is she sleeps in the computer room next to where I slept. Every morning she'd wake up, get out of bed and open the door a little, check us out, and close the door again. She'd open it up again after a few minutes, come kiss my arm and head upstars to Kelly. So cute.

Crazy Lexy Lu (Alexa) is just that-crazy. She talks so fast, so often and so dramatically that all you can do is just laugh. Her favorite thing to do is for us to go on a walk, get a treat at the gast station and then go to the park where she swings from bar to bar on the jungle gym till her hands are calloused. Someday you'll have to ask her why she loves the monkey bars so much-it is hilarious!

Kaden is so handsome and so smart. He can read like crazy now-sounds out everything. Lee took him to a minor league baseball game and he broke the bank with all the food he ate. He loved hanging out with Grandpa. We got to see him play ice hockey and also baseball. He is so cute and is a good hitter. Alexa also played t-ball (when she wasn't goofing off on the field that is). I took Alexa to see Speedracer and Kaden to see Narnia. Speedracer was boring but I enjoyed Narnia. Lee took them fishing at a nearby pond and they caught a fish!

Kasey looks beautiful and it was fun to hang out with her, shop and eat. We only saw Matt for a little while one day and then we sent them off to a night on their own to celebrate Matt's graduation. Although we did a lot of work, I also had a lot of fun in Iowa. I won't really miss Iowa but I already miss Kasey and company. I can't wait to know for sure where they will be heading.

3 HOURS

That's how long I have here in the Sacramento Airport until I board my plane back to McKinleyville. This part of the airport is especially small with only about 6 gates and one little restaurant/bar. It is going to be boooooooorrrrriiingg. I've already traveled for 5 hours from Kasey's. This is the part I hate about traveling especially coming from Humboldt County. I always have long, boring layovers. Usually it is at the San Francisco Airport though and that is not so bad because there are places I can walk, good eating places and lots of people watching. I guess I'll play Scrabble and blog about my trip to Kasey's and maybe go get a new book. And I just broke a long fingernail and don't have a file so I can hunt one down too. Don't you just hate layovers???

Crazy Cohen

Alex brought Cohen up with her this weekend. That kid is really a laugh a minute. He has absolutely NO idea he is little and we are big. He has no problem telling us off if we do something he doesn't like. We went to a Redwood Park one day and after we unbuckled him he was off-to the large slide. And never looked back and I mean he didn't even look to see if we had come along too. He was having a great time with himself. We could have dropped him off and picked him up 2 hours later and he would have been fine. After about 15 minutes we finally called to him so he would know where we were sitting but he never acknowledged us until we left about an hour later.

Sunday he wanted me to lay down with him for his nap (he always wants to lay in my room with me). I fell sound asleep too. I heard some soft sound and thought I'd just peek one eye open and check things out. Cohen was about 1 inch from my face, standing on the ground before me. He scared me to death!! I was NOT expecting to see anyone that close to me.

He loves my pantry. He is in it 24/7 looking for chocolate (or any other sweet). He is his grandmother's child I guess. One day I found him breaking big sticks I have in a floor vase in my room. I wasn't too thrilled and asked him what he was doing. He turned around with my reading glasses on him and said he was Harry Potter and was making a wand so he could go abracadabra! Seriously, I had a laugh fest this weekend. He talks a mile a minute, all the time, even to himself and is hilarious. Love you Cohey!

Observations at 55

When I was 30 I thought 55 was ancient. Not so anymore. I turned 55 today. Here are some of my thoughts about reaching the age of 55.

1. I still think in my head like I'm 30 or 20. I still initially think a new style would look cute on my 30ish body and then I remember I no longer have a 30ish body. It's the pits. I hate the ody you get around age 50 when everything starts to sag and you realize you are definitely your mother.

2. Wrinkles stink. Please pass along any ways to get rid of them.

3. I thought at age 55 I'd be so much more wise, so much more perfect. I still don't put off the "natural man" as much as I thought I'd be doing by now and I am still, too often, an "enemy to God". I still have trouble remembering morning prayers and scripture study is still sometimes a struggle (even though I really love the scriptures)! I really thought I'd be more perfect by now!!

4. I am trying to make healthier food choices. That does not mean no chocolate. I still have chocolate every day, just less. I still love me some McDonald's quarter pounders but I only have one once a month.

5. I hate having to watch what I eat. Until the age of 40, I could just about eat anything I want. I miss those days.

6. There still is never enough hours in a day.

7. I am approaching the age when more and more people you know die. I hate this. I really miss my mom but don't want to join her too soon. I am comforted to know of God's Plan of Salvation.

8. One of the few good things about this age is the opportunity to travel more, which I love.

9. I still am a night owl. I love to stay up late and sleep in till about 8:00 or 9:00. I love a quiet house late at night by myself to read or watch tv.

10. I order fish at a restaurant now instead of steak or prime rib like I did when I was 30 and it's a matter of preference not a health choice.

11. I have become more of a loner. I love quiet time to myself more and don't need to be in a big group like I did when I was younger.

12. I really do love my job as a nurse in the endoscopy department and probably would get bored if I didn't work at all. Every other week is perfect. I am so glad I went back to school when Alex went to preschool.

13. My favorite time of year is still Trinity Lake time.

14. My husband really is my best friend. (My daughters are right there also). As annoying as he can sometimes be, he is funny and fun to be with and being empty nesters is okay most of the time (except when I get crazy wanting to hold and kiss a granchild). I am amazed how patient he is with my annoying habits and irritations because he is not known for his patience.

15. Family is everything. My children, their spouses and my granchildren are my life. I crave being with them, treasure them and love them with all my heart. I also love the family I was born into and Lee's family.

16. The Gospel of Jesus Christ has enriched my life, made my joys more wonderful, my sorrows bearable and been a rock and guide in my life. I cannot imagine my life without it.

17. I've made pretty good choices and been very blessed. There is not much I would change about my life.

p.s. It gets harder and harder to find pictures of yourself you would publish!

Deja Vu

One of the activities we did when our kids were young was to pack them all up along with numerous relatives who used to live in the area, hot dogs, potato salad and sodas and head to the beach. After talking about doing that again numerous times, we finally did this weekend when Kelly and Jody and kids and Alex came to visit. What a sweet experience it was to see Ammon and Cohen loving the beach experience and roasting hot dogs and marshmallows by the fire. They loved it and so did we. I can't believe it was so many years ago when we did it with Chris, Kasey, Kelly Lindsey and Alex. Time goes by way too fast. We will be doing this a lot more in the future when grandkids come to visit. Isn't it amazing how good a hot dog tastes when you roast it on a stick?

Thanks for coming this weekend family and celebrating my birthday early. We had Chicken Garlic Pasta and German Chocolate Cake, two of my favorite things. It was a great weekend complete with gopher hunting and hide and seek!

The End

The end of this fabulous vacation in Cabo is upon us.
That means:
1. The end of shrimp tempura tacos poolside
2. The end of blackjack games each day at 4:00
3. The end of virgin pina coladas a couple times a day-how fattening are they?
4. The end of spa smells and towels folded into animals. Actually I bought the lavender scent and went to a folding towel class (not that I plan to fold many into animals)
5. The end of using pesos and hearing Spanish spoken daily.
6. The end of getting to wear sandals and shorts daily (until lake time)
7. The end of manicured desert gardens and raked beaches.
8. The end of getting to hang out with our new best friends Kelly and Jody (who are out on a special beachside dinner Jody ordered for their anniversary. Happy 6th Kelly and Jody!)
9. The end of eating what I want for a while. Back to dieting-ugh!
10. The end of seeing blue skies every day, reading all the time and getting up when I want to and having fun vacationing with Mr. Lee.

It's been an ideal vacation. Relaxing, beautiful and fun. Cabo, I'll miss you!!!

It's Official

Lee and I both agree that the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica in Cabo is our favorite hotel/resort . The resort is beautiful, food is great, activities are fun (blackjack, water aerobics, cooking classes-shrimp tacos yesterday, ymmm!, dance classes, spanish classes, ping pong tournaments, walks, etc), amazing spa, incredible staff and wonderful smells all make it fabulous!! Because it is for age 16 and older, it is so quiet and relaxing. The most amazing thing is that it is our favorite place and we paid the least for it. I would absolutely return, even at the normal price.

Lee and Jody are off surfing today. Kelly and I are heading to the pool. The only downside of the trip is my sunburn. Despite putting on sunblock, I burned. The sun is so much more powerful here and I forget to reapply. I even pre-tanned because I wanted to make sure I didn't burn. Today I am staying under the umbrella.

Massages

Kelly and I had our $130 massages ($100 paid from timeshare presentation) today. I love massages. I now believe there are massages and there are massages. Massages at a 4-5 star hotel in an amazing spa are a total experience. We were greeted at the door, given robes and sandals and after we dressed, led to a beautiful room with the sounds of nature and wonderful smells to wait our masseuses. There were comfy chairs, ice water and juices and dried fruit to nibble on. They gave us hot neck wraps that were infused with lavender. Then came the massages. Amazing! After the massage, we went to the warm jacuzzi, cold plunge and steam room where cucumbers on ice awaited our eyes. It was beautifully decorated in a minamalistic Zen style with candles lit. For the first time, since Kelly was under two we shared a bath in the buff! We then had warm showers in the dressing/bath area that had everything to meet our every need. I will never look at a massage the same way now. Give me the complete spa experience every time!

p.s. Funny story I forgot to tell about our trip here. When you arrive, you are hit by every timeshare presentation available at the airport. I knew to avoid them but accidentally got grabbed by a girl I thought was trying to explain how to find our driver to the hotel. Once I realized who she really was I cut her off and told her I wasn't interested and needed to get out to our driver. I could tell she was really mad that I wouldn't keep listening but didn't know how mad until Lee came out laughing. He said that she said, "Hey mister! Find a new wife!"

Total Zen

That's how I would explain this trip, this hotel. From the moment we walked into the hotel we felt like we were in a holistic retreat. Candles, lanterns everywhere. Water coming off walls, fountains everywhere and the wonderful smells of lavender, mint, eucalyptus. Infinity swimming pools with swim up bars and the best fish tacos ever.Everyone remembers your name and service is impeccable. This place is a true oasis of peace.

Yesterday was our first full day. We started it out by attending a time share presentation that took 90 minutes. We agreed to do it because the incentives were amazing. We got $100 spa certificate (Kelly and I are getting full body massages tomorrow morning for an hour) and $200 in certificates to use at the restaurants. There are two here and 3-4 at the sister hotel next door to choose from and the food is good! We then headed poolside and spent a great afternoon intermixed with ping pong, beach volleyball (not me) and blackjack. They have a blackjack tournament every afternoon for free drinks. We've won 4 virgin pina colada's so far. We went into town for dinner and a walk on the marina.

Today we went to breakfast (eggs benedict and banana french toast) and then out to the pool. More blackjack, water aerobics, long walk on the beach and Lee and Jody rented waverunners.

The weather is perfect, in the low 90's. Tonight we are going to play some games, walk on the beach and have a great dinner. Having a great time-wish you were all here!

Pictures of us on the trip will be later as we all forgot to bring camera cords to computers.

Did I mention we got this amazing place for $299 a week when the expedia rate is $237 a night?

93

That's the average weather when we are in Cabo this next week. Can't wait. It has been freezing here. It says it is in the 50's but the wind has been blowing crazy and today it is raining. Is it any wonder I can't wait to get out and warm this body up? I've had my pedicure, a base tan courtesy of the tanning booth (which I never go to unless it's for a trip-so I don't burn on the trip) and a new bathing suit. I did the Cabbage Soup Diet last week and lost an extra 5 lbs. so I won't look better (not good, just a little better) in my bathing suit. I am ready for fun in the sun!

P.S. Lee and I saw the movie 21 on Friday night. Go see it-it was really good.

Seattle

Lee and I came to Seattle yesterday to visit Chris, Kalie, Madison, and Kyle. The drive here isn't bad at all. It is really a pretty drive. We stopped in Portland for the night and divided the drive up. Madison and Kyle are to die for. Seriously, they are so cute. The cutest thing about them, even beyond how adorable they look, is how affectionate they are. They are right by us all the time with hugs, holding our hands and planning fun activities. I've played Candyland 9-10 times (only one twice!), colored, fed some ducks in a park and even played at the playground. Tonight we are going to take them to see the movie Nim's Island. Last night we went to PF Chang's-love that place. Tonight we are going to grill filets. Today Kalie and I went into Seattle to a place called Trophy Cupcakes that was featured on Martha Stewart last week. Ymmmmmm! Great cupcakes. We are having a great time.