Happy Birthday to The Love Magnet

Shhhh! It's tradition to sneak into the birthday child's room and wake them up with singing. The whole family crowds in and starts to sing........

The Love Magnet does not wake up.

Are you kidding me? She has woken us up around 4:30 every single morning for the past week, asking if it is finally her birthday. Now she decides to sleep in?!

Wake up Love Magnet! With great herculean effort, she sits up...

Thankfully she wakes up in earnest when she realizes the day is here. No pictures as we were rushing for the bus. Later I took birthday treats to her summer school and met the peer tutors. These kids do not get paid. They are absolutely amazing. The Love Magnet surely thinks so.


Grandma and Grandpa arrived that evening. With Mr. Wonderful and Secondborn at scout camp and Firstborn working, we made for a small dinner party. Still, it was so much fun to be with grandpa...

and grandma.

The Love Magnet made sure that everyone knew it was her birthday. She was so excited to be sung to and to get a birthday sundae.

That night we sang Happy Birthday just as The Love Magnet instructed us "with cha-cha-chas, Mom!" She picked out her own cake as I didn't have time to bake. (It was finals week, for heavens sake!) The Love Magnet thinks all birthday cakes should be chocolate.

One of her fave gifts came from her brother. She wanted to wear them to school.

The next morning, as soon as my finals were done (what was I thinking?!) I rushed home to finish getting the Birthday Tea Party ready. Did I say how grateful I was for my mom? She saved me. She came up with this fabulous tea-party hat craft. Those hats were originally for the 4th of July. Take off the red/white/blue ribbon, add tulle and flowers, and it become instant glamour.

My mom also provided nail polish and fingernail jewels to make little fingers ready for a party. The girls loved the girls fun instead of games. Afterwards, we had a photo session. Just a few:

The Love Magnet was surprisingly good at posing. Where on earth did she learn that?

They were ready to do kicks...

and dance poses...

All the girls were finally ready for a tea party.

The girls weren't sure what to think about trying cucumber sandwiches and cranberry-orange scones. I told them they must take one bite and then could politely refuse. We practiced manners for hostess and guests.

The Love Magnet knew the drill and ate everything.

The best for last: singing and candle blowing!

I had a lot of compliments on the cupcake recipe. I tinted the frosting barely pink and sprinkle pariels in pink and yellow. The cake itself was the best cupcake I have ever eaten. Give the credit to the inventors of this fab recipe. Here it is:

Magnolia's Vanilla Cupcakes

from Food Network

Ingredients
Cupcakes:
1 1/2 cups self-rising flour
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Icing: Vanilla Buttercream, recipe follows

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Line 2 (1/2 cup-12 capacity) muffin tins with cupcake papers.

In a small bowl, combine the flours. Set aside.

In a large bowl, on the medium speed of an electric mixer, cream the butter until smooth. Add the sugar gradually and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the dry ingredients in 3 parts, alternating with the milk and vanilla. With each addition, beat until the ingredients are incorporated but do not over beat. Using a rubber spatula, scrape down the batter in the bowl to make sure the ingredients are well blended. Carefully spoon the batter into the cupcake liners, filling them about 3/4 full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center of the cupcake comes out clean.

Cool the cupcakes in tins for 15 minutes. Remove from the tins and cool completely on a wire rack before icing.

Vanilla Buttercream:
The vanilla buttercream we use at the bakery is technically not a buttercream but actually an old-fashioned confectioners' sugar and butter frosting. Be sure to beat the icing for the amount of time called for in the recipe to achieve the desired creamy texture.

(My notes: I added much more powdered sugar than called for as I wanted a stiff frosting suitable for piping.)

1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
6 to 8 cups confectioners' sugar
1/2 cup milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Place the butter in a large mixing bowl. Add 4 cups of the sugar and then the milk and vanilla. On the medium speed of an electric mixer, beat until smooth and creamy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Gradually add the remaining sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition (about 2 minutes), until the icing is thick enough to be of good spreading consistency. You may not need to add all of the sugar. If desired, add a few drops of food coloring and mix thoroughly. (Use and store the icing at room temperature because icing will set if chilled.) Icing can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Yield: enough for 2 dozen cupcakes or 1 (9-inch) layer cake

Sunday Gratitudes

I am thankful that our Heavenly Father answers prayers. I've needed a lot of answers in the past two weeks.

I'm thankful that Heavenly Father uses ordinary people to be His angels on earth. He knew this time that my emotions were loud and that I needed straight talk to help me find the answers I needed. This time His angels were my parents. Their wise counsel was reinforcement to what I already knew. I just needed to hear it from cooler heads than mine.

I'm grateful for the family stories I learned this past week with my parents and in-loves visiting. While talking about my tea party recipes, my mom talked about hunting the ditches near her home for asparagus and watercress. She loved to pile sandwiches thick with watercress and then smash the bread and watercress down before eating. Just a small snippet of childhood memory, but I found it precious.

We also talked about her daddy being drafted in WWII and having to leave his wife and three children to head to boot camp. WWII ended while he was in boot camp. I can't imagine the sacrifices made by those who served and serve now in the military. We explored a WWI museum while my parents were here. I am so grateful for those soldiers whose stories I read. I'm grateful for all those willing to fight for freedom and their families who support them while they serve.

I'm grateful for the help my mom gave me for The Love Magnet's birthday party. Mom brought everything needed for decorating proper tea party hats. She also brought fingernail polish and manicure jewels to help the girls feel glamorous. I wouldn't have survived finals week and putting together a birthday party if it weren't for my mom.

Thirdborn has officially started his tutoring program and has been doing well. I am grateful for this new teacher in his life. I know she is good since Thirdborn talks about her and how much he likes going to tutoring sessions.

Slowly coming out of the Pit of Despair

I know - Pit of Despair sounds a bit over-the-top. Cliffs of Insanity, maybe? My inner drama-queen tends to resurface whenever I feel like I've been thrust back in time to my high school days.

Big hair - no.

Upturned collar and grandma's paste jewelry brooch - no.

C minus in math - check.

I earned an A in my English tech class and a C- in Mathematical Thought. I felt like I was in Mr. Anderson's geometry class all over again. I felt.......incapable.

So I pouted. I cried. I moped. I didn't write my Sunday Gratitudes because I didn't feel grateful. I ran gamut through ever single insecurity that plagued me in the 80's. My face broke out. I had dreams of being in high school, acting in the school musical and forgetting my lines.....my songs....my locker combination.....every answer to my final exams....

Mr. Wonderful let me vent. He patiently listened to all of my frustrations. When I finally stopped to breathe, Mr. Wonderful asked me one thing:

"Did you give it your best effort?"

I had to think about that for a bit. Yes, I did. I gave it my best effort with four kids, a 5th temporary child whom we were taking care of until Family Services could find him a foster home, taking care of our home, a math professor who did not like my essay answers and who taught far beyond the parameters of the course, and all of the crazy things that have happened this summer.

When I went through all that I realized that I could then let it go. I have received all A's so far in the past year. A low grade in math was incredibly disappointing to me but it doesn't define who I am.

I now have three weeks to read Maeve Binchy, try new recipes, take my kids on fun trips, and decompress. I plan to take full advantage of no school. No textbooks. Double gratitudes on Sunday. A catchup blog post about The Love Magnet's 7th Birthday and Tea party.
NO TEXTBOOKS! WOO-HOO!!!



PS: Today I received my shipment of textbooks. It's taking all of my willpower not to open them and explore the world of Clinical Phonetics, Deaf Studies and Basic Sign, and Language Science and Development.

Many Somebodys Love Us -

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

This came in a package this past week from Lily @ Lily's Life Is Great. Click on the name to get to her blog. She has a bunch of fab raffle items to raise money for Praying for Parker. Thanks for the teacup, Lily! It came from her Mom's teacup collection which makes it all the more special. Lily's Mom and I used to work together advocating for people with Down syndrome.

From my Cookie friend Chris back east. She was in an antique store and thought of

The Love Magnet when she saw these. They came as a very big surprise in the mail. The Love Magnet's response when she saw them? "Your Cookie sure does love you, Mom."

Yep, I think she does. Thanks, Auntie Cookie Chris!

From my BFF college friend, Sooz. Sooz is a Kindred Spirit. Writer of fine stories, illustrator extraordinaire (although she would beg to differ), spouter of trivia you never knew you needed to know. She is also a great supplier of............

sundry items we never knew we needed for a birthday tea party. We are so glad that Sooz is here to educate us. Notice the fabulous Swedish cookies, the cranberry-orange English tea scones, and the chocolate topped mushroom pretzel thingies. Sooz introduced me to chocolate-topped mushroom pretzel thingies on my last trip to visit her in the grand very-Northwest. I've dreamt about those ever since.


Apparently, though, Sooz held out during my last trip. She also sent me this:



Oh, rapture divine. Oh, swoon! Oh!


Oh 65% bittersweet chocolate with candied hazelnut pieces! Where have you been in the past 40 years of my existence?! I had to nibble even before I took a picture. I could not resist! (BTW, this confection pairs perfectly with song 503 from Angels and Demons on my play list. Scroll down and skip to that song. Then come back and gaze at all the chocolate goodness.....)

The Love Magnet came and saw me with this piece of Heaven in my hands. She asked if she could have some. I was a good mom and sent her back to finish her dinner first. (I was a bad Mom, because I meant to hide it and hope she would forget it. After all, what almost 7 year old could possibly fully appreciate Charles Chocolates?)

Not to worry. The Love Magnet remembered the Chocolate-topped mushroom pretzel thingies from my last trip to visit Sooz.

She has laid claim to them. I am not allowed to touch them until the birthday tea party.

Just in time for her birthday next week.......

Uh, oh.

Apparently, cutting off your bangs 1 1/2 months ago is just not enough of a makeover when you are about to turn 7. After all, 7 is a big age. A new adjustment.

Turning 7 automatically creates a midlife crisis.

Must do something wild and crazy so you can feel young again!

Maybe she was going for the Mona Lisa eyebrow-less look.

Shelf Reliance Giveaway

Shelf Reliance is giving away a 2-person 72 hour kit. For description and details, click here.


Sorry I have not posted recently. Life is crazy again with two weeks left of school, a professor who doesn't believe in giving out A's, and a birthday party in the works for The Love Magnet. I will post soon.

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Sunday Gratitudes

This week I'm grateful that there were no injuries on our hike. I was a bit worried when I was trying to help The Love Magnet down a steep incline that we found out later was meant for mountain bikes. We almost slid down head first.

I started a youth choir in our ward today. There were six enthusiastic girls and three boys (two who were my own sons). A small group considering the amount of youth we have in our congregation. But it was a good start and they gamely plowed through the song. It was wild, rambunctious and, honestly, a bit frustrating considering how much practice time was lost due to joking around. But I was grateful that those kids were willing to sing. I hope we can get more to participate.

While we are at it, I am so very grateful that my boys know how to sing. And they sound great. I know, it's a pride thing. I'm allowed - I am the mom, after all.

This week I met the tutor who will be working with Thirdborn starting next week. I like her very much. Mrs. S is sweet and funny, a grandmotherly character with whom I think Thirdborn will bond instantly. She will be using a combination of homework, computers, and games using his favorite subjects such as science, dinosaurs, and weather. I am so eager for this to work for our son. I am grateful that we are putting Thirdborn through this learning center program. I pray that it helps. (Please keep us in your prayers, too.)

I made it through my English Technical writing class. Still waiting to know my grade on the final report, but I did earn 100 on my last exam. I did learn a lot from this class that will be useful when I am a speech therapist (oh, happy day when that comes!). I was surprised when I discovered that it would be one of the toughest classes I've had to date. I didn't always love the challenge but I was grateful for the experience. I definitely was given the chance to grow.

Yesterday, Mr. Wonderful and I went to the temple with two other couples from our ward. It was a chance to get to know them better. The temple was so peaceful. I needed that opportunity to shut out the outside world and to serve and to worship. Afterwards we had dinner together, lingering long after the meal was over, talking and laughing. It was a wonderfully relaxing date night. I am grateful new good friends. I'm sure we will be going out with them again.

Hiking

I took my kids on a hike this week. The first hike I have ever initiated. Without Mr. Wonderful. What was I thinking? The things I do to try to keep my kids safe from boredom during summer vacation. We got lost before we even got there. I really should get a Garmin for my car. It would have been helpful.

With water bottles, sunscreen, and collapsible dog dish in a backpack, we took off on a two mile loop. Smith Nation would have been proud. Secondborn took point and insisted on carrying the backpack and hanging onto Doggie Girl's leash. He pointed out wildlife and kept an eye out for poison ivy (I really don't think poison ivy grows in that area). Thirdborn would yell whenever he saw anything and scared all the poor critters away before I got there. The Love Magnet did her best to keep up with the boys.

Hiking in the desert is fun. Hot. Dusty. Mosquito-y.

The kids and I were having a great time. The kids learned quickly that when I yelled "move to the side!" that they had better obey quickly or risk getting run over by mountain bikers. We found a part of the trail that was only open to hikers. Much safer. We stopped at a bridge for a photo. I love this pic, too bad it's blurry.

The flowers and butterflies were gorgeous.


Thirborn wanted to explore every single creek we came across.

The Love Magnet grew tired and started working her magic. She had Secondborn wrapped around her finger. He lifted her up to sit on a fence so she could drink her water. She then asked if he would carry her the rest of the way (along with the backpack and excited dog.) I told her that she was perfectly capable of walking on her own. That didn't stop her from trying to convince him.

A two mile hike took almost two hours. We survived. We did not get lost. There were no injuries or poison ivy rashes or snake bites (Thirdborn was determined to find a snake). It was so much fun that the kids have voted that we go on a hike once a week for the rest of summer. Looks like I had better research day hikes.

Sunday Gratitudes

First of all I am grateful that my family had a safe and fun Independence Day celebration. Watching professional fireworks meant that no one had burned fingers this year. We had a great time being with my dear Auntie and Uncle who act as surrogate grandparents while ours are in the next state.

I'm grateful that I earned a 94/100 on my report rough draft in Technical Writing this past week. I only have minor changes to make before I submit it as my final report this weekend. There is no final exam. After this the class is done. While technical writing is not my favorite subject, I have enjoyed the learning process. Being able to go back to school has been such a blessing to me. This was my first Internet class and I missed the personal interaction between professor and students that comes with a regular classroom.

I'm thankful for the memories I've had this week of my grandparents. The smell from chopping up fresh dill for the potato salad reminded me of my Grandma S. In the grocery store parking lot I saw a gentleman who looked and dressed like my Grandpa S (all the way to the tractor ball cap) and was even driving the same make of Grandpa's old 'Hod truck (old Hod was Grandpa's nickname when he worked at Kennecott Copper). Standing at the barbecue reminded me of my Grandpa B who grilled the best steaks when he would come visit us when I was a child. I need to call my Grandma B and tell her how much I love her.

This week we found a huge sectional that worked for our house and fits everyone in our family. It is now in my family room. With our house in Utah finally sold, I can start decorating here. I'm grateful that we found a piece of furniture well within our price range. Now to start hanging art.

I am so thankful that we were able to get Medicaid for our daughter. Our insurance changed this month and doesn't cover nearly what it did before. Medicaid will enable us to continue her doctor visits to cardiology, rheumatology, get her yearly checks for leukemia and celiac, flu shots (at least I think it covers flu shots, I will have to see) and all the other medical things she requires. While her med issues are not nearly as great as Parker's, her insurance file in my file cabinet is more than twice as thick as the rest of the family put together.

I am grateful for this incredible country where my kids can go to school without the worry of affording tuition or uniforms. I'm grateful for clean water, garbage service, and reliable electricity. I'm thankful for medical services that have all the equipment and supplies they need. I'm thankful for police and fire departments. I am grateful that gas is affordable so I can drive to Utah to visit family without breaking the bank. I pray for our country every single day that our leaders will be wise and have integrity.

Celebrating the 4th of July in a small town

This year we decided not to go into the big city near us to attend the fair and festivities and to see the professional fireworks. We opted instead for hometown fun.

Barbecue Pork Tenderloin and Slaw Hoagies , Green Bean and Tomato salad, what I believe to be the Best potato salad , and Pineapple Coconut Cookies . Mmmmmmm, delish! Click on the titles to see the recipes. And then go and make them next week. Especially the Pineapple Coconut cookies. There are no pics because we INHALED them. That David Lebovitz is a very talented guy.

My boys tossed the football together. (Why, oh why can't they take off their socks or put on their shoes in the great outdoors? Why must they put grass stains and holes in every pair of socks they own?)

At least they were getting along. I have photographic proof.


Dear Doggie Girl wanted so badly to join in the fun. We didn't dare let her off her leash as there were two pit bulls just up the hill who wanted to tear her apart. Their owners kept them leashed and we did the same.

After our picnic we took off to.........

......the ol' swimming hole. (We have a neighborhood pool, but apparently swimming here is much more fun.....at least that is what Thirdborn says.)

Doggie Girl loved swimming out to fetch her ball.

Secondborn and Thirdborn had races to see who could cross the pond the first.

Soon is was time to run home for a quick shower and change and to leave Doggie Girl at home. Then we traveled about 20 minutes to an even smaller town for a fireworks show. One of Mr. Wonderful's coworkers is a licensed pyromaniac (is that their official title?) and does firework shows around the valley. His hometown show is right next to an elementary school. Perfect for keeping kids busy on the playground while we're waiting for the sun to go down.

The Love Magnet swung with Mr. Wonderful......

...before trying a few Super Girl moves on her own.

The sky grew dark.

The Love Magnet does not like fireworks. She tried hiding between Mr. Wonderful and Firstborn before the fireworks show started. It didn't satisfy her criteria for safety so she cuddled in my arms and put my hands over her ears.

We oooohed. We ahhhhed.

The Love Magnet was very brave. She didn't cry this year and even watched the fireworks as long as I kept my hands over her ears. That made it difficult to juggle the camera for a few fireworks pics.

Halfway into the show, the school field sprinklers came on. Families grabbed their gear and dashed into the parking lot. Everyone was wet. No more firework photos from a damp camera. The show went on. The finale was great.

You'll have to trust me about that.

I've been in my hidey-hole.......

......trying to get an insanely wicked 12- page math problem sets (Marsenne Primes, anyone?)finished along with a big rough draft of my final report (which really is the entire final) done for my English Tech class. I know that math wouldn't be difficult for most of you but I am math-challenged. The good news - I received a 94 on my rough draft.

I will post tomorrow night. I'm planning a fab picnic to watch fireworks. Pictures of food and family will be forthcoming.

I've missed you all.

hugs and kisses and more hugs

Dear Teachers and Parents of all kids with disabilities

I am currently working on a proposal and report about the feasibility of teaching basic ASL to paraprofessionals (teachers aides your child utilizes in school) for my English Tech. Writing class. Paraprofessionals are generally not trained.

I have a few questions to ask you. I need answers by July 10, 2009 in order to finish my report.

Moms:

1. Do you sign with your child?

2. Would you be interested in learning more ASL to help your child if help was available?

3. If your child has limited speech, would you want your child's special educators, mainstream teachers, and paraprofessionals to learn a basic form of ASL?

Teachers:

1. Would you be willing to learn a basic form of ASL (no grammar or syntax, just signs) to help teach in your classroom when needed?

2. Would you prefer training as a college credit course (reimbursed), in-service instructed, or DVD instruction in your own home?

3. Can ASL help in teaching children to read (I already know the answer to this one but I need your answer in your words).

TIA for all of your help. I'm excited about this assignment. Please feel free to pass this on to other teachers and moms. Leave comments on this post.

Sincerely,

Scarehaircare

Mom to The Love Magnet who has T21
Student majoring in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Pre-Speech Language Pathology

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, a beautiful day for a neighbor.....

"Do you want strawberry plants?"

My sweet neighbor was standing in my doorway. His demeanor makes me think he could have been Mr. Roger's twin brother. Would you be mine? Could you be mine? Won't you be my neighbor. Soft spoken, tall and thin. He is an incredibly kind and generous man. Do I want strawberry plants? Are you kidding?

"I'm just digging them up to throw them away. I can't keep up with the fruit. They're yours if you want them."

Mr. Wonderful and I headed over to the neighbor's back yard to see where the plants were and discuss what to do with them. Our neighbor's yard is an oasis. He is back there daily, planting, wedding and mowing, or relaxing with Mrs. Neighbor. It's gorgeous. Lots of trees, a cute garden, beautiful flowers, and the best lawn on the entire block.

Mr. Wonderful Mr. Neighbor started a discussion on the merits of owning a tiller while I watched the Thirdborn and The Love Magnet around the strawberries. TLM doesn't like strawberries. she constantly wants to try them because she loves the color, but she immediately spits them out. She doesn't like the taste or texture. Thirdborn wanted to pick a strawberry and couldn't find one. I pointed out to him that these strawberries are small and nothing like the gigantic berries at our local grocery. He immediately started hunting again a popping berries into his mouth as fast as he could. He was always a good raspberry picker. Strawberry hunting wasn't much different.

The Love Magnet wanted to try one. I found a berry no bigger than the tip of my thumb and popped it in her mouth. Her eyes got big. I realized that The Love Magnet had never eaten a perfectly ripe, sun-warmed strawberry. It was manna from heaven - and she wanted more.

I grew up on local fresh produce that I picked from my grandma's garden. I've done the same for my kids. I think that this was the first time my younger children had really noticed the difference between produce at the store and the ultimate in fresh grow-your-own food. Home-grown is smaller, slightly different, doesn't look as perfect, and smells and tastes infinitely better. Sure, they've eaten tomatoes, corn, wax beans, pole beans, carrots, lettuce, japanese eggplant, zucchini, and squash from the garden. I guess the stark difference in strawberries was a better lesson. This will be the first year they will have strawberries, apples, okra, and (hopefully) plums. (Apricots and cherries will have to wait - I made a mistake and planted only one of each, thinking that my neighbors surrounding me would also have one.)

The neighbors around here share their bounty and we often trade for something we've never grown before. I have plenty of rosemary and thyme and I'm eyeing the kohlrabi in Mr. Neighbor's backyard. Last year he grew daikon and purple heirloom tomatoes. This year we'll have honeycrisp apples come fall and another neighbor has raspberries (and she will be sharing canes this fall so we can grow raspberries next year.)

Tomorrow will find me ankle deep in the dirt that Mr. Wonderful tilled up this evening. The kids will be helping me plant strawberries. This time next year I won't have to buy strawberries to make Mr. Wonderful's favorite freezer jam, thanks to Mr. Neighbor and his berry-sweet generosity(oh, yes, that pun was most definitely intended.)

There is something wonderful about sticking your feet in the dirt.

Thanks, Daddy....

Thanks, Daddy, for those early years. I know you didn't plan on premature twins and the resulting much bigger hospital bill. Thanks for convincing the nurse to let you in our room so you could give us a blessing.

Thanks, Daddy, for putting up with the daddy-daughter dates in my preteen years. One of my favorite pictures include us at the sock hop, pretending to sip an ice cream soda. Another involved you and Grandpa S taking twin sis and me to a square dance. You made those times fun.

Thanks, Daddy for for playing your guitar nearly every night. I gained my love of music from singing with you. It was worth singing in all of those ward talent shows. Now kids in my area have learned the songs I grew up with: Sneaky Snake, Singing in the Kitchen, Who's The Greatest Singer, Long Tall Texan, and Put Another Log on the Fire. My kids have all had the lullaby You Are My Sunshine.

Thanks, Daddy, for pre-screening every single one of my dates. At first I was embarrassed. It wasn't long before I counted on you to interview them. (I wish I would have listened to you opinion more carefully on some of those boys.)

Thanks, Daddy, for being the loudest person cheering after my musicals and choir performances. Yes, I could hear you. (You were also the loudest person cheering at each one of my brother's sporting events, too.)

Thanks, Daddy, for telling my you liked Mr. Wonderful and that I should marry him.......long before I ever thought of it. You were right. Thanks for not giving Mr. Wonderful too hard a time when he took you out to lunch to ask for my hand.

Thanks, Daddy, for all the father's blessings given to me and for prayers in my behalf. I know you worried about me a lot.

Thanks, Daddy, for the advice you gave after The Love Magnet was born. You made it much easier to trust Heavenly Father's plan for my family. You also sent me an email right before her heart surgery that was inspired by Him. I will always cherish your counsel.

I wish I were there to sing to you I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home so I could throw my arms around your neck and give you a great big kiss on the cheek. That's been a tradition since I was a little girl. I've never grown out of it.

Father's Day Breakfast

Baked Eggs with Chorizo and Potatoes

Chef David Kinch loves to say that this hearty combination of crumbled chorizo, chunks of crispy potatoes and eggs—all cooked together in a big cast-iron skillet—is his Mexican-Californian twist on rösti, the classic Swiss fried-potato breakfast.

My notes: I haven't made this before but I can already tell you that Mr. Wonderful is going to love this for breakfast. I love the recipes in Food & Wine magazine. You can find this particular recipe on their site by clicking here. In case you were wondering, Father's Day dinner menu is porkchops on the grill along with grilled nectarines and Maple Sweet Potato Fries, Corn Fritter Casserole from Cooking Light, Focaccia bread, green salad, and a banana cream pie for dessert.

ACTIVE: 30 MIN
TOTAL TIME: 45 MIN
SERVINGS: 8

2 pounds medium Yukon Gold potatoes
1 1/2 pounds fresh chorizo, casings removed (see Note)
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper
8 large eggs
Toast and hot sauce, for serving

Preheat the oven to 375°. Put the potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook over moderate heat until tender, about 25 minutes; drain and let cool. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 3/4-inch pieces.
Meanwhile, heat a 12-inch cast-iron skillet. Add the chorizo, break it into chunks with a wooden spoon and cook over moderate heat, turning, until cooked through and lightly browned, about 8 minutes. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until softened, about 5 minutes. Scrape the chorizo mixture into a bowl and wipe out the skillet.
Heat the oil in the skillet. Add the potatoes, season with salt and pepper and cook over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until golden and crispy, about 6 minutes. Stir in the chorizo mixture. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Using a ladle, make 8 indentations in the potato-chorizo mixture about 1 inch apart; crack an egg into each one. Bake the skillet in the middle of the oven for about 12 minutes, or until the egg whites are just set but the yolks are still runny. Serve at once with toast and hot sauce.

Make Ahead
The potatoes can be boiled a day ahead and refrigerated.

Notes
Spicy fresh chorizo, which looks a lot like Italian sausage links, is available at Whole Foods markets and many Latin American food stores.

The Beauty Of Life giveaway

Shari at The Beauty Of Life is hosting a giveaway in honor of her 300th post. You can find it by clicking here.

Becoming a toothless ninny

"Hi! I'm pleased to meet you!",

is what the Love Magnet used to say.

(and, look, her bangs are finally growing back. She knows now that only Kelly cuts her hair and nobody else.)

Now her favorite greeting is

"Hi. I lost my tooth."

(It often sounds like "I woff m'wuff" since she tries to show the evidence as she announces the news to every single soul on the planet.)

And for the Amazing Sarah, one photo of our hands. You can barely see the tell-tale crease in the middle of The Love Magnet's palm that is one of the signs of Down syndrome.

Another sign of Ds is crooked pinkie fingers (you can see TLM's pinkie's bend a bit). Interestingly enough, Mr. Wonderful's brothers also have crooked pinkies.

If you look even more closely you may see smudges of green marker that didn't quite wash off my daughter's hands. That is a sign of the Picasso faze she is currently going through.

Characters Wanted

I have a professor during the summer term who fits the profile for USA channel's Characters Wanted media campaign. He's quirky. He's geeky. This teacher is at least 6'4", bald on top, beard on his jawline, and has a rather high voice for being so tall. He is also incredibly thin. He looks like a character. He acts like a character.

Have you ever noticed how those characters on the USA Network channel usually have or had life experiences that make them more human and explain quite a bit why they are "characters"? Those experiences that leave the audience shocked, surprised, and sometimes empathetic when they are revealed?

My professor was healthy until ten years ago when he suffered a stroke that occured in his brain stem. I understand that most people don't survive this kind of stroke. Professor had to relearn how to walk and talk. His swallowing muscles were permanently paralyzed so he has had no solid food or drink for the past ten years. All nutrition is in the form of a liquid dripped through a stomach port.

On the first day of class, in came a very tall, emaciated man, odd shuffling gait, somewhat hunched over, who has what looks like glaucoma in one eye. There was a handkerchief in his back pocket with which he continually wiped his mouth. His voice was breathy and oddly pitched. I hoped no one would judge this man by first impressions.

And then he started to talk. And talk. And talk.

1 hour and 40 minutes of lecturing with no notes. Four days a week. No notes.

Here is a man who loves teaching and is passionate about his subject. His enthusiasm is contagious. He has a great sense of humor. He's committed to making sure we understand the curriculum.

Here is a man who had to relearn all of those basic activities we take for granted - and is now teaching logic on the university level. He is thrilled to be in class every single day and that attitude is spreading through the class.

I'm grateful that this man was put into my path this summer. Besides teaching me logic, he is also strengthening my belief in the power of positive attitude. In the time we live in, we all need that example of positive attitude.

More characters wanted.

Sunday Gratitudes

Yesterday, Mr. Wonderful brought me the most perfect apricot-colored rose from our rose garden. The petals had drops of rain that sparkled and the leaves were the most perfect green. He even took the thorns off of the stem before presenting it to me. I believe it came from our Peace rose bush, but I am not sure how it bloomed in that gorgeous hue. It was a sweet welcome home for me. I carried it by it's long stem around everywhere with me for the rest of the evening. I am grateful that Mr. Wonderful planted four rose bushes for me, one color for each of the children: red, yellow, peace rose, and white.

The Love Magnet lost another tooth on the bottom. She immediately wanted to call her teacher Mrs. P and both of her aides. She misses them terribly. Every morning, my daughter asks me if she can go back to school. I'm grateful that she is able to experience these milestones. She was so thrilled that her tooth fell out at my parent's house so she could show Grandma and Grandpa right away.

I'm grateful that I could spend the entire day last Saturday with my mom and twin sis. Not for the retail therapy (although I was thrilled to get some items to decorate my home), and not for the lunch (although I loved the Japanese noodle bowl at Noodles & Company. You have got to try it!) It was just great to be together and talk. I rediscovered just how much alike Firstborn is to my twin sis' secondborn. Everyone understood my dry sense of humor so I didn't have to explain my jokes (Mr. Wonderful gets them, too. It's just the rest of the world.....) My mom kept hugging me. I've really missed my family the past few weeks.

While I was in Utah, I headed to my favorite music store, Day Murray Music. This is the place to find fabulous choir music. I asked the staff what was new and they showed me some great pieces. I was the kid in the proverbial candy store. I wish they would open a store near me. There is a gorgeous Christmas piece that is my music gratitude today. It's called He Left The Music Of Heaven by Michael Sharp. If you are in choir, have your director check it out. It is absolutely beautiful. Dr. Sharp, I am looking forward to exploring your other choral works.

Adventures in shopping

We had a laundry mishap with a green crayon. It hit the load containing my summer capris and shorts. So I had to go shopping.

With my kids in tow.

What was I thinking?

Does anyone in their right mind go shopping with children?

I dragged them into the women's section so I could find pants. The Love Magnet immediately had a yelling fit (with her brothers who were teasing her). *sigh* I mentally apologized to the store for my children's behavior, grabbed TLM and the capris I wanted to try on, and ducked into a dressing room. The Love Magnet insisted on locking the door. Door doesn't lock. I put my flipflops under the door so everyone could see it was occupied and started trying on clothes. TLM tried to open the door in the middle of my undressed state. It turned into an aerobic workout: pull on pants, dodge to shut the door, check mirror, shut the door, trip against the door trying to shut it while taking off pants......The Love Magnet thought it was great fun.

I finally found what I wanted, grabbed my daughter and escaped the dressing room, hoping no one saw that it was me.

Now to shop for boys. That is easier than shopping for me.

This was the first time I let Secondborn loose in the teen section. I told him to look for two pairs of shorts that fit. He must have thought I said 6 pairs of shorts and 4 shirts. That's what he gave me to purchase. I told him he had to put most of it back. My mild mannered 2nd born started arguing with his mom in the middle of the store. Shocking. And a big no-no in our family. Discussions are supposed to be conducted quietly. Instead it became a Shakespearean soliloquy. Passers-by must have thought it was an advertisement to the local Shakespeare festival.

When on earth did my sweet twelve year old become a dramatic, argumentative teen?!

Thidborn immediately piped up that if Secondborn got new clothes, that he should get new clothes,too. He proceeded to grab shorts much too large for him. I guided him to the right size.

"Those aren't cool, Mom."

I explained to him that he could not wear shorts that would hang low and expose his underwear. We finally agreed on shorts that fit and passed his coolness test.

When we got up to the sales counter, we discovered an extra $100 worth of shorts and shirts in our pile of purchases. The Love Magnet had decided to not be left out of the fun, and had pulled clothing indiscriminately from the racks. The sales help graciously helped me to pare down my purchases (the sooner to get me out of the store, I am sure) and ran through her 'use our credit card to save an extra 20%' spiel. We escaped with little dignity left.

Everyone is now taking naps so Mom can have some alone time. Mom needs alone time.

In Hawaii.

I'll let Mr. Wonderful come along. He prefers to shop for himself.

Sunday Gratitudes

Rain and really loud thunder - although The Love Magnet doesn't like it. She runs to hide in our arms. The noise reminds her of fireworks. "Too loud, Mom!" But Mr. Wonderful and I love the rain. We've even based date nights on a platter of gourmet cheeses, crackers, olives, marinated 'shrooms, non-alcoholic sparkling fruit juice, and watching the lightning from the upstairs playroom.

Choir music - we're working on Petrie's Choose The Right which will be sung next week. My choir is really pulling together. They blend well and work hard. They also put up with me.

While we're on the subject of good music, I really like Vocal Point. This is music the whole family can really enjoy (I've been on a crusade to find clean music to last us through the drives to see family). It cracks me up to hear my kids sing along. We have the Nonstop CD. I plan on buying more.

Everyone around the dinner table - Firstborn left right after dinner for a week-long EFY. I know he was excited to go. I will miss him. Of course, the dinner table might be a little more quiet without him to tease his siblings.

Yesterday we went on our first family bike ride.....in the rain. The Love Magnet made it down the street on her first bike w/ training wheels. She has low muscle tone and tires quickly. After a ways she declared herself tired and was ready to quit. I knew she wasn't faking as she really wanted to go on with her brothers....she just wanted me to push her bike. Still, I am proud that she did it. We have a family goal to help her get strong enough to bike around the block by the end of the month. Did I also mention how grateful I am the Mr. Wonderful bought me a very cute bike?

My garden growing. The tomatoes and peppers are doing great. My new-to-try-growing this year is okra. I hope it works. I also have Japanese eggplant, beans, and herbs. Forgot to plant the zukes. Might have to try and see how fast they can grow. In the meantime, my darling neighbor has graciously offered to let us come over whenever we want to pick strawberries. The best part of summer is garden fresh fruits and veggies.

Being asked to sing solo in Relief Society. I'm worried....I haven't sung solo without crying for the past 20 years (long story). I used to sing with confidence. I was praying that Heavenly Father would help me get my confidence back.....and was immediately presented with this request from one of the ward sisters. I certainly was not expecting to have my prayers answered in this manner nor so fast. I have two weeks to practice. Please pray for me that I will have courage, sing on key, and have a peaceful heart. Especially, please pray for a peaceful heart. I really appreciate it. This probably should say that I am grateful that our Heavenly Father hears and answers prayers.