Frivolous to others...

Important to me.*

 

I have been an avid fan of those double walled tumblers with hard straw. Like this beauty:

 

 

Can I tell you a story about my love affairs with these things?! It all started with a free gift from a client. I did a catering job and they gave me tumbler with Christmas candy stuffed inside. I got hooked. I can drink double water out of these cups. It seriously helps with my H2O consumption. But then, that cup broke after months of worthy service. I was pretty upset. Not for long, though. A friend had heard my predicament and gave me a similar cup from her insurance company to replace my loss... the feature that lead me on my downward spiral? It was 20 oz.!!! The other was only 16 oz. And so my addiction was cemented. When I broke that cup the DAY AFTER I RECEIVED IT, I was pretty bummed. But, alas, I did not break it beyond productivity. Yes, the lid was so sharp on the broken edge that I cut myself once or twice- but I was drinking 20 oz. of water at a time, people!!!

When the 20 ouncer broke, I was already anticipating my next fix. Every supermarket frequented would result in my trolling for another cup. It was on a fateful day in the Fall of that year that I finally found another cup to feed my addiction in the strangest of places- Home Goods. Now I have yet another reason to love that place. Well folks, I could not get a handle on my excitement- and neither could the kids at the daycare. While at work the following day, one of the kids dropped my water cup on the ground and it didn't break! BUT the straw snapped in half. Good news, I did not throw away my last cup because of my attachment. So, I used the old straw with the new cup. Ahhhh... sweet relief .And so, the Home Goods cup and I had a steady run. Until, My sister-in-law Ashley graced me with the gift of a 22 oz. water cup from Jamba Juice. TWENTY TWO OUNCES. And so the need for a double walled tumbler had met it's ultimate match. This cup in all its massive water holding ability had one flaw- no straw. What kind of place sells a cup with out a straw?! Jamba Juice.
If you'll remember, I still have the trusty straw from the insurance cup (you know, the one before Home Goods?). What proved to be a problem is that the straw from the insurance agency was for a 20 oz. cup. My new cup was- say it with me- TWENTY TWO OUNCES! and the old straw was too short. Gah!

But, I looked like an idiot and used it anyway... it was actually pretty humorous. The Home Good cup got dropped over time and I had to discard it. So, let's do a quick recap: 16 oz. cup-shattered, 20 oz. insurance cup- broken lid, 20 oz. Home Goods- snapped straw and eventually broken, 22 oz. Jamba Juice cup- still going strong!!! Until last week. Last week will go down as a day of infamy in the House of Graham. Jimmy knocked my cup off the counter. The cup and straw were not intact. The look on poor Jimmy's face... Let me give you an idea of how he felt- you, dear readers have now read multiple paragraphs about doubled walled tumblers. Jimmy has LIVED it. His face was horrified.

The very day, I went to Jamba Juice- they no longer sell those cups!
Then Jimmy went on Amazon and found a cup- then they cancelled the shipment!
We went to Target- none in the same shape!

Then, on a fateful girls' getaway, my dear friend Kristina came out of Starbucks with a 24 oz. double walled tumbler. I cannot even wrap my brain around this, people! Twen-ty FOUR ounces?! TWENTY four ounces. TWENTY FOUR FREAKING OUNCES!!!!

And now, I am happy. I am complete. And Starbucks will no longer sell those cups next month. Would it be weird if I bought some for my food storage?

*It's pretty sad that I remember all of these cups, isn't it? I think I need help.

My little entrepreneur

As most everyone knows, Kate has been baking and selling bread. It has become our lives. If that sounds like complaining, please understand that it is not. It was complaining a few weeks ago. It was complaining before we did this:

 

Jimmy and I had a business meeting with our daughter. We introduced to her this records keeping binder. Included in this binder is a schedule for deliveries and a mock check registry. Her responsibility each day is to 'reconcile her bank statement', organize the order schedule and pretty much be the CEO to Kate's Bread Co. This handy binder has been a lifesaver to the mother of the CEO. I have to say, this experience is invaluable in it's scope of teaching possibilities.

• Kate is working for the $- work ethic, check!
• Kate is learning to bake bread- cooking (and cleaning- the flour gets everywhere!) skills, check!
• Kate is waking up at 5:00 am every morning- practicing seminary hours, check!
• Kate is balancing her income- money management skills, check!
• Kate and I are doing this together- mother daughter time, check!
• Kate now pays more money to tithing than she's ever possessed- experiencing the sacrifice and testimony of tithing, check!

There are a multitude of reasons that I am fully behind this girl in her quest to raise money. She is doing something she loves in order to provide for something she is  passionate about. I am so proud of that little girl.
When people comment after a delivery, "Stephanie, that bread you made was so delicious!" I get to tell them that I didn't make it. I do help , the kid's not flying blind- but she does all the actual work. I direct, but Kate executes.
Thanks to all who have supported my daughter in her endeavor. I love that the community has really encouraged this girl to strive for success the right way.
So many of Kate's classmates are involved in playing a virtual game in which the goal is to get more fame. The game is played in which the player purchases more clothes, wears more makeup and goes to more parties in this computer world. Then the girls use real (parents') money to purchase VIP passes to virtual parties and get more points. It's actually quite ridiculous. But more than half of the class' girl population is on this site! How grateful I am for all the lovely people who have stood behind me and Jimmy in trying to raise our daughter with valuable life skills.

We have planned bread flavors for the rest of the year. I know it looks like I planned these alone, but I did not. Kate and I hashed out each month together. In fact, the flavor I am looking most forward to (lavender bread) was Kate's idea. I beefed it up with the grey sea salt and thyme. Here's a sneak peek, folks:

January- 3 seed (sunflower, poppy, sesame) with maple brown sugar butter
February- Caramelized onion and smoked gouda with smoked sweet paprika butter
March- Cinnamon raisin swirl with sweet cream cheese spread
April- Sundried tomato, mozzarella and parmesan with basil butter
May- Lavender and thyme with vanilla honey butter and grey sea salt
June- Jalapeño and sharp cheddar with cilantro lime butter
July- Apricot and almond with undetermined butter (thinking sea slated caramel butter?)
August- Dill and Havarti with lemon garlic butter
September- Cranberry walnut with orange honey butter
October- Bacon and cheddar with chive butter
November- Apple and pecan with warm cinnamon spice butter
Decemeber- Rosemary and asiago with garlic and herb butter

Alma 29

I have been thoroughly enjoying reading my way through the Book of Mormon. I do it differently every time. This time around, I have a journal where I write impressions about the chapter I've read. It's quite refreshing. Sometimes I write down verses word for word, but mostly just write down feelings and what I've learned. Today's chapter was a joy to read. Alma 29 is all about Alma's desire to share the gospel- he loves God and the Savior so much that his soul aches to share what he knows. Keep in mind, this was the Alma that was quite rebellious and changed his tune once being struck as if dead. He experienced pain and torment brought on by realization of his sins. Alma experienced the atonement first hand. Alma was literally saved. I love how strong Alma's desire is to share the gospel in chapter 29. He loves it the way I love it. I LOVE it.  I feel akin to his joy. The joy is so full- why shouldn't I want to share?!

On June 23, there was a missionary meeting broadcast from Salt Lake. During and after that meeting, I felt like a blanket of desire covered me. I have an unquenchable desire to teach the gospel to those floundering. When that meeting took place, it was almost like a switch went off in my soul. Almost like a trigger was pulled that had been itching to get some action since the dawn of my existence. The feelings I have for missionary work have finally fulfilled many things found in my patriarchal blessing... and I am stoked! Fortunately for me, my family got the same fire under their bums and we've been able to work as a team. I will say that the work is gradual, but consistent. I know I am far from perfect, but I finally feel like I am in a place spiritually to share the gospel. I know next to nothing about the doctrine because the doctrine is so vast. But I know enough about whisperings of the spirit and the peace that comes from striving to follow God's commandments. Now it's time to work!

Sooo, uh- any of you readers out there wanna know more?

Stealthlike

We have been enforcing the "no screen time until Kate goes to bed" rule. We don't check email, facebook, instagram, pinterest, twitter etc. at all. And the tv stays off. What happens when we have no screen time is amazing- Kate and I spend lots of fun playing games and doing homework and dancing and reading... and Jimmy usually falls asleep on the couch. Even if Jimmy has just woken up for the day, he could take three naps and still sleep all night! That boy just loves his sleep. Well, tonight, Ashley came over to hang out. While we were all talking, Jimmy fell asleep mid sentence!We knew it was time for action!

And so, Kate, Ashley and I continued talking all the while gradually turning off the lights in the house. When every light was off, we snuck into various spots and hid. I was patiently crouched in the bathroom just waiting to jump out at the poor man. I waited. And waited. And waited. It seems that Jimmy was content to be snoozing away on the comfy couch. Meanwhile Kate is being quite possibly the loudest ninja of them all. It's a wonder Jimmy didn't wake up from her 'silence'. So, our next plan of attack was to throw cotton balls until Jimmy woke up. Ashley and I really only got one or two good shots in when Kate came stumbling out of her room like a bull in a china shop. The dead could not sleep through her stealth. Jimmy popped awake in the pitch dark and mumbles, "Whaaat?! What's going on?.... Mom?!....... Mom?"
Of course Ashley and I giggle uncontrollably while Kate rushes to her father's aid. Jimmy is okay, but Ashley and I have some ammunition just itching to get out for the next attack.

I still got it!

Kate and I went to deliver a loaf of bread at a dental office today. When I got home, I had this message from the lady we delivered it to:

I have to tell you what happened today...
When you left the office the man sitting there with his wife said, "She's sure cute."
I said,"yes she is and she is a really good kid too. Doesn't give her parents any trouble."
To which he replied," oh yeah, the kid was cute but I meant the lady." His wife smacked his arm. ;)

I think it's because I was wearing these:

*a new purchase from this weekend

Jake is really good at Ticket to Ride

We had our friend Jake over for dinner tonight. Mostly because we really wanted to play Ticket to Ride with him. This game is fabulous.

Kate got it for her birthday and she is smitten by this game. Kind of the way I was when I first got Settlers of Catan. Which means we play a lot. A lot.
Jimmy is pretty done. But not us! We added Jake into the mix to make it more interesting. Let me tell you, it was more interesting alright! Little Miss Kate was buzzing around the table talking and singing and laughing... to the point that it was distracting. I think that was her strategy. Fortunately for the rest of us, it did it's job distracting only Kate.
After a night full of fun, I am tired and grateful that we have been blessed with such amazing friends.

p.s.- Utah family, we will be bringing this game to your neck of the woods when we come for Christmas! You will love it! 

More Ice Cream

It seems like the vice all the gals shared was ice cream. And so, even though we ate super healthy for most of the trip and exercised more than normal, we still found room in our bellies for ice cream every night. Not just any ice cream, though. If we are to go off the diet, we are to only eat at iconic ice cream places!
We started the ice cream binging with the Rutherford Grill ice cream oreo sandwich
Then, onto Ghirardelli Square salted caramel sundae
Next, Penny Ice Creamery sundae AND kiddie cone
and Finally, FENTON'S!

Where I got a HUGE sundae... because that's all they ever make.

Yeah, we did go a tad bit overboard. Poor Kristina got totally sick. My theory is this: she is the smallest of all of us, it was only a matter of time before we all were taken over by an ice cream overdose- she just had less room to put it. I think had we gone to one more place, I might have gotten sick too. This story has a happy ending, though! I ended up with the perfect little black dress, two pairs of awesome shoes, a huge dose of new jewelry to my collection and a few treats for my family. However, I have a feeling that this trip will be known as the trip in which we ate lots and lots and lots of ice cream.

Off Schedule

Our second day of relaxing was just that- relaxing. we didn't end up eating breakfast until 1:00 pm. But, we did exercise for 30 minutes before that and ninety minutes afterwards! Rachel is a personal trainer and kicked our butts... which is what I asked for. But, really, I should have just asked for a good work out. Because it turns out when you ask Rachel to train you and 'kick our butts', turns out she totally does. I am soooo sore.

When "breakfast" was done around two in the afternoon and exercise was completed after that, the girls and I popped down to the beach at 5:00pm.

After hanging at the beach for some time, we got in some serious shopping and a visit to here:

As always, it was wonderful! And as always, I chased a sundae with a kiddie cone.
After the time out and about, we got back to the beach house at 10:30 and decided to have dinner. I know it was late, but we didn't eat breakfast until 1:00 pm! It was really nice to laze around today and just go with the flow. A nice thing to do when we all run such hectic lives at home.

Eating our way through

A good way to start out a girls' getaway would be to eat at Rutherford Grill... especially since I missed out last week.

That's the ribeye I got!!!

And that's the dessert I shared with Rachel... yum!

 

But let's continue, shall we?!

As if Rutherford Grill wasn't enough to set my taste buds off,

we had to get to Fifth Floor to set them a blaze!

This place is amazing!!!

Here are some pictures to give you an idea of what we were in for!

It was PHENOMENAL!!! So worth the price... except for the part where Carla had duck tongue.

It looked just like it sounds. Like a duck.tongue.

To make sure we weren't entirely deprived,

the girls and I went over to Ghirardelli Square to eat our weight in hot fudge.

I would like to report that we felt like this:

 

What it means to be organized

If one is organized, they would make sure to read all the information on the RS handout before bringing the wrong food assignment to a potluck.

If one is organized, they would bring just enough visual aids that pertain to their class and not a pile of stuff that didn't pertain to the class.

If one is organized, they would make sure and have the power point down pat before showing it to a group of educated women.

If one is organized, that power point presentation would not have a lick of clip art pictures... and all the 'before and after' photos would be their own.

If one is organized, they would not go off about two bottles of salad dressing that were misplaced a year ago. (by their husband, of course)

If one is organized, they would have a more witty, moving and entertaining class.

I feel like my class went the way seminary did... like I was driving away from the church and could see the mushroom cloud in the rear view mirror where my lesson had been. Maybe it was a bad idea to start the class out with the way the seminary had the chairs- entirely unorganized. It was an object lesson that went terribly wrong! Well, even though I felt the class went sour, I got a craft bin cleaned out while I was there. That was a good object lesson, I suppose...

Kate, the next (insert famous horseback rider name here)!

I couldn't think of a one...

Kate had her first riding lesson today! She did fairly well. A little bit nervous, but pretty well overall.

Little girl hopped on Frank, the docile pony. So docile, that he repeatedly fell asleep during the lesson. This actually turned out well as Kate was just learning how to steer a horse around the arena.

We didn't get too many pictures because I looked like a weirdo following Kate around the equestrian center. I really tried to rein in (hahaha- like that pun?!) my inner 'toddlers and tiaras' side. We can't wait to go next week!

Never Fails...

Every time we get a little bit of moolah to sock away in savings, something to do with the car needs attention. EVERY TIME.

On Friday, I dropped Kate off at school and went to fill up on gas. When I stepped out of the car, I noticed the tire was dangerously low on air. When it was checked at the air pump, the psi read very low. It being almost time to go to work, I thought I would just try to stop by at the tire place to see if it was a slow leak. We are fortunate in that the local tire place will repair a slow leak free of charge. When the tire store checked my tires, they reported that there was no slow leak- yay! But, I needed four new tires- boo!

So, I left my car at the tire shop and walked the two miles to work. Luckily, I got there on time and got in some good exercise, seeing as I walked the two miles in about 22 minutes. Pretty good, huh?

When I called Jimmy to update him on the events of the morning, he just groaned and stated that he had also paid registration that day. Meaning... that pretty chunk of change went to cars. Again.

Baby salad

Part of my success in weight loss had been due to eating  at least three cups of  raw veggies a day. Which can be hard sometimes... But I have found a method that helps me for the week. I call it 'baby salad' because the veggies are chopped so tiny. I get a huge container (16 cups) and fill it with chopped: carrots, celery, onions, bell pepper, cucumbers, broccoli, cauliflower, zucchini, and sometimes mushrooms. Once the veggies are tossed together, I scoop out three cups and put light dressing salt and pepper on top and enjoy! I have also spread a whole wheat tortilla with hummus and filled it with the mix. 

Trail Ride in Point Reyes

For Kate's birthday party, I gave her the option of having a bunch of friends over for a traditional party or inviting one friend on a trail ride. Of course the horse crazy girl chose the trail ride and I could not have been more excited!

Kate chose a friend from school- it was a difficult decision, but she was happy with her choice.

 

Ummm... guys, after today's experience- I have to buy a horse.

Our family left bright and early to head to the coast for our ride. Fortunately, it was cool there when Napa was 100 degrees. Yikes! The stable was so efficient, they had us on our horses within 5 minutes of our arrival. There really was no time for anyone to be nervous because there was no standing around. I got to ride Paulie. He was a stubborn guy, but he got used to me. In fact, we got to trot most of the way and it was fabulous! The first time our guide had the horses trot, I was not prepared for how fast they would go. In fact, I was so surprised, that I could not get control of my body due to fits of hysterical laughter. I was flopping around on poor Paulie and literally getting spanked! Fortunately, I got the hand of trotting and became comfortable with the stand-up, sit-down motion that is required for a smooth ride. I was laughing and smiling the whole time!

Kate, on the other hand, was terrified when the horses would trot. I felt bad for her. But I am so glad she got a taste of what it would be like on a horse. She is starting lesson on Tuesday, after all!
When we got into the car right after our ride, I swear- someone put another kid in Kate's place. Because rather than being timid or nervous like she was on the trail, that girl raved about how great it was!

Kate's friend had a blast. She giggled like I did when the horses went fast. In fact, she had a wonderful time until the lead horse tried to kick her horse. Then both girls freaked out. I only think it was funny because my horse was finally starting to listen to me.

Jimmy hung out in the back on Delilah. They were cool. Jimmy was able to take tons of pictures. Most of which I refuse to share on this here blog because my butt looks like it's oozing out over the side of the saddle. Now that I have written that sentence, I wonder if the mental picture is worse... Even so, you are not seeing the pictures...

On the way home, we stopped for pizza and then frozen yogurt. That yogurt shop was a bust. Only because one of the kids (who is not my child) filled their yogurt cup to the top and put so many toppings on that the concoction cost a whopping $8. Jimmy grumbled under his breath, "She's only going to eat five bites..." my husband, the psychic. I cannot tell you the physical pain I felt watching that girl throw $7.95 worth of yogurt in the trash.

Disregarding the yogurt incident, I consider this day wonderful and all other adjectives that might explain perfection.

Well, at least it wasn't our money

Jimmy and I had a work lunch to go to today. There were reservations made at this place!:

Which had me feeling:

And then the boss said the wait was too long:

So we went here instead:

Looking at their menu I felt:

Then, while eating:

But it's okay... we got to try a new restaurant, right?
Unfortunately, I am still craving:

Being Late

I hate being late. So very much.
Before we had the boys, I was never late.
While we had the boys, I was always on time.
Now that it's just Kate again- I cannot pull it together.
I am not the fifteen minutes early I've always been.
I am trying to figure out how this phenomenon has occurred, but I cannot, for the life of me pinpoint a root of the problem.
Hoping that a solution will rear it's head in the future... sooner rather than later would be nice :) 

Super Mom

On Labor day weekend, my mom came to visit and we had a very full few days.
Of course, the time together started with catering a wedding. And then my mom watching Kate while Jimmy and I responded to the receiving center. Then shopping, eating out and playing tourist around town.

But can I tell you something? The best part of the weekend was when I came home exhausted from our experience at the receiving center and had seen that my mom did all our laundry, cleaned the kitchen, vacuumed, made my hastily left bed and washed every single dish used for the wedding. When I say every single dish, that refers to a closet FULL of dishes. Serving platters, 150 plates, silverware, cooking utensils. I was so overwhelmed by the service. I am so glad my mom has taught me about service. She has always been a beacon of service- she works so hard! I think she's the reason why I have been so involved in ward and stake activities where I get to dig in and work hard. Thanks mom for everything you do. Thanks for washing my clothes and folding my underpants the way I like them...

I officially have a preteen!

Happy 10th Birthday Kate!!!

Little Miss Kate is not so little anymore. But that doesn't prevent her from trying to sit on our laps still... We call her our great dane that thinks she's a puppy. It's hard for me to believe that I've only known this person for ten year. We laugh a lot. And we dance in the kitchen all the time. And she still tells me everything. I am loving her age and hoping that the catty-ness fairy that swoops over most girls her age will pass this one by. To this point, we have been mercilessly saved from that! I am in awe of Kate's testimony and strength and desire to do good. She strives for perfect obedience in all things and I marvel at her growth because of her close proximity to her Savior. I have to say, if we are only to have one kid, we hit the jack pot.
This one loves:
*books (reading and writing them)
*horses
*art
*purple
*cooking
*all the touristy things in Napa & surrounding area
*Harry Potter
*going barefoot
*climbing trees
*teaching
*singing (entirely off tune. And loudly, I might add. All day, everyday.)
*pinterest potatoes

We have a had a great run so far. Here's to hoping for another fantastic ten years!

Throw me a bone!

After a long week and very loooong weekend, I finally got the chance to take a Sunday nap in between washing the wedding dishes.
In the middle of our nap, Kate comes bursting in saying, "some one's on the phone for you!"
Jimmy sleepily responded, "Who  is it?"
"It's someone who wants to sell you an iPhone" she responded
In a sleepy stupor Jimmy said, "Leave us alone- I don't want one."

So, Kate proceeded to end the phone call. Then we heard her murmur 'Aldea' somewhere in her 9 year-old babbling about what just happened. That's when Jimmy and I both shot out of bed. You see, 'Aldea' is the name of the organization responsible for the receiving center. Which in turn means that we had an activation. Someone was trying to contact us to go down and hang out at the safe house with children just placed in foster care. When on call, we have a half an hour to respond to an activation and it takes nearly that amount of time to get down to the location. As you can tell, having our daughter hang up on the social worker saying, and I quote, "we don't need an iPhone right now, bye!" had put us in a pickle. But Jimmy quickly resolved the situation by calling back immediately. I had already made the decision that I would be the one to go down and hang out since Jimmy had done the last call (only two days prior!). As he was talking to find out info, I was busily packing a bag. I ran out the door with what I needed and flew down to the center as to fulfill our half hour response time responsibility.

A few hours into my shift, it was necessary for me to call Jimmy and have him do the shift with me because of recent occurrences and new knowledge of the kids' background. The twenty five minutes for Jimmy to get there were very long for me...

We were warned among other things that one of the children wakes up at 5:00am. After finally going to bed at 1:30 am, we were sure that the previous statement would not be true for the child. Ha! This is my story, right?! Of course the kid wakes up at 5. Of course the kids tells knock-knock jokes at the crack of dawn. Of course the child is rifling through the cupboards trying to find something to eat while.it.is.still.dark.outside. Because, it would not be my life if things ran smoothly, you know.

I did have a good morning once the street lamps turned off, though. I organized. I organized a lot. The books, toys, fridge, freezer, kitchen cabinets, the FURNITURE. I was bored. When all my Martha Stewarting was out of the way, I was able to pop out and hang with my mom and Kate. Because it was now Labor Day. Jimmy was with the children who turned into zombies when the TV was on, so Jimmy was good. I didn't feel too guilty...

In the end, the social worker ended up finding placements for the children and Jimmy could come home and take a nap. Let's hope that nap doesn't lead to another phone call...

After the night I had last night

I cannot believe I wore heels to church today. And used those heels to propel me up to the pulpit to bear my testimony... because I get up there so often, people might assume that I like to go up there. Not true. I actually pray every fast Sunday to not have a prompting to get up and share. I feel like because I get up so often, people get sick of hearing me. And gosh, I hate crying in front a room full of people. But, each time I prompted to get up, I don't want to see what happens if I refuse to heed it. I want Heavenly Father to know that I am always willing to do what He asks of me. I want Him to trust me with what He's given me. I want Him to be pleased with my small offering I have to give. If heeding a prompting to get up and bear my testimony thanks Him in some way for the times I've been healed- whether body, mind or spirit- blessed, comforted, loved, protected, helped, humored and all else He has ever done for me; then I'll do it.