Alice's Birthday

Alice's cake was delicious.  The cards and gifts were fun.  She's been wanting to get some books that she know won't be available in the school library next year.   So that's what she received--a couple of sets of "Warriors" books.  I think I'll have to read them too, if they are that good.

By the way, we love the table cloth Deborah brought back from an eastern European country.

I can't remember which one.

Someone, please refresh my memory!

Decorating Advice, Please!

                                         Today, I just decided to begin.  There are some Relief Society sisters coming on Monday morning to help take off wall paper and paint, but there will still be plenty for them to do.    I wanted to see what a plain color would look like. 

The missionaries had just returned from doing some service, and they WANTED to help out,

so I let them.

I like the light color--which happens to be the paint that was already there before the wallpaper.

But maybe it is too light. And I don't think it goes well with the beige.  What do you think?  Go a tad darker? (This is about the same color as the cross-stitch fabric).                Any input here will be welcome!

Spring!

Even with the long, slow, cold spring, (or maybe because of it), the magnolia tree has been glorious this year.

 It is blooming about a month later than last year, but it has been worth it!

We have a landscape light that shines up through the tree so it is visible even at night. 

With our big summer project coming right up,

it will be nice to be able to look back and remember

the beauties in our yard!

Our Major Summer Project

      Well, today (finally) the project that our family will be involved in this summer was formally offered... and accepted.  So it is really going to happen!  Now we just have to wait for some paperwork to get done, and the announcement to be made before we can share the details.  

     I'm feeling conflicting emotions.  Every big project requires a lot of effort and I hope I am up to the task.  There is excitement, to be sure, for this challenge, but sometimes (like at 4 a.m.) I feel a quaking feeling in my stomach as I realize ALL that has to be done in the next two months.  

 It will all be worth it!  (I hope!)

Something to do on a Saturday night...

Alice has been learning about cake decorating in her FCS class.

She came home so excited!  All these instructions were available on YouTube, and she wanted to make the panda bear cake.

Never mind that she has never even baked a cake before,

let alone frosted one.

But she wanted this for her birthday,

and she wanted to bake it herself.

With just a little help every now and then. 

 She had a few questions for me about greasing cake 

pans, etc., but she did it all.

Kevin helped a touch with the decorating--after 

all it was his licorice that was used.

Alice also was very innovative.  2-inch chocolate wafers were called for, and we didn't have any such thing (that is larger than an oreo cookie).  So Alice got out yogurt lids, melted some chocolate, and made her own chocolate rounds.  And I think these will taste better than the wafers!

 And now we have a panda bear to eat!

Prom!

Five couples.  One very unique dress.  Almost exactly what Elley wanted--something modest, knee-length and fun.  She particularly loves dresses from the 50's:  slim waist and full skirt.  We watched a later Fred Astaire movie the other night (Daddy Long Legs--not one of the better ones), but Elley was oohing over the dresses, exclaiming how she would love to have this one or that one.  And after a day of going over to one friend's to get her hair done up, then having another friend come here to do her hair, then doing the make-up, finally 5 pm came.

 The couples gathered at the home of one of the girls for pictures and a pasta dinner, before going to the dance.

Elley's flowers again were unique in the group--no pink.

 And finally, the group, plus one extra guy.  I'm still not sure why (the one with the green tie.)  It was interesting that the some of the girls complained about their dresses not staying up and having to regularly tug them up.  How uncomfortable!

All the group were from the play (Bye,Bye, Birdie).  They have been good friends for Elley. 

 And finally, Elley and date, J.P.   We found out that means John Paul.  It's another of those situations where the name is longer at home than amongst classmates.  

She's lucky that we have afternoon church, since she also went to post-prom (midnight to 4 a.m.).

She's still asleep.

Spring Cleaning

       In doing some spring cleaning, I came across a a sheet of handwritten notes about home decorating and organizing. It contained a quote, supposedly from Winston Churchill:  "You shape your environment, and then your environment shapes you." 


       How true!  As I have tossed all kinds of things I was holding on to "just in case" I needed them, I felt so liberated.  I've lived with too much stuff (as Kevin very kindly reminds me, periodically), for too long and if has come to feel very confining.  When you have stuff, you have to think about it and plan around it.  Being more of a minimalist sounds nice--I just wonder if I have the courage to let go.  I want to shape my environment to be comfortable but not FILLED.


      I've flirted with this idea before--and purged a lot of belongings at various times.  But soon things start accumulating again.   Things people pass on because they are too good to throw away.  Things on sale.  Things!  My mom said once that to keep from accumulating too much stuff, you either have to move every few years, or have a house fire.  I guess I'd rather not go the fire route.  And I hate moving.  That leaves being brave and letting things go.  And being happy!

Alice's recent NIJO trip...

NIJO.  A 2-hour Friday night orchestra experience from the first of January to the middle of April.  5-7 pm.  EVERY Friday night.  The 6th-8th grade orchestra players endure with a conductor who tells jokes, but what they really look forward to is the day-long trip they get to take. On a nice tour bus!  

 I got to go along this time.  I volunteered to be a chaperon a couple of months ago, and was told the 4 positions were filled a year ago.

But at almost the last minute, one mom had to cancel out, and I was in.  (I began to get the idea that this trip is special--school field trips beg for parent volunteers!)

 With Cathy Craig still involved with the program, everything went smoothly.  She was already the administrative assistant when Deborah began taking violin, back in 1989.

The orchestra (Northern Iowa Junior Orchestra) played at 3 different schools in central Iowa--in auditoriums or gyms.

 It was so cute at one school, as the orchestra walked out to the bus, many of the student body came out and asked for autographs!  They had applauded and seemed to really enjoy the music. They were impressed because they were also 6th-8th graders and realized what it takes to be so proficient at that age.  And, the music was done very well.

 Then came the part of the trip everyone looked forward to--a stop at a park.  Free time.  Change out of concert clothes into casual.  We went to Pine Lake State Park and with about 50 pairs of binoculars, got to watch birds and hike a trail around the lake.

The weather cooperated.  The youth were no problem at all (I now know why being a chaperon is such a coveted job), and we had a great time.  Of course, some of the kids thought the last stop was the best--an all-you-can-eat buffet at Pizza Ranch in Eldora. 

This was Alice's last year after 4 years in NIJO--she got in as a 5th grader, and Elley was in it for 3 years. 

I'm glad I finally got to participate this time! 

A little of this and that...

Easter.  For some reason, I have less inclination to go all out in decorating. Nothing like at Christmas!  Maybe it is because at Christmas I feel like cocooning, and at Easter--springtime--I feel like being outside, and leaving the house uncluttered.

But we still enjoy coloring the eggs.  A dozen hard-boiled, and a couple of dozen fresh (and we keep the them separated!).

I love being able to take an egg out to use in a recipe, and it is a bright, vibrant color.  Of course, then I have to make a decision as to which color to use (and which to save for later).

 

 Then, Kent Hansen brought us some lemons from Arizona, just in time for some lemon curd served on cheesecake.  Or lemon curd just eaten with a spoon.  And some lemon juice and zest in the freezer for the next baking. 

 About 2 weeks ago, we got a letter from the city saying they wanted to develop the 3 acres behind us.  Rats!

We love having the wide-open space

and unimpeded view of... Hudson Road.  

I went to City Hall and found out all about it.

The deal is not complete, but this is what they are hoping for.

Two professional buildings (doctors' offices, etc.).

With a green space still in between them and us.  

The "forest" will be gone, but most of those trees are old and scrubby, and already dying.

It looks like "our" tree line would be allowed to stay.

I was really afraid they were going to do something that would come right up to the property line--and that would make a VERY small backyard for us, especially after what we've been used to

enjoying.  

Of course, there is always the possibility it will turn into condos, or  a strip mall, etc., but the city has written a lot of protections in--i.e., nothing over 1 story and other things.

I just hope they will be quiet neighbors, and maybe now the deer won't feel so free about coming and grazing our garden!

Springtime in Iowa

As birds sing outside this morning, I just have to say how grateful I am for spring to return!

 I am so grateful for the snow to be gone.  We had a light dusting of it on Saturday morning but it was melted by noon.  I felt sorry for those families attending soccer games for their children, as a very stiff northern wind had to be just awful to deal with.

 The first crocuses bring tiny spots of color--and so much joy!--to a very gray landscape.  Once all the snow was gone, I realized that our Iowa "world" was monochromatic:  dark brownish-gray bare trees.  Light brownish-gray dormant grass, bushes and shrubs.  I almost missed the variation of white snow.

***

Alice has been busy in her 8th grade FCS (Food & Consumer Science) class.  She had to sew one item--a pair of cotton sleep pants, but there were a couple of other options available for the students who wanted to get extra credit.

So she also sewed a felt hat.

 And a baby seal.

This past weekend, she worked on a new skirt.  I think she's well on her way! (She did still want me to help her with the zipper.  Next time, I'm sure she'll get to do that as well.)

Notes for Grandma

First on Friday, I got a note in the mail from Marta.

Grandpa received it as well.  And Marta, we love you!

  

 Then on Saturday evening, I grabbed a shirt out of the closet and I noticed something peeking out of the pocket.

 I took it out, and remembered!

A month ago Brenna made this note, and after reading it

 I put in in my pocket.  Brenna, I love you too!

I love surprise notes from my granddaughters!

Connor's Baptism

I just about forgot to post these!  Although the event occurred a couple of months ago, it is such a milestone in Connor's life.

So big in fact, that we decided to travel to Texas for it--especially since Christmas happened to be at the same time.

 

It wouldn't be the Bailey family if music weren't included somehow, and Connor wanted his aunts to play 

the "Baptism" song.  With Grandpa's help on the piano.

(After all the years of lessons--paying for them, driving to them, sitting through them and "encouraging" practicing for them, it is my special treat to hear the results as these three play their instruments together.)

And then, what we all came for.  What a good looking pair!

We love Connor's bashfulness.

His love of reading.

His playfulness.

And we appreciate him setting such a great example for the younger grandchildren on the Bailey side.

My Dilemma

When we returned from Texas a week ago, we drove through the night, and although I rested while Kevin drove, it is a kind of waking-sleep in which I still feel aware of my surroundings, yet some dreams are mixed in.  And I drove from 1 a.m to almost 6 a.m. So it was a very short night.

I thought I would rest up over the next few days--and then remembered I needed to fill in for the YW President at the early-morning Ward Council on Sunday morning.  And at that time, I found out I would be filling in for the early morning seminary teacher for 3 weeks while she dealt with a family emergency out of state.

 (I have been called as the substitute E.M. teacher).

Let me say here that my perfect day starts at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 11 pm.  I haven't had too many perfect days in my lifetime--at least as far as sleep goes--the family schedule just doesn't coincide.

I started the week with a sleep deficit, and kept adding to it as the week went along.  Up at 5:20 a.m., in bed around 10 pm.  

And here comes the point of my dilemma.

I can't nap--if I do, I lie awake for hours at night.

And I've found out that I can't sleep in on Saturday morning, because I ended up with a migraine.

It seems impossible to get to bed earlier.

Am I just doomed to be always tired???

(At least I can now feel sympathy for all the young mothers out there who are going through the same sleep deprivations!)

Now, I have felt very blessed in accomplishing the seminary assignment.

I have enjoyed the lessons, and the youth are great.

I enjoy the time together.

But once they leave at 7 a.m., I suddenly feel.... tired.

A Medical Revolution...

Last summer, while on vacation in Idaho, I developed an infection and needed a prescription.  I called my doctor back in Iowa--but it had been over a year since I had been seen, so they couldn't help out, even though this infection was in line with my past history.

Luckily, my sister has found a treasure.  Within an hour, I was at her doctor's office, and he had actually talked with Terry in making the appointment.  What? It is nearly impossible to talk to my doctor!  It takes 15 minutes just to get a receptionist on the line.

 Dr. Brook took my medical history directly--typing into his lap top as I answered his questions; he agreed it was a simple case solved by a simple prescription of antibiotics.  Fifteen minutes later I was driving away WITH the Cipro.  He keeps a basic pharmacy at his office (but no narcotics).  Total cost?  $35.  ($32--office visit and $3 for the antibiotics).  I could have had a $5 discount if I had paid in cash (I had to use a check).

No insurance involved.

This experience opened my eyes.  There are so many problems with having doctors that take medical insurance.  Costs are so high!

With the same infection and my regular doctor,

the investment in time alone would be great--15 minutes to get the appointment.  Maybe it would be the same day, 

maybe the next day.  An hour+ at the appt. (minimum, counting waiting time).  They always insist on a lab culture (to cover all bases).  (Another hour, at least)

And once the result is back, THEN I get the prescription

and have to go to a pharmacy.  

Total costs?  Doctor--$125

Lab--$30+

Prescription--$5

Some of these costs would be "reduced" by our insurance, and then we would pay the rest, until our deductible is met.

Hmmm.  $35 vs $150+  Which should I prefer?

I'm on the hunt for a good, old-fashioned doctor (who even makes house calls!) like Dr. Brook here in Iowa!

He told me there is no national registry of doctors "off the grid" so to speak, but gave me three websites that might aid in my search.

So far, I haven't been successful.  But maybe you will be!

www. aapsonline.org

www.simplecare.com

www.cashdoctor.com

He also said that as national healthcare moves forward, there will be more doctors who quit taking insurance so that they can practice medicine. 

Good luck to us all!

A week ago today...

It was 23 degrees this morning, with frozen water on the deck--far  different from the weather we got to enjoy a week ago!  We've visited Texas a few times now, and hadn't gone to the seashore because it was too cool. But we were rewarded with warm weather this time so off to the beach we went!

 Our morning started with a car ride--nearly 3 hours long.  Thank heavens for DVD players.

 We traveled through rural Texas--areas of scrub brush--and as we got closer to Corpus Christi, Spring was further advanced--more green trees.

 We passed the exit to Alice, Texas.

 And found a great beach at Padre Island.

 The sand was soft and white, 

but there was also a lot of sea weed.

 The waves were perfect for playing in, and 

the sand was perfect for digging in.

  The water was cool at first touch, but it was easy to get used to (within seconds).  Now that's different from Idaho lakes where it takes several minutes to get adjusted to the water!

  We took turns playing with the kids in the sand and playing in the waves.  The kids had plenty of sunscreen lathered on them, so they finished the day with a little bit of a tan.

 The adults were not so fortunate--sure we put on sunscreen, but somehow missed some spots--foreheads, ears, etc. 

We arrived just after lunch, and left about 4:30, 

but it would have been great to stay longer.

I could play in those waves for days!  I love being in water, and this was so bouyant and comfortable.  It was great fun as we learned the best timing for jumping high to escape the breaking waves.

For those of us used to having nearby horizons (hills, trees, houses), it is good to view the expanse of the ocean and remember how small we really are.  And it is good to remember how powerful those waves are.

 Warm weather.  With family.  No injuries.

 Supper at Whataburger.  More "Cosby Show" on the way home, then showers to wash off the salt and sand.

What a great day! 

Spring Break

We had a hard time deciding where to go for spring break this year. 

Go west and visit family?  Too much snow--or the possibility of snow--especially this year.

Go east and see national sites (Washington, DC)?  Still the same problem.  Snow!

So we kept up an 8-year-tradition and visited Catherine & her family.

Although Texas is a long ways away, it is nice to visit a place where spring has already arrived. 

 The leaves are already coming out on the trees, and the grass is getting green.

 However, this playground had artificial turf--Texas doesn't normally have the kind of grass we usually have in our lawns here in the North.  We have Kentucky bluegrass.  They have Bermuda grass and some other varieties that are much more heat tolerant--but less soft underfoot.

 What a relaxing, wonderful week!  Playing with the grandkids,

reading, seeing some movies, playing some RockBand, and enjoying our vacation.

And as a former teacher, I loved seeing a grandson so engrossed in a book that 

it really didn't matter where he was.  

We're grateful Catherine and Aaron were willing to play host!

THANK YOU!

Three Months' Storage

In my quest to be prepared, I came across the following idea for easily storing "normal" food.  

First some basic rules:  

1.  The food should be canned, dried or bottled--not refrigerated.  The reason for this is in most emergencies electricity will be the first thing to go, and so, we shouldn't count on having it.

2.  I wanted food that we will actually like.  In an emergency situation, having "comfort" food will be nice, particularly if children are involved.

This idea involves selecting 10 main meal recipes that the family likes, and then buying ten times the ingredients for those ten meals.  10 X 10 equals 100 main meals--that is about 3 months' worth.

So I just need to come up with 10 meals!  I thought that would be easy, but if you are not using fresh dairy, a lot of things wouldn't taste very good (like stroganoff). 

  

Spaghetti would probably be our # 1 meal.  That's pretty easy:

1 jar/can of spaghetti sauce--a variety of flavors would be nice. 

 1/2 package noodles.  Parmesan cheese.  Meat?  This can either be a meatless meal, or you can use a can of chili (no beans) for meat.  

Other meal options:  White chili (with canned or foil-pouch chicken)

Regular chili with beans.

Boxed Macaroni and cheese.

Other pasta meal mixes.

Then I would also store--in multiples of 10--canned veggies, fruit, and other things to go along with the main dish.

If you have any good meal ideas, please pass them along!

Now, if the electricity is out, I'll need to use sterno, charcoal, or even a campfire to cook, but that's another issue.

The following link gives more information:

http://www.food-storage.blogspot.com/

Smoke Signals?

A week or so ago, I noticed something strange as I look out our front window.  I'm always interested in weather and unusual clouds and I thought these clouds definitely fell into the category of unusual. 

Were the neighbors sending out smoke signals? 

And the play is finally history...

With rehearsals until 6pm or later every school day, and set construction on Saturdays, having Elley in the school musical definitely impacted the family.  Rehearsals started right after Thanksgiving
and along about mid-January Elley was beginning to wonder if this was
all worth it.
The performances were this past weekend, and
YES!
It was worth it!

She had a great time.  Made lots of good friends. Felt the energy of an audience that laughed at the right places and enjoyed the performance.

And, now I know how to upload video.  I shot this with my little Canon camera, sitting halfway back in the auditorium, during dress rehearsal.  The real performance was much better. We sat on the first row in the balcony and had a much better view. Unfortunately, the better video is on the Sony video camera (with mini-tapes) and I couldn't figure out how to get it in the format for uploading.  Hopefully, I will though!
Although I could never make it through the original movie,
I found that the play was much more enjoyable--
the students could ham it up and
we really enjoyed the performance.
Way to go, Elley!