all that i am...

his name is finn. his left kidney is broken.

2011-01-10T20:16:00.003-07:00

So, we've known since before Finn was born that both of his kidneys were retaining fluid. When he was seven weeks old we went to Primary Children's Medical Center for some testing and met with a (amazing) pediatric urologist. At that point in time, her recommendation was to leave it be and check back with her in six months.

In November we had some ultrasounds done in Idaho Falls and the tech said that his right kidney looked like it had fixed itself, but his left kidney was just as enlarged as it had always been. We scheduled another round of tests at Primary Children's and went down there on Friday.

Long story short, based on the results of those tests...Finn will need to have surgery to repair his left kidney at the end of the month. There is a 'kink' in the tube from his kidney and bladder that now has to be removed. They will reattach the good ends of the tube back together and hopefully that will fix the problem. He'll have a tube coming out the incision in his back helping to drain the excess fluid for a week. (I'm kinda freaked out about this part.)

Finn's a trooper and such a smart little thing. The same tech helped us on Friday that had helped us when Finn was 7 weeks old and the SECOND that he looked at that guy he just started shaking like a leaf. Of course, we think it's because he remembers him and knew what was about to happen--an unfortunate procedure involving a catheter and an I.V.

ANYWAY...we're fairly calm about the whole thing. We have faith that everything is going to be alright. Mostly we're just heartbroken that we're going to have to see more of these sad faces:

Keep him in your thoughts and prayers! We hope to have have updates of a better variety soon!

P.S. Honestly though, I think those tiny hospital gowns are kinda cute!

bat boy

2010-10-31T23:22:00.000-06:00

Happy Halloween!!

We had such a fun Halloween weekend that included a MAJOR game of hide-and-seek with the whole family (The entire house was in play...it was pitch black and someone MAY have made themselves into a lamp.) Saturday we hung out, made two different kinds of soup, and Halloween cupcakes. Then we went trick-or-treating and the moms went shopping.

Things to remember:

1. Darren and I getting Finn ready for his first Halloween.
2. Finding Ash holding the folding chair in front of her for so long her fingers were shaking.
3. Reveling in my first ever 'olly olly oxen free' moment.
4. All our neighbors thinking Finn was so cute.
5. Krew giving himself up. "Chirp chirp."
6. Darren getting into the game.
7. Seeing all the kids together...all dressed up and SO excited for TorTing.
8. That Tomato Bisque soup. YUM.
9. Skinny jeans? I guess I'll try them.
10. Nylons + Emily = Hilarious
11. Helping the Zach hide in the pantry. He folded up so small.
12. Fridge/Freezer/Emily/Carpet/Bags/Lindsey
13. Epic grilled cheese for lunch.

What did I miss mom/sisters/husband?

peek a boo

2010-10-31T22:21:00.009-06:00

Finn's first encounter with a pumpkin was a trip to the local pumpkin patch with Grandma Anderson's preschool class. We've had such a beautiful month of October and spent lots of time outside.

WE LOVE AUTUMN!

mr. finn's half birthday

2010-10-02T22:12:00.005-06:00

At six months, Finn can:

Dress like his dad.

Sit in a laundry basket.

And eat rice cereal.

And if those weren't impressive enough for you, he can also: laugh, scream, roll over from back to tummy and from tummy to back (he's mobile people), sit up in his Bumbo, fall asleep in his bed without rocking or crying, charm anyone on the block, sleep through the night, kick his own crotch, make us laugh (and cry), and other assorted awesome things.

What can't he do?

Poop. (I blame the rice cereal.)

folded in half

2010-09-09T22:18:00.006-06:00

oh....my....gosh....

2010-09-07T00:56:00.005-06:00

if you're a foodie, you won't like this recipe

2010-08-27T22:23:00.002-06:00

I say this only because the sauce is condensed-Cream-of-fill-in-the-blank based, and some people don't consider that cooking, but I made this tonight and we thought it was quite good and it was EASY so I thought I'd share it!

Bacon Wrapped Chicken Casserole

8 chicken breasts (I used 10 chicken tenders and there was the perfect amount of sauce)
8-16 pieces of cooked bacon
1/2 pound deli ham, sliced thin, cut into 1 inch pieces
1 pint sour cream (I used Light Sour Cream with great results)
2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup (original recipe calls for Cream of Mushroom, but I hate Mushrooms)

Cook your bacon. I've found the best way to cook bacon is to lay it on a tin-foil lined cookie sheet, broil it in your oven until golden, flip the bacon over, and bake about 5 minutes more. Way less mess.

Wrap 1 piece of bacon around the chicken. If you are using large chicken breasts you should probably cut them in half. I used one piece of bacon per tender and it worked perfectly.

Lay a couple pieces of ham over each bacon wrapped chicken piece.

Combine soup and sour cream and pour over the top of the chicken. It will be quite thick.

You can make this ahead of time and keep covered in fridge until you're ready to bake. When ready to bake, cover with tin foil and bake 45-60 minutes at 350*F.

Serve over rice.

It's not fancy food, but it's YUMMY! Enjoy!

bath time fun

2010-08-11T00:15:00.002-06:00

Rawr!!!

2010-07-05T12:23:00.004-06:00

happy fourth

2010-07-04T23:36:00.003-06:00

finn: animated

2010-06-29T17:04:00.003-06:00

hey darren, remember when we went to prague?

2010-06-28T23:07:00.005-06:00

That was awesome.

cheeks mcgee

2010-06-08T20:37:00.004-06:00

sometimes he gets real mad...

2010-06-06T22:03:00.003-06:00

...and I stop and take a quick picture.

finn's blessing day

2010-06-06T21:55:00.003-06:00

Darren did an awesome job and we were surrounded by family--It was perfect.

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T00:04:00.005-06:00

p.s. thanks for dressing me in the cool onesies dad made for me, you really are the bestest.

p.p.s. psssssssssssssssssssst....lindsey....it's me darren. don't get mad, but i hacked your blog....it was Finn's idea (and hell is probably full of people who blame babies for blatant skulduggery, but I'm a gambler and a rogue...and you knew what I was when you picked me up). Since I'm here, I would like to second Finn's sentiment:
Happy Mother's Day. Only your first, and you are already a spectacular mother.

deep in thought

2010-05-01T15:34:00.005-06:00

photo shoots with my aunts

2010-04-22T21:11:00.003-06:00

Finn had a photo shoot with his Aunt Ashley and Aunt Shelly. Thanks Aunties! I can't wait to see more!

hi, my name is finn and i hate to be swaddled

2010-04-22T21:04:00.002-06:00

This is how our little one sleeps about 99% of the time. If we wrap him up tight he grunts until his hands are free. It's cute.

Also, he scratched his face. I feel terrible about it.

(These pictures aren't perfect. If I waited to blog until I had edited my photos the way I really want them to be edited, I wouldn't ever blog. Oh, well. I'm tired.)

my parent's fence was tagged this week

2010-04-09T08:40:00.003-06:00

And when the police came to inform us that they thought it was gang related...

...I assured them that Finn had nothing to do with it.

home from the hospital

2010-04-06T22:34:00.008-06:00

(I'm not one of those girls who looks cute after having a baby. I'm still this huge and this tired.)

So the first night home was harder than I expected it to be! I guess got REAL used to all the nurses taking such GREAT care of Finn and I. Although, I can't complain because Darren and my Mom and Dad are also showering us with lots of attention too! In fact, Darren deserves a medal. He's basically done everything for Finn today so that I could get some rest. Recovering from a C-Section is hard work!

(Yes, he is this cute.)

Today we went to his 2 day check up. He still has jaundice and needs to gain back some weight. We're working on that (every 2-3 hours) but still seemed to have time today for a bath.

meet our little guy

2010-04-05T03:29:00.008-06:00

Finnegan Locke Zufelt

April 2, 2010

8 Pounds

20 1/2 inches

We love baby Finn despite our lack of sleep!

changing

2010-03-31T19:18:00.006-06:00

I went from this at 26 weeks:

To this at 40 weeks:

And he's gone from...

This...

To this...

To this...

To this...

(That's his little hand in front of his face...and he's sticking his tongue out at us!)

And in a few more days, we'll get to see what he looks like FOR REAL! Keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Ahhh! We're going to be PARENTS?!

P.S. Thanks to my Dad for most of these great pictures! You're amazing and I'm so glad that we moved home and that you were my ultrasonographer.

choosing a name has been the hardest part so far...

2010-03-25T23:03:00.002-06:00

...then again, i haven't given birth yet.

I don't want six other boys in his 1st grade class to have the same name.

I don't want it to be too 'out there'.

I want it to be spelled traditionally.

It has to match with an unusual last name that starts with the letter Z.

I want his future teachers to be able to pronounce it when reading the roll on the first day of school.

I want it to fit his personality.

I want it to work for him when he's a baby, a little boy, a teenager, and an adult.

I want him to like it. I want to like it. I want Darren to like it.

I want it to mean something.

I want it to be THE name.

Any ideas?

i won!

2010-03-20T17:48:00.006-06:00

I won a giveaway over at the very talented Rachel Denbow's fabulous blog Smile and Wave. Make sure to click over if you haven't ever seen Rachel's cute style and kiddos.

I'm also thrilled to have $30 to spend in the adorable shop Gussy. Maybe I'll use it towards the purchase of this:

I've been exhausted all day today, so this little bit of excitement energized me to move on with my To Do list! Thank you Rachel and Gussy!

dress like darren day at church

2010-03-17T13:32:00.003-06:00

As the best and most thoughtful tribute, a bunch of Darren's friends dressed up like him for our last Sunday in Scotland. We have the most amazing friends...now on 2 continents.

Now, it's one thing to have your adult friends dress up like you, but when their kids want to do it too, it's just a tear jerker.

I'm so lucky to be married to such a likable guy.

things i took for granted before i lived without them for a few years

2010-03-17T09:22:00.005-06:00

When we moved to Scotland (We miss you Scotland friends!) we took 4 large suitcases, 2 small suitcases, and two personal items. And a guitar. Getting home with that same amount of luggage might have soured me from international travel for the rest of my life. Even though we had called the airlines to see how much we could bring back with us, they've tightened the rules since we traveled to the UK in 2008. It didn't help that we had the most convoluted itinerary of all time which included five airports, 2 of which were small and regional, and three different airlines (all in the same 'network' but each with its own luggage restrictions).

Our generous friends in Scotland gave us lots of great baby stuff, so that was the top priority when packing to come home. We had also collected necessities like a complete set of the British version of Harry Potter that we weren't about to leave behind. That meant that I had to be CUT-THROAT when it came down to my own personal items that returned to the states with me. I left an entire box of clothes in hopes that someday I would return to collect them. I left towels, sheets, books, shoes, etc.

At almost every airport I had to throw something out to make my luggage fit the requirements. My only pair of brown shoes got thrown out really before we had even started the journey at the Aberdeen airport when security said that my carry on was too heavy. I left my UK blow dryer at the hotel we stayed in overnight outside of London. I threw away a DVD, some great reusable shopping bags, and my hairbrush at Heathrow. Let's just say I left a bit of a trail between Aberdeen and Idaho.

The scene at Denver International was the worst. We had made a three day layover in Denver in order to spend some time with Darren's parents right before Christmas. So, imagine how embarrassing it was having to open up our luggage in front of the thousands trying to travel during the holidays and frantically handing over half of everything we had for his parent's to keep in Colorado. Yes, we were THOSE people, all because the airlines were going to make us pay for extra luggage AGAIN. I ended up in tears because after five days of travel I had just about had it with airports. I just wanted to be home.

Anyway, Darren and I have learned to live on very little over the last few years. Even now that we're home 95% of everything we own is still (hopefully) in a storage unit somewhere in Colorado, so we continue to live without a lot of our 'luxuries'.

But since we are currently living with my parents until we have a baby and figure out where we are going to live this fall, some of the things that I lived without in Scotland have now reentered my life.

In no particular order, the things that I CAN live without, but have found nice to have around.

1. KitchenAid Mixer
2. A television/American cable
3. More than one spatula, knife, cutting board, and mixing bowl.
4. Full-sized vacuum
5. Washer and dryer in the house
6. Sewing machine
7. My own cell phone
8. Dish washer
9. A Car/Driving
10. Fountain Diet Cokes (I've only had like 2 since I'm pregnant, but it's nice to know they're available)
12. Choosing between a shower OR bath

But the very best thing is being so close to family and friends. We're missing Scotland so very much, but it's awfully nice to be in the same time zone so that I can call my sisters whenever I want to. And do crossword puzzles with my mom and dad over dinner.

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-25T08:07:00.003-07:00

Love,

Darren, Lindsey and Baby Z

baby z announcement

2009-12-19T17:38:00.003-07:00

Image found here.

biological weathering

2009-12-12T02:04:00.004-07:00

Yesterday was my last day of teaching here in Scotland and tomorrow will be my last Sunday at church and Monday I'll take my last drive through Aberdeen on the way to the airport. Our future plans are unknown, so we may be back here for a Ph.D program, or we may be moving to one of eight different cities in the United States. Although I am excited to be back to the place that is home, I am so very sad to leave this beautiful country and people. It is especially hard to do so when you don't know when or if you're coming back.

One of the final lessons I taught yesterday was on weathering. Weathering is the decomposition of the Earth's rocks, soils, and minerals through direct contact with the atmosphere. Weathering isn't a bad thing...it is this process through which soil is created with the materials that are left behind. And soil is what brings life to the Earth.

Biological weathering is caused by the activities of some sort of living organism. Tree roots are probably the most significant agents of biological weathering as they are able to pry apart rocks by growing into cracks and joints. As I was teaching this portion of the lesson we came across a photo from the textbook that looked quite similar to the one above. It was taken on one of our first walks through Old Aberdeen.

I realized that Darren and I were those rocks and that Scotland was that tree and that the people that we have met here are those roots.

We moved here with cracks...materialism, doubt, selfishness...but the tree roots have grown into those cracks and shown us a different way. And as the weathering process continued a substance that wasn't there before was created.

The thing is about the people we've met here is that they are so wonderful. They are so generous and welcoming and accepting. From my colleagues at school to the people we go to church with there has been such an outpouring of love and support that I feel no way to express just how much I've been blessed to be here. Just when I feel full to capacity these Scots offer more. More help, more rides, more storage in their garages, more cards and baby gifts.

Saying goodbye at work yesterday was almost as hard as it was when I left Orem Junior. There was this 'warmth' in the faculty room that people who were strangers to me just one year ago were people who genuinely wanted the best for me. Who were genuinely excited for us to have a baby. And who genuinely cared that we were safe and cared for.

And that's just how everyone has been, especially the friends that we have made at church. They are dedicated and obedient and faithful. And they have been the best examples of true Christ-like love. In an embarrassment of riches some of the ladies threw a surprise baby shower for me last night and I was full to capacity again. I feel so blessed to have met these wonderful people, to have served with them, to have LAUGHED with them, to have loved them.

Darren said last night that per capita Scotland has the best people. And it's true. They are generous of spirit and love and strength.

And as we head westward, I know that we have this same love waiting for us at home. But I think that you will find us weathered and I hope that you can feel the new substance that the Scots have left behind.

(Sorry, I know this is cheesy...I'm pregnant, just humor me.)

i think this is in order

2009-10-17T15:44:00.003-06:00

Dear Darren,
And from me.

P.S. For those of you who haven't heard, Darren has been awarded his Masters degree with distinction. And that, my friends, is VERY good indeed.

well hello to you too

2009-10-05T13:00:00.005-06:00

I don't mean to get all up in your grill with some 'my fetus is cuter than your fetus' nonsense, but seriously, have you seen a cooler looking arm and hand?

sweet (as in awesome)

2009-09-24T11:36:00.005-06:00

Have you heard?

Diablo Cody (of Juno fame) is set to produce and direct a film adaptation of the Sweet Valley High books.

Rad.

The best Christmas present my sister ever got was the Sweet Valley High board game. Fantastic game. You were Jessica, Elizabeth, Lila, or Enid and the whole point was to go around the board trying to find their boyfriends and the items they needed for their date. Man, the fights we had over who got to be Jessica.

I never won...I am naturally an Enid.

Found via.

changes

2009-09-10T12:51:00.004-06:00

If all goes well, sometime in late March, I'll be feeding a baby.

We're excited...

And a little terrified.

see this guy?

2009-08-25T14:24:00.003-06:00

I am SO proud of him!

Two more weeks. You can do it!!!

shameless self aggrandizing

2009-08-03T10:47:00.003-06:00

Elsie included my work on yesterday's edition of 10 things I love Sunday. Scroll down, I am part of number 9.

I'm just a little bit flattered!!!

And check out my Flickr set for more of my embroidery. I'll be adding more pics throughout the rest of the summer!

4 july 2009

2009-07-04T04:11:00.003-06:00

I loved this entire virtual exhibit of ads 'Rebranding America'. Some are controversial, some are brilliant.

But this one is poetic. by Dan Wieden of W+K12 in Portland.

Let's celebrate our independence to dream, believe, create, love, and parade.

Happy fourth.

the lost tribes of new york city

2009-07-02T10:07:00.002-06:00

this video by london squared is rad.

i love animation of inanimate objects. and nyc.

via a cup of jo, via this branded youth.

darren had other dinner plans so i splurged on myself

2009-06-26T12:25:00.003-06:00

And it was so good!!

the top of st. paul's cathedral, london

2009-06-21T00:01:00.000-06:00

His view...

...and mine.

Dear Dad,

Happy Father's Day! Thank you for wanting me to have more than you ever had yourself. You are one in a million.

I love you!

happy birthday

2009-06-17T00:25:00.002-06:00

I am, oh so happy that we are a team.

I love watching ours shows together in bed.

I love that you make me laugh.

Here's to 70 more June 17ths together.

Postscript: Congratulations on rocking that Lanark paper.

so, we went home to america and it was awesome, part 1

2009-06-11T11:51:00.018-06:00

I can't even describe how incredible it was to be home. So, I will show you in pictures:

1. My first sweet sip of a re-fill-able-fountain-machine-with-ice-diet-coke.

2. We had a great time hanging out with the rest of the Zufelts at Jim & Heidi's wedding--which was fabulous. Other than their beautiful vows, the best part of the day was the location and the food.

Oh, and seeing my man in a tux for the first time.

3. Reuniting the Anderson family at Hogle Zoo.

Hilarity.

On memorial day we got to go eat french toast with these guys.

Whilst in Utah I also ate:

This salad twice:

A big bag of these:

And this while I was hiding out in my car in the Sugarhouse Smith's parking lot before I went in and perused their (incomparable) makeup isle looking for a new eye lash curler.

And so many of these I made myself sick:

I love America.

Oh, and part 2 will be coming soon.

Also, a Flickr account so that I don't have to blog so many pictures.

Also, us. Coming home (mostly) for good in December.

I can't wait.

a new computer deserves high quality desktop art

2009-06-05T11:04:00.004-06:00

Darren found me this one via.

the only reason i can even think about leaving tomorrow

2009-05-31T22:58:00.003-06:00

a full report on all the junk food and family time coming soon.

portobello road, part one

2009-05-11T02:00:00.016-06:00

i have much more to share about london, but i couldn't wait any longer for this series on portobello road. the nottinghill area was one of my favorite parts of london. if i lived there, this is where i'd try to live. (inevitably with 12 other people in a one room flat...just to afford it).

i also was feeling good enough to be in charge of the camera, so for this post only, i can claim credit for the photos.

without further ado, portobello road, the non-food related post:

happy mother's day

2009-05-10T13:32:00.002-06:00

dear mom,

i'll be there soon.

i love you.

P.S. i like when we match.

london, part three

2009-05-06T13:08:00.008-06:00

Read part one here, and part two here.

One of the highlights of our visit to London was the permanent gallery of the British Library. You can see original Beatles lyrics alongside an original Magna Carta from 1215. I love libraries and the British one didn't disappoint.

(Marilyn and Rod. The library courtyard. The Newton statue by Eduardo Paolozzi.)

We really enjoyed the library and it was the perfect way to start a quiet Sunday in London. (We also enjoyed a delicious hot chocolate and muffin at the Starbucks across the street!)

Next, the gorgeously housed British Museum. By far, my favorite thing about the Museum was the museum itself. Breathtaking.

To be honest, I had more pain in my dogs at the British Museum than any other time during the whole trip. It was day three of travel and I was beat. My feet were a little better every day after this, but sometime about a quarter of the way through the museum I thought that I was out for the count. Consequently, I don't remember much.

I know I saw the Code of Hammurabi. And I saw a bunch of other very important works from my college Art History classes, but it's all fuzzy now. I know that D and my Dad ended up going through most of this together, and I have some great pictures of my parents in front of ancient ruins from Egypt.

Plus we got some great shots outside.

And to round off the day we walked through some amazing London neighborhoods.

did you ever run for student government and have to wait all day friday to find out who won?

2009-05-01T09:57:00.003-06:00

Well, I did. LOTS. And I won some and I lost some, but that agonizing wait was the worst part of the entire election.

Today I had an interview at my school. I have been doing Supply Work (substituting) for a teacher who is off on maternity leave. Women can take up to a year off for maternity and still come back to their job, so the school can hire someone in their absence. So there was a very real chance that someone else was going to get the full-time job, even though I was covering for her these first few weeks.

During the last class period of the day the Principal came down and asked me to come back to his office before I went home. Those last thirty minutes d r a g g e d on.

And despite my obvious shortcomings (I didn't go to Teacher Training in Scotland, so I am VERY unfamiliar with the curriculum)...

I

Got

The

Job!!!

Life is good. We are so blessed. And it's my birthday...which means CAKE!

Have a good weekend!

london, part two

2009-04-22T13:21:00.013-06:00

Read London, Part One here.

I firmly believe that when you go on a trip you should have an itinerary. Not a minute-by-minute, steadfast, love-and-die-by-it schedule, just a list of things that you would like to see and places you want to go, that you've researched out BEFORE you get there. And if it is organized by most-least desired it's even better.

Basically the point of this entire trip was to see as much as we could possibly see, without killing ourselves over it. My mom was REALLY organized with her planning and had gathered a lot of good advice before she came on her very first overseas trip. She had a notebook of paperwork, maps, and travel information with her so that made it a lot easier to plan each day.

When we were finally reunited the first night in London, (And after a short detour in the Hyde Park area of the city--no, we weren't lost, just confused--when we started running into streets of Foreign Embassies we knew we were in a posh, albeit wrong, place.) we gathered in my parent's hotel room and went through our lists together. Anything that we had BOTH marked as something we wanted to see went to the top of the list. Straightaway we cleared a few items on the list. They were worthy sites, and we would have gotten to them had we been only visiting one of the cities, but because we were going to lose some time traveling between cities, we were fairly brutal when it came to the final list.

Each subsequent night we would gather in one of our hotel rooms and plan what we wanted to do the next day. During the day if we missed something or realized that one of the sites we had planned was closer to the ones planned for the next day, we'd shuffle things around. Often we would spend more time than we had thought at places that surprised and pleased our attentions. Really, it was a glorious way to travel.

Our second day started with a walk along the River Thames towards the Parliament Building and Westminster Abby. (See pictures above, and immediately below)

We then went to the incredible Cabinet War Rooms and Churchill Museum. No pictures, but we for sure went there. I highly recommend it if you're every going to London. It was fascinating.

We then walked to Trafalgar Square and went to the excellent (get the audio-guide, it's amazing) National Gallery and the less interesting, but still cool, National Portrait Gallery.

Even though this picture is not great, I wanted to show you that Darren was actually on the trip. It's a crop and resize of a much larger photo of the entire building, so forgive me.

We ended the night walking through Piccadilly Circus and eating yummy food at Wagamama.

Then crashed in bed that night!

Next post: full-English breakfasts and more pictures.

And because I can't post without a funny/embarrassing Darren story...

While standing on Westminster Bridge, Darren commented to my Dad, "Look at those ladies!" when he saw this:

Only my Dad thought that he was talking about these ladies:

So funny!

uhhh...this is what freaked out looks like

2009-04-21T13:38:00.002-06:00

So, as of 8:50 AM tomorrow morning I'm officially a teacher in Scotland.

I was asked right before Spring Break to cover for a lady going on maternity leave. I had one two-hour meeting and all day today to prepare to take over 10 different classes which is six different preps--each with their own curriculum. Some classes are basic, first and second year Geography, three are Standard Grade Geography, one is a Standard Grade History class, and one is an Advanced Higher Geography class that I see two times before they take their assessment.

To compare, last year I taught three different preps (Geography for Life, United States History, and Utah History) a couple of times each--and I had taught two of those same exact curriculum for the five years previous.

At about 3:30 PM today I realized what I had gotten myself into and a mixture of total excitement and utter fear took hold. I mean, I haven't done this for almost a YEAR.

I hope it's like riding a bike.

P.S. You'll understand if more of the vacation pictures aren't posted until later in the week?

london, part one

2009-04-19T14:09:00.009-06:00

Our holiday with my parents was supposed to start two Fridays ago at Heathrow airport at approximately 1:20 PM Greenwich Mean Time.

Then our flight from Aberdeen was canceled.

With no way to contact my parents while they were in the air, we had to just get on the next soonest plane, fly to a different airport, and try to meet them as soon as we could. I called the airport and the plan was for them to receive a page an hour after their flight landed telling them to meet us at Victoria Station at 4:00 PM.

Turns out they never got the page. Darren and I frantically searched the station for an hour, until he finally convinced me that they were still at Heathrow, having never known to leave there for Victoria. We decided to split up, me staying 'just in case' and him going to the airport to collect them. We had missed three calls, but since we can't check our voicemail on our hand-me-down phone, had no way of getting a hold of them.

The next two hours were like the most miserable of my life of late. It was FREEZING in the station, like an idiot, I had worn capris, and our mobile was dying. I found a Starbucks that would let me charge my phone, and I waited for Darren to call me with news. When my phone rang about an hour and half later and it was my Dad's voice on the other line asking "Ummm, Lindsey? Where are you?", I just lost it.

There I was in Victoria Station, in LONDON (my dream come true), crying like a baby.

An hour later we were all reunited and the rest of the trip went off without a hitch.

We had SO much fun and took 1006 pictures by the time the two weeks are over. Don't worry, I won't post every single one.

I got sick two days into the trip and was hopped up on Cold & Sinus medicine the whole time, so Darren was completely and utterly in charge of the camera. My favorite pictures are the ones he took of my parents when they were first seeing all of the major sites. It makes me cry just looking at these.

Rod, Marilyn, Parliament

Marilyn, Big Ben, Rod

I miss them so bad it hurts.

holiday

2009-04-16T04:45:00.005-06:00

My parents left this morning after an amazing two weeks vacation to London, Paris, and Scotland.

I need a few days to get over the sting of their departure. When the depression lifts, I'll tell you all about the trip.

P.S. Mom and Dad--I miss you already.

the sartoria-less

2009-04-02T16:15:00.003-06:00

One day I had my husband take a picture of my outfit. I thought it was SO cute when I left for work that morning, then I saw the pictures and threw up a little in my mouth. The whole outfit made me look more short and square than I do in real life.

But I liked this outfit so much that I was brave enough to try seeing it through the camera lens, and this motion-shot passed the 'to-blog-test'.

I'm no Scott Schuman, but here it is.

purple reign

2009-03-29T10:32:00.003-06:00

book nostalgia, part two

2009-03-26T10:04:00.005-06:00

After Valerie pointed out my egregious error of leaving off the work of Beverly Cleary on my previous post, I felt like I needed to correct this mistake by dedicating an entire post to the magic that is Cleary.

I LOVE HER BOOKS. I am Ramona. I have only sisters. I was a bit of a tomboy. I could be found brooding after I got in trouble.

Ms. Cleary created such a likable community. And the original illustrations by Louis Darling are priceless. (I'd love an original) I especially love this Halloween one.

Not to mention that when I think of my future daughter, the only thing that comes to mind is her.

And I proudly wear this to bed at least once a week! (Thanks Camille!)

book nostalgia

2009-03-25T23:18:00.000-06:00

When I was homesick during college, or completely depressed about this one terrible break-up, or even when I was just so sick of studying that I wanted to throw a book at those damn, holier than thou, put your cell phone away, Brigham Young University, Library Security Guards, I would run up the worn marble steps to the Children's Literature Department.

I would search the stacks until I found a title that I remembered reading on the tiered and carpeted steps of a different library far, far away. The one in my elementary school. Man, were there some good times to be had on those steps. Namely the day that we watched the 6th (or was it 5th?) grade maturation film in which the movie-mother made reproductive organ shaped pancakes with her movie-daughter. My best friend, our mothers, and I almost got kicked out because we got the giggles after a certain pancake came off the griddle.

Some of the books that I would find on the shelves would immediately warrant a twenty minute skim, looking for certain passages or illustrations. Others would be checked out to be returned weeks later and late.

Today, while I was in another library, I came across one of those books. The Indian in the Cupboard. I started reading it immediately, and will finish it tonight.

The story is STILL so good, and I can still picture what my nine year old mind imagined Little Bear looking like. But more importantly, I started thinking about all of the other books that I loved in my childhood.

Like:

The Trolley Car Family.

No Children, No Pets

The similarly titled, Ten Kids, No Pets.

The Boxcar Children.

One that Darren teases me mercilessly over every time I re-read, Nancy Runs the Bookmobile, which I picked up for 20 cents during a 4th of July parade in Ashton, ID honoring my great-grandfather and his 100 years when I was about 8.

Not to mention the 30 or so versions of The Babysitters Club that I consumed from grades 3-4. (The B.S.C. is the Nicholas Sparks of the 1980s. Just kidding Ash!)

And of course, the children's books to end all children's books, The Little House on the Prairie which my dear parents read to me and my sisters every night of most of our childhood. How can I forget the nights of Laura, homemade butter, and Jack, the faithful dog. I read the entire series every summer and love it every single time.

There are like a million more, but I want to know what would be on YOUR list.

our primary colors are one, two, three...

2009-03-25T13:00:00.009-06:00

Red,

Yellow,

And Blue.

And for your listening pleasure, a link.

spring color theory: greens

2009-03-24T10:43:00.011-06:00

Despite the recent cold snap, spring is in the air.

i'll let you in on a little secret

2009-03-23T14:13:00.006-06:00

I am a rule follower.

The one rule that I always break?

Returning library books on time.

I just can't seem to get my act together enough to remember to return them in a timely manner.

I figure that paying my fines is just my yearly contribution to 'Literacy Programs'.

Do you think this would be considered an acceptable tax deduction?

Cartoon found here.

train travel

2009-03-21T09:00:00.001-06:00

I love riding the trains. There is a certain measure of excitement when you get that ticket from the machine and load yourself onto a car. The first time Darren and I ventured out to Inverurie on the train we were going to a Thanksgiving dinner and we were running late and Darren was carrying a huge pot of (read, heavy) mashed potatoes as part of the feast. Needless to say, last Saturday's trip was much more leisurely (read, enjoyable).

Aberdeen's train station is quite lovely. So much bright light when the sun is out. I love all of the overhanging skylights.

And the tunnels of tracks going as far as the eye can see. Taking people to places called Stonehaven. Or Elgin. Or Inverness. Or London. Or Dundee. Or Glasgow. Or Edinburgh. Or Manchester.

It's also not bad to have a handsome traveling companion.

And plenty of time to watch the scenery go by.

potter platform

2009-03-20T11:10:00.005-06:00

Use the shortcut to get into the Aberdeen Train Station and you might just be tempted to take a running start through this:

I wish we could really go to Hogwarts.

i don't want my single girl life back...

2009-03-14T05:42:00.008-06:00

...i just want my single girl body back.

why i now believe in school uniforms

2009-03-13T04:00:00.001-06:00

Photo found here.

One of my favorite aspects of Scottish living is seeing all of the students downtown dressed in school uniforms. I love how quintessentially British it looks to gaze down the downtown streets and see a sea of plaids and blazers.

Most of the schools have a very simple school uniform of black trousers (not pants, 'pants' means underwear), a white collared shirt (polo or dress), a school jumper (sweater or sweatshirt), and black shoes.

For example, the school where I work the sweatshirts are black and have the school crest on the right side. Students in S1-S4 (ecentially grades 7-10) can where this every day if they choose to. Alternately they can wear the white shirt and a red tie with the school crest embroidered on the end.

When they reach S5 or S6 [mostly optional in this country, you can legally leave school at 16 (which I don't agree with, but who am I to judge?) so not every student makes it this far] the uniform changes to black trousers (or skirts for the ladies), the white shirts, and a black tie that must be worn at all times.

This is the basic uniform more most of the public school, but even more impressive are the uniforms for some of the private schools (and older, more established public ones). A tartan plaid skirt, a blazer in the school colors, a button down dress shirt, a tie, tights, and shoes. One of the girls that I work with for church wore her uniform to a meeting and she had different pins on the blazer which represented the classes she was taking for Highers (college admission credit) and her extra-curricular activities. Her blazer had grosgrain ribbon binding all around the wrist and the front, and the color of that also represented her interests.

It got me thinking about how I feel about school uniforms and I've come up with my top six reasons I've become a total fan of them:

1. Everybody start with an equal playing field when it comes to clothes. No designer jeans for 12-year-olds here. I can't even tell which uniforms are hand-me-downs or new. It doesn't matter, everyone wears the same thing.

2. Students are easily identifiable to the general public. If a shop owner has a mob of kids come in and abuse them, or steal, etc. they know exactly what school the students came from. They can take an CCTV tapes to the police or the school and the students can be identified.

3. I can always tell which class I'm helping at in on first glance. Because the Academies here are the equivalent of a junior high and a high school combined, you need to be able to teach and interact with the students at different levels. When I go into a class to help out, I instantly know how to approach the students. I speak and conduct myself much differently with the Highers (older students) than I do the first years. And I know when they all take lunches, so if I come across students in the hall during class, I know which Deputy Head (Vice-Principal) to alert based on what they are wearing.

4. You don't have to worry about what to wear to school ever day. I wished that we had uniforms when I went to school. I would have saved a lot more money for my college education fund if I hadn't bought school clothes every summer. Frankly I wish that the teachers had a uniform to wear every day too!

5. There is still plenty of room for self-expression. Students can have their hair styled in pretty much any way they choose (within reason), they can wear any type of shoe they want as long as the shoes are black, they can have whatever backpack or tote that they want. Any coats, scarves, hats, etc. that they want to wear on the way to school goes, but none of those things are allowed in the classroom. It is a LEARNING uniform. As soon as the bell rings, they are at work in their uniform. Students looks so sharp.

6. It is ENFORCED by every single person in the school. In all of the classrooms that I've been in, 99.9% of the kids follow the dress-code to the letter. They walk into the classroom take off any 'extras' they might have on (like the scarves or jackets) and get to work. No teacher has to go around telling the girls to 'pull it up in front, and pull it down in the back'. I have not seen one student wear a hat in a classroom. It is so REGULAR that it's almost a non-issue.

In short, I am a huge fan of school uniforms. The trick is to not let the girls 'tart' them up.

Photo found here.

we're wing nuts

2009-03-12T14:26:00.001-06:00

Darren and I have become hopelessly addicted to the long-running, Aaron Sorkin created, Emmy-winning, series The West Wing.

How did I miss this when it was on TV?

It's amazing, totally clean, and teaches a civics lesson every episode. It's going to be required watching in the Zufelt household in about 18 years (see, we do plan on having children someday). I can see us now, debating the issues, talking politics, crying over the human drama.

Democracy is RAD.

an update

2009-03-11T14:45:00.008-06:00

Our first Scottish winter is coming to a close, I can feel spring coming up through the cobblestones as I walk to work every morning. While the temperature is still brisk, the sun is out for almost twice as many hours of the day than three months ago, some of the leaves are sprouting, berries growing, and the ever-green moss and grass is no longer covered in snow.

I saw some deer foraging outside our front door the other day. I tried to quietly take some pictures, but they were too spooked to stay still. Darren just stood laughing at my awkward chase.

We've been in Scotland for nearly six months now. It is a beautiful place. Scottish people are so kind. We really love it here. I continue to miss home, and grapple with the guilt of not being there for family birthdays, tribulations, and general fun, but I wouldn't characterize my emotions as a 'sickness' anymore. I do still burst into spontaneous tears every once and a while, like five minutes ago when I got an email from my dad, but I'm getting used to being so far away. We look forward to a visit from my Mom and Dad (and the subsequent holiday in London and Paris) in April and a trip to Utah/Idaho in May.

Darren continues to be awesome, this time for pulling incredibly good grades last term and just generally doing well in school. He thinks I am awesome because I am making money again (pounds and pounds of it--get it?) by going to work every day. All I care about is that we now have enough to buy Diet Coke again, and that's really all that matters, right? I have actually applied for a different job and am waiting for another round of paperwork to go through. It's for supply teaching (substituting) which terrifies me (even the best of students terrorize subs), but it gets me one step closer to my ideal, so it's worth the sacrifice.

how have i not seen this film before?

2009-03-11T13:59:00.003-06:00

After a lovely Sunday dinner, (and while Darren played Halo with the men of the house--and by this I mean that the father of the family and the 12-year-old fought for turn with the controller), I settled down with the rest of the girls for a living-room-wall-projected-big-screen-viewing of Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Despite some unfortunate and politically incorrect stereotyping of the Chinese culture, it was thoroughly delightful.

I forget that Julie Andrews is so gorgeously talented. And that Carol Channing is one of my favorites.

And I realized that I haven't seen quite a few of these 50s and 60s musical gems. The next one on my list is Funny Face.

(Inspired by this post from the always stylish Emily).

What's your suggestion for my list?

young at heart

2009-02-28T01:31:00.002-07:00

Darren has a friend who posted this on his blog, and Darren played it for me, and I LOVED it, and now I'm passing it along.

Young At Heart is a documentary portraying "the true story of the final weeks of rehearsal for the Young at Heart Chorus in Northampton, MA, whose average age is 81...Their music is unexpected, performing songs, for example, by James Brown, and Sonic Youth." (from IMDb).

Here's the trailer for a little context:

And here's a link to one amazing performance...YouTube has disable embedding, but it's well worth the 'click over' to watch.

Pretty amazing! We're trying to get our hands on the film so that we can watch the whole thing, but this was too good not to share.

Happy Saturday!

the academy awards

2009-02-22T13:26:00.004-07:00

Last year during the Oscars my friend Ashley and I texted back and forth every time Liza Minnelli was featured/referred to/shown on the screen. It's one of my favorite Oscar memories.

One year, when I was in Elementary School, my cat had a litter of kittens during the show and I was torn between watching the Oscars and the gruesomeness of a live kitten birth. That was 1989.

I am not going to watch the show this year, I'm sure it's to be broadcast on at least one network here, but it will be shown too late for me to enjoy it and still get to work in the morning, so I guess I'm going to miss it.

I'll miss you Golden Man, Red Carpet Fashion, Touching Tributes, and Tearful Acceptance Speech. Look kindly upon the little-movie-that-could, Slumdog Millionaire and Heath Ledger's amazing, no-joke-terrifying performance in The Dark Knight.

the view from the top

2009-02-17T08:08:00.005-07:00

In two months I'll be going back to Paris with my husband and parents. I can't wait to revisit this city!

I seriously walked around in awe for a week. Amazing.

It's so funny how life takes unexpected turns. Two years ago I would have said our trip to Paris was once in a lifetime, now I'm living closer to Paris than I am to my hometown. And going back for a second time.

I'm one lucky girl.

over the river and through the woods, remix

2009-02-12T11:29:00.006-07:00

This:

Has turned to this:

Because of this:

It's beautiful.

over the river and through the woods, to my place of employment we go.

2009-02-03T13:46:00.004-07:00

See the road in the center of this photo? That's the path I take to work each morning. It's a lot more, well, wet than when this photo was taken, but it's a beautiful path to see in the morning, especially when mist is rising off the river.

I can't wait til spring when, I hear, the sun comes out again!

I have nothing new to report. My job is getting better, Darren is 1/3rd of the way finished with his Master's degree, and the winter season has been WAY more mild here than I expected.

We're happy, we miss various things from home, and we love Scotland. This is the best and the hardest adventure I've ever been on, which makes for a weird juxtaposition of emotions at all times...

Good thing I married a semi-patient man!

Opera House Glove and Caplet Grosgrain Giveaway!!!

2009-02-02T09:15:00.003-07:00

I can't resist! I'd totally wear this out to a fancy Opera house,
Broadway theater, or to a Gatsby themed party.

Opera House Glove and Caplet GIVEAWAY!!!!

my heart is full also

2009-01-22T13:31:00.010-07:00

(This is me trying to get down the hill by our house...I'm not athletic, so it was awkward to watch.
Which is why D took a picture(s) of it.)

Can I just say?

1. I'm happy NieNie is back to her blogging ways. She reminds me to be thankful, hopeful, and prayerful.

2. I love my husband. We have been the worst communicators this week (I blame myself) and tensions have run high at times, but I woke up this morning to the most delightfully drawn "Have a good day" note that I've ever seen.

3. Plus he made me a new header. "Flames, flames shooting from the side of my head." I think its a good portrayal of my attitude this week. Come on over and see it, you Google-Read-ers.

4. I'm thankful for my job. It's boring as all get out, and as my mom so aptly put, "It is always hard to go back and be an observer when you have been in the drivers seat." The student I work with is a dream, he's funny and well-behaved, I just wish that I was teaching again.

5. I am SOOOOOO excited because my Mom and Dad are coming to visit in April. The flights have been arranged, the hotels booked, and itineraries plotted, with a flurry of emails back and forth. Darren and I are going to be joining them in London, Paris, and then they are coming back with us to Aberdeen for a few days. I am seriously SOOOO excited to see them.

6. I am so happy for my sister in law Heidi and her fiancee Jim. They got engaged in December and are getting married in May. Which means...

7. I am coming HOME in May!!!!!!! We wouldn't miss the wedding for anything, so we'll be making the trek across the pond in May. We are still unclear on the details, and have no idea how long we'll be in the states, but I am praying that I get to see my friends in Utah (even for an hour!) and my family and friends in Idaho for a few days.

Can you see why my heart is full? This is shaping up to be a beautiful year!

P.S. Well, other than The Dark Knight being totally snubbed by the snotty Academy of Motion Pictures, that is. The only silver lining is they my beloved Slumdog Millionaire is up for Best Picture. Benjamin Button is KINDA a snooze-fest in my opinion.

just a reminder to myself

2009-01-10T14:12:00.009-07:00

Sometimes when I get weighed down with the all encompassing desire to pack up and go home (I already missed Boston's birthday, and today I'm missing Livee's) I just go through the pictures we've taken of Scotland and try really hard to be 100% here.

I know this is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and for the most part I am genuinely quite content, I just hate missing out on fun! It just isn't quite home yet. Although, even while in the states I don't get to live in Idaho, so logically I'd probably be missing just as much 'stuff' any way. It's just that besides Darren, my best friends are also my parents and sisters, and they are getting together tonight, which tends to make me get a little restless.

Add insult to injury for the fact that these kids are in the mix too and game over.

But man, it is beautiful here...

And sometimes there are even surprise reminders of family in the dark ally-ways of Edinburgh...

(Marilyn is my Mom.)

let's go to the movies! let's go see the stars!

2009-01-09T10:52:00.007-07:00

While we were dating, D and I went to at least 50 movies together. Sometimes we would go to three or four movies a week. It was our favorite date, looking back, I don't know how we ever got to know each other because we were sitting in a movie much of the time.

We always sit back row center. Under the projectors. It's our favorite spot. We get to movies really early just so that we don't miss getting our seats.

The worst movie viewing experience we had was when we went to Memoirs of a Geisha with my parents on New Year's Eve 2005. It was a painful and awkward (which felt like much longer) three hours. In fact we went to the matinée, but when it was over Darren said "Happy New Year!" because he felt like we had been there long enough for the next day to have arrived. Ugh.

Needless to say, after we were married we started going to the movies less and less. I guess that happens some times when you are married. I imagine we were trying to be more frugal, I really can't remember. We still would have our "Must Sees" and we probably still went to the movies more than most people do, but we didn't see every thing in the theater like we had before.

I still love going to the movies with Darren. He is the perfect movie companion, he isn't afraid to "Shhhhush" the obnoxious people sitting next to/in front of us, he doesn't talk, he tells me when to uncover my eyes after the scariest images have faded.

We've only gone to three movies since we lived in Scotland. Quantum of Solace (great movie, saw it before anyone in America, wished we would have watched Casino Royale again before we saw Quantum), Australia which we totally loved (I've seen it on worst of 2008 lists, but we thought it was old-fashion theater and we thought that Nicole Kidman was adorable).

But today, today we saw Slumdog Millionaire. We've been waiting for it to make it's way up to Scotland and it was worth the wait. It's completely delightful.

{ETA: I guess this movie that I'm raving about is rated R in the states. It is rated the PG-13 equivalent here and I am SO MAD, not to mention perplexed, that it is rated R back home. It is billed as the "Feel Good Movie of the Decade" on billboards here, and honestly, I am shocked that the MPAA rated it as such. Darren and I can't fathom why it is rated R, but I'm still posting my review of it because it's FABULOUS. I would not hesitate to re-watch this in the same room as my parents, which is, ironically, more than I can say for the PG-13 rated Geisha. I'm super irritated about this.}

And this kid? He's amazing. Pure gold. And the images of Mumbai are not to be missed. It is one of those movies that changes your world view, just a bit. And shows you just how blessed you really are.

I'm totally rooting for The Dark Knight to sweep the awards season, but if some of those can be shared with Millionaire, I'd be thrilled.

it's offical! i start monday!

2009-01-08T11:31:00.003-07:00

After two months of waiting, all my final paper work has gone through and I start work Monday!

I went to an information meeting and tour at my new school today, got my schedule, met a bunch of really nice people, bonded over Mormonism and my he-only-has-one-wife husband with the Religions teacher (he asked where I had lived in the states, Utah came up, and you know where it went from there), and figured out how to maneuver the very confusing hallways.

I'll be working one on one with a 12 year boy, and helping other students and teachers at they see fit to assign me. I'm so glad that I got a job at a school. The camaraderie and the teenagers make me feel not so far from home!

I'm so happy to be going back to work, I love having a job!

i hesitate to add competition to the playing field but...

2009-01-05T06:06:00.004-07:00

Everybody meet bird on the lawn, bird on the lawn, meet everybody.

This lovely lady and I shared church, a Primary calling, and the fact that we both have bearded husbands in the year we overlapped living in a small East Provo neighborhood. I coveted her wellies and adorable curly hair from afar, and was really too shy to share much more than smirks when funny things would happen during Primary. I totally regret not having them over for dinner, because I KNEW they would be fun, but I was "so busy" (eye roll) with school.

We recently reconected over the world wide web this fall, and I've been reading her blog(s) every since. She's a very talented photographer on top of everything else.

Well, I'm here to tell you that she is having a fabulous 9 days of giveaways New Year celebration.

You should really check it out. She's gathered some mighty fine wares for you to win. And all of the different giveaways are open until the 9th of January, so make sure you go back and check them out.

Have I mentioned that she is a mother to a newly born baby girl like maybe a month old? Awesomeness is in her blood.

Good Luck!

happy new year!

2008-12-31T16:29:00.005-07:00

This year, our celebrations will look more like this:

than this:

I don't really believe in making resolutions, but if I did, this year I would vow to design/invent something totally clever in order to make enough money to open up my own Sonic Drive-In franchise in Scotland.

The end.

What? Look people, I'm not that ambitious, but I AM easy to please.

dear blogging community

2008-12-30T16:00:00.004-07:00

Please end your holiday and come back to the key board.

Please stop partying and post your Christmas pictures.

Please halt your shopping trips, your travel itinerary,
your New Year's Eve plans.

I'm bored and need something new to read.

Love,

Lindsey

on christmas

2008-12-24T09:14:00.005-07:00

One of my church parties this year was based on A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and I’ve been thinking about my Christmases past, present, and future.

My favorites so far in life are those from Christmases past. Our annual Christmas Eve family party, when I was young and all of the girls were in music lessons and we'd have to prepare and present our holiday recital pieces. Some years we would borrow a set of choral bells and play carols. Waking up on Christmas morning in new pajamas opened the night before, it wasn't until I was much older that I even realized that it wasn't a surprise what we were opening any more.

On Christmas morning all of us had to wait with my mom in our bedroom for my Dad to turn on the Carpenter’s Christmas Portrait and the lights on our tree before we could come out; the traditional egg casserole breakfast already warming in the oven. The year my parents gave us back the toys that they'd saved since our childhood.

Darren and I shared our first Christmas with his family in Denver. We had so much fun, and I have fond memories of the new traditions that I got to share in that year (and that we are sadly missing this year). The holiday started out with some fuss, you see Darren realized after going through airport security that he had forgotten all of my presents at home. The night before he had playfully reminded me to pack his presents, but forgot to pack mine. After a frantic 20 hours or so, we finally got a hold of one of my good friends, giving her our permission to break into our house, find the hidden presents, and hand deliver them to a friend-of-a-friend who was flying into Denver late Christmas Eve. I still give Darren such a hard time about that. It wouldn't have been so bad if he hadn't reminded me not to forget his!

Our Christmas present is cozy and warm. The rolls are raising, the flat is clean, we're re-watching season three of Alias. It seems to be quite magical in Aberdeen this Christmas, the city so old and established. There are stories to be told by the cobblestone streets and granite buildings. As magical as Aberdeen seems to me, it is no match to the magic of my Christmases past.

See, we miss you terribly, our family and friends, but we are happy, and healthy, and oh, so blessed, so I have nothing to complain about.

Best of all, when I think of Christmases future I see our friends, our families, our sisters, our brother-in-laws, and our nieces and nephews...and even somewhere in that distant future, some of our own dark-haired babies as well. And I know it’ll be worth the wait.

Merry Christmas!!

XOXO

--Lindsey

P.S. An awesomeness nativity. Photo credit here.

a christmas fyi to myself

2008-12-23T11:55:00.007-07:00

I had never heard of this gift-giving guideline until my Mom told me about it a few weeks ago. I thought that it was a really good way to keep Christmas gift giving on the right track. After reading this post by DesignMom, I've decided to file this information away for when I have my own children. By the time you add presents from Grandmas and Grandpas and other family, not to mention small gifts from friends, it is a recipe for a more than generous Christmas!

The Christmas Gift Giving Guideline for My Future Children:

Something to wear,

Something to read,

Something they want,

Something they need.

What my guideline approved wish list would look like this year:

And of course you have to have lots of somethings to eat:

And on Christmas Eve you have to open up a pair of new pajamas. (We decided that neither of us were in need of new pajamas this year, so it'll be the first time in 28 Christmases that this tradition won't be fulfilled. But never again!)

Darren totally disagrees that Christmas should be about anything that you need. But in my family, your stocking (and the area on the couch around your stocking) was always filled with a year's worth of lotion, q-tips, cotton balls, lip-stuff, socks, underwear, a new toothbrush. These were right along the small gifts like a new book, or a DVD, etc. Even when I was grown and in college I always loved getting these items at Christmas time because it meant that I didn't have to buy any of those practicalities for myself, ever. And regular, every day items take on some of that magic when they are concealed in an over sized stocking mixed with your Christmas orange and Hershey's kisses.

So, what do you think? Do practicalities have any business mixing with Christmas?

me and katie h.

2008-12-21T17:16:00.003-07:00

Remember this? And then this?

Well, now we have this:

(Please disregard how obese I have become.
You know what they say about how cutting back on Diet Coke helps you lose weight,
it's not true.)

the movie you shouldn't watch when you are homesick for your three sisters, your own 'marmee', & the father who loves all his girls.

2008-12-17T09:19:00.010-07:00

This is especially true when your 14-year-old self totally identified with (and wanted to become) Jo March with every ounce of her being. Including the refusal of a 'perfectly good marriage proposal' only to fall in love with a tall, dark, and handsome Professor. (Well I DID do that.)

Not to mention the fact that my childhood home was every bit the haven that Orchard House is for the March family.

Tears and all, I highly recommend a re-watch of:

Seriously, it's SO good.

we believe...

2008-12-12T17:56:00.016-07:00

The arrival of this holiday banner from
my mom inspired my new weblog banner.

And it's true. We DO believe...in the magic of Christmas.
And despite being far, far away from home this year,
we can't wait to celebrate! Merry Christmas!

christmas joy

2008-12-11T12:50:00.006-07:00

Thanks to my generous in-laws, my dear friend Celby, and craft night with the Young Women in my ward (thanks for inviting me Amelia), our flat has a few Christmas decorations! Here are a few sneak peaks.

on holdiday to edinburgh, part four

2008-12-09T06:18:00.012-07:00

I promised a castle weeks ago, so here are some pictures of the Edinburgh Castle. Our pictures don't do it justice. It was amazing. Here a few pictures from within the castle complex. I won't add too much description, you can see for yourself how medieval and beautiful it is. Tomorrow I'll post some pictures of the city of Edinburgh from the castle grounds.

The statues 'protection' the entrance to the castle.

And if those don't scare you, the spikes on the gates just might.

One of the many stone pathways.

There were a lot of different buildings within the castle complex. Some were used as museums, some were being used by the current military unit stationed there, some turned into shops and cafes. Others were just there to walk through and view.

Wood and windows in the Royal Hall.

There are always beautiful and unique things to see when you're visiting a castle. This lion was no exception.

a holiday sale

2008-12-02T05:32:00.007-07:00

ETA: Carrie just added a giveaway to her holiday sale! Now, happy shopping! And good luck on the giveaway!

My college roommate of one semester slash adorable friend slash talented photographer named Carrie is having a holiday sale in her etsy shop.

Let's show her some retail love!

this etsy shop is brilliant

2008-11-27T13:59:00.008-07:00

I stumbled upon the elloh etsy shop tonight while you all eating turkey and pumpkin pie (We're celebrating with some other Americans on Saturday, today was a normal work/school day).

I had such a good time exploring this shop, especially the section titled 'Ode to The Office" which includes characters from the beloved American version and the original, equally funny, if not more awkward British version.

If I ever get back to teaching in the states, this poster will grace one of my classroom walls:

And I always love seeing art inspired by my favorite movie of all time. I especially love the magnets.

But then there's the prints...

I so wish I could draw! It's always been something I wish that I could do!

i liked this...

2008-11-25T16:37:00.004-07:00

(This picture has nothing to do with this post. But I like it too.)

For some reason, THIS list made me want to blog when I haven't been up to it for the last few days. Thanks Sandra!

I've bolded the ones I've done...and italicized the ones I want to do in the next year...and ~~crossed out~~ the ones I will probably never do.

1. Started your own blog

2. Slept under the stars

3. Played in a band

4. ~~Visited Hawaii~~

5. Watched a meteor shower

6. Given more than you can afford to charity

7. Been to Disneyland/world

8. Climbed a mountain

9. Held a praying mantis

10. Sang a solo

11. ~~Bungee jumped~~

12. Visited Paris

13. Watched a lightning storm at sea

14. Taught yourself an art from scratch

15. Adopted a child

16. Had food poisoning

17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty

18. Grown your own vegetables

19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France

20. Slept on an overnight train

21. Had a pillow fight

22. ~~Hitch hiked~~

23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill

24. Built a snow fort

25. Held a lamb

26. ~~Gone skinny dipping~~

27. ~~Run a Marathon~~

28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice

29. Seen a total eclipse

30. Watched a sunrise or sunset

31. Hit a home run

32. ~~Been on a cruise~~

33. Seen Niagara Falls in person

34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors

35. Seen an Amish community

36. Taught yourself a new language

37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied

38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person

39. Gone rock climbing

40. Seen Michelangelo’s David

41. Sung karaoke

42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt

43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant

44. Visited Africa

45. Walked on a beach by moonlight

46. Been transported in an ambulance

47. Had your portrait painted

48. ~~Gone deep sea fishing~~

49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person

50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris

51. ~~Gone scuba diving or snorkeling~~

52. Kissed in the rain

53. Played in the mud

54. Gone to a drive-in theater

55. Seen a movie being filmed

56. Visited the Great Wall of China

57. Started a business

58. Taken a martial arts class

59. Visited Russia (or any of the former soviet republics)

60. Served at a soup kitchen

61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies

62. Gone whale watching

63. Got flowers for no reason

64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma

65. ~~Gone sky diving~~

66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp

67. Bounced a check (a Utilities check in college, I still don't know how it happened)

68. Flown in a helicopter

69. Saved a favorite childhood toy

70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial

71. Eaten Caviar

72. Pieced a quilt

73. Stood in Times Square

74. Toured the Everglades

75. Been fired from a job

76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London

77. Broken a bone

78. Been on a speeding motorcycle/scooter

79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person

80. Published a book

81. Visited the Vatican

82. Bought a brand new car

83. Walked in Jerusalem

84. Had your picture in the newspaper

85. Read the entire Bible

86. Visited the White House

87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (does a fish count?)

88. Had chickenpox

89. Saved someone’s life

90. Sat on a jury

91. Met someone famous--Jenni Garth & Patrick Swayze

92. Joined a book club

93. Lost a loved one

94. Had a baby (MAYBE this could take two years...)

95. Seen the Alamo in person

96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake

97. Been involved in a law suit

98. Owned a cell phone

99. Been stung by a bee

100. Lived in a foreign country

on holiday to edinburgh, part three

2008-11-22T16:00:00.019-07:00

So, we've been home for a week, but I still have lots of Edinburgh pictures to share. I am so pleased with how the pictures from this trip turned out. The lighting seemed to be just right, I have to make hardly an adjustments at all. It helps to have such gorgeous things to take pictures of.

Part three of this Edinburgh series is The Royal Mile. From my Scotland guidebook:

"The Royal Mile is a stretch of four ancient streets (from Castlehill to Canongate) which formed the main thoroughfare of medieval Edinburgh, linking the castle to The Palace of Holyroodhouse. Confined by the city wall, with some tenements climbing to 20 floors. It is still possible, among the 66 alleys and closes off the main street, to sense Edinburgh's medieval past."

So here is the first half of the Royal Mile from about Northbridge Street to the Edinbourgh castle. Although you'll have to wait until tomorrow to see the castle! I'm leaving you in suspense.

Walking up to the Royal Mile:

One of those alleyways, or closes:

Looking up towards the castle:

I spy some kilts:

St. Giles Cathedral: "Properly known as the High Kirk (church) of Edinburgh. It was from here that John Knox directed the Scottish Reformation. St. Giles's Gothis exterior is dominated by a 15-century tower, the only part to escape heavy renovation in the 1800s. Inside, Thistle Chapel honors the knights, past and present, of the Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle. The carved royal pew in the Preston Aisle is used by Queen Elizabeth II when staying in Edinburgh."

The Heart of Mid-Lothian: Remember my post about Sir Walter Scott? He wrote a book called The Heart of Midlothian which Darren was reading while we were in Edinburgh. Across from St. Giles, guess what we found? THE Heart of Midlothian.

This is the marker for what once was the center of the town, a prison, and one of several sites of public execution.

According to Wikipedia: "Visitors to Edinburgh will often notice people spitting on the Heart. There are a variety of explanations.

* Its a criminal offence in Edinburgh, an old by-law states that its illegal to spit anywhere apart from on the Heart of Midlothian
* One piece of folklore is that the criminal fraternity used to spit on the door of the tolbooth as they passed by, and this tradition is maintained by some people, who spit on the Heart for good luck as they walk past.
* Another is that the spitting is carried on partly by Hibernian F.C. fans, who are the rivals of Heart of Midlothian F.C. in Edinburgh, and so spit to demonstrate their feelings about the other football club.
* In more recent times, chewing gum has started appearing on the heart as part of this unusual tradition. Also, coins, especially "coppers", are thrown onto it by some people.

Instead of spitting, we took a self-portrait. Notice my new blue shoes? We had to buy them as soon as we got to Edinburgh because by the end of the morning walk to the Aberdeen train station my Chuck Taylor's had ripped my poor feet to shreds. I wore the Chuck's to (and all around) Paris two years ago with no problems, but I had to purchased a nice, solid, comfortable pair of blue Clark's for Edinburgh. I actually totally love them and will wear them out before we leave the UK.

On to The City Chambers and it's monuments. First a statue of Alexander taming the horse Bucephalus.

Second, a Veteran's memorial decorated for Rememberance Day.

More of the Royal Mile:

And finally, looking out at Old Town.

Tomorrow we'll visit a castle!

on holiday to edinburgh, part two

2008-11-17T14:25:00.010-07:00

Sir Walter Scott is one of Scotland's most famous poets and authors. He was also a champion of the Scottish way of life. This included writing persuasive essays to an Edinburgh newspaper trying to convince the United Kingdom Parliament to grant Scotland the right to print their own banknotes. Scott's letters worked and in honor of his dedication to Scotland, his portrait is printed on currency from the Bank of Scotland to this day.

I didn't know any of this before I moved here. Darren is taking advantage of his current locale and is gearing his studies towards Scottish authors. This means I get to learn a fraction of this information along with him. Needless to say, after seeing the Scott Memorial in Edinburgh, you can't deny how revered Scott is to his people.

It was also my favorite thing to photograph in Edinburgh.

I like this guy too.

P.S. My new banner is just one of the stunning Edinburgh skylines. That body of water in the distance is the Firth of Forth.

seven things tag

2008-11-17T04:22:00.002-07:00

7 Things I Can Do:
1. Make dinner in a pinch, without a plan, without a recipe.
2. Love.
3. Work. I love having a job.
4. Consume large amounts of food.
5. Shop.
6. Read. Read. Read. Anything with words.
7. Sleep, for hours and hours and hours.

7 Things I Can't Do:
1. Speak in church without crying.
2. Take a good picture.
3. Keep my house clean.
4. Love doing laundry.
5. Give up treats, desserts, diet coke.
6. Run. Or basically anything athletic.
7. Drink large amounts of milk.

7 TV Shows I Watch:
1. Life
2. Desperate Housewives
3. The Office
4. 30 Rock
5. Fringe
6. Survivor
7. Top Chef

7 Places I Like to Go Eat:
1. My mom's house.
2. PF Chang's
3. Joe Banditos: Springville Utah
4. The Sandollar: Aberdeen, Scotland
5. Johnny Carino's
6. Hagerman's: Draper Utah
7. Tuk Tuk: Denver, Colorado

7 Things I Currently Eat All the Time:
1. Chocolate
2. Diet Coke
3. Shortbread
4. Chicken
5. Toast with Hot Chocolate
6. Chips & Salsa
7. Peanut Butter & Jelly

7 Things On My Wish List:
1. Darlybird Black Coo-Coo Clock
2. My own house someday
3. Fabric
4. A new camera lens
5. Darren to teach in Idaho
6. See my family
7. A mild Scottish winter

7 Things I Say All of the Time:
1. "Whatcha doin'?"
2. "Reading blogs."
3. "Brilliant"
4. "How are the kids?"
5. "I miss you."
6. "Hi babe..."
7. "Ouch."

More Edinburgh pictures later today!

on holiday to edinburgh, part one

2008-11-15T13:10:00.008-07:00

On Thursday I met Darren on campus and we headed to the Aberdeen train station. I was about to embark on my first non-subway-or-state-of-New-York train ride! Darren has a friend from school who is in the band No Pasaran and so we coordinated our trip to Scotland's capital with their show that evening. Neil (the friend) was on the same train, so after a quick stop at his flat for his instruments and a local shop for a panini he showed us to the station.

After one canceled train (still a mystery), a cold wait at the station, a packed later train, seven (loud) jolly and drunk fellow passengers, and four hours later, we arrived in Edinburgh. And came up from Waverly Station to this:

I love that when you arrive in Edinburgh and come up from the bowels of the train station you are in the heart of the city center. It's just like Grand Central Station in NYC. You're immediatly seeing the city in all of it's glory. (Aberdeen's train station is a tad more removed from the city center. You have quite a walk, at least it seemed that way when we were speed walking to our bus home at 10 last night).

Our hotel was fine for the price and how short we were there. I love the sign out front:

I'm still not sure how many parts Luxury to Economy there were, but they served us piping hot toast to order with our continental breakfast so that was luxurious. On the other hand, our bathroom smelled like an outhouse, so that was definitely economical. We aren't too picky, and the bathroom was en suite, so it worked out fine. The best part about the hotel, and as they say, was location, location, location. There was a bus stop right out front. We could hop on and hop off from our hotel to downtown with no transfers. That is essential when you are car-less.

I loved the Edinburgh buses. Not only did they cost half as much as the bus in Aberdeen, there was no forgetting what country we live in:

Stay tuned for more Edinburgh in the next couple of days.

guess what?

2008-11-12T11:48:00.003-07:00

I have a job--IN A SCHOOL!

I interviewed this afternoon and they just called to offer me a position (I can't believe they are still working this late at night).

I am a "Pupil Support Assistant" which is basically a Special Education Tech and I will be helping students with Special Needs in their mainstreamed classes. I have been assigned one student, who is autistic, so while I am so EXCITED to be getting back to work, I am also scared to death. My experience hasn't been specifically with autistic students, but one of my favorite students of all time happened to have autism, so I'm hopeful. When he isn't in mainstreamed classes, I will help other teachers, fill-in for other assistants, etc.

The hours are great--8:45 am to 3:35 pm--with an hour lunch break (a luxury by teaching standards). It takes me just a 10 minute walk and one bus (no transfers) and a short 2 minute walk to get there which is essential for my new, n0-car ways. I will have lots of time left to do my church work and get some traveling done.

Everyone I met today was really nice, so I am really excited about this new job. I am also excited to order a pizza and a 12 pack of diet coke to celebrate my first paycheck. Oh the things you go without when you are out of work.

Simple Cooking for Two, Part I

2008-11-10T12:59:00.005-07:00

Welcome to a new series of posts dedicated to my newfound minimalist cooking techniques. None of these recipes are going to be gourmet, just simple, comfortable food, made with a few regular ingredients, with enough to feed around two people.

INTRODUCTION:
Back when we lived in the states and we had a full-sized fridge, it was way easier to make a huge meal, more than enough for two and save the leftovers. Darren hates leftovers so most of the time I ended up taking the rest of dinner to school the next day. I would get my serving and let my friends eat the rest. This happened quite a bit, especially with baked goods.

I can see where Darren is coming from on the leftover front, because while I don't mind eating real food leftovers, I usually don't like my dessert if it's sat for more than a couple of hours. Brownies straight from the oven = me eating 3/4 of the pan. Leftover brownies the next day = me dumping it in the trash. Ditto for about every other dessert that I make.

Now that our fridge is small and I don't have room (or the tupperware) for leftovers, I tend to make meals that are just enough for the two of us--for one meal. The downside to this is that I have to make a meal each night. This is hard because not only do I have to do a lot of meal planning, I have to get creative with the limited kitchen tools that I have. I have to use ingredients that I can buy cheaply, transport easily, and have space to store in my tiny kitchen. I ALWAYS plan about 10 meals every two weeks counting on some "chicken soup and grilled cheese" nights and a few days with leftovers (D has conceded that SOME things taste just as good the next day).

THE TOOLS YOU'LL NEED:
When we got married we were SO blessed with TONS of kitchen gifts. I registered for about everything I've ever dreamed of having, and I ended up with most of it. Ice Cream maker? Check. Mini-Food Processor? Check. Stainless Steal Toaster? Check. KitchenAid Mixer? Check. (From this amazing lady Jamie! Thank you, thank you!) Industrial Blender? Check.

Two years of cooking in a small, but well equipped kitchen totally spoiled me. I packed up all of these luxuries (with a tear in my eye) and arrived in Scotland with NO IDEA how I was going to cook without all of my "stuff". Well, I've been pretty successful, if I do say so myself, so I thought that I would pass on what I've learned.

I only brought five tools with me to Scotland. Here's the minimum you'll need to complete these recipes:

1. Kitchen Scissors (A MUST--I use them everyday.)
2. Williams & Sonoma Spatula (The W & S one I have resists very high heat--so I can use it around hot oil...brilliant.)
3. Large plastic spoon (I use it as a ladle, dough mixer, stirrer, etc.)
4. Mini Whisk (Ikea--I also use it as a potato masher, gravy mixer, etc.)
5. Can opener (Obvious)

When I got here I bought:
1. A knife. (Totally cheap, 78 pence one from grocery store. Working great.)
2. Cutting board
3. Sauce Pan with lid, 2 quart size.
4. Sauce Pan with lid, about 1 quart size.
5. Cookie sheet (Only about 1/4 of the size of the one you probably use)
6. Cake pan (About 7 X 9 inch)
7. Cheese grater (with a wide side and a micro-plane side as well--I use the small side for a zester)

As you can see, you don't have to have a bunch of tools to make a good meal, just these few items and a sink-full of clean, hot, soapy water. I used to think that I used every dish in my house to make a meal (my Dad DOES use every dish in the house to make a meal--Hi Dad!) but now I literally use every dish in the house almost every meal. I usually have to wash some of the tools two and three times in the middle of making dinner, but once you get past that, things go smoothly.

TODAY'S RECIPE:
Tonight I was craving comfort food, which to me also means something easy and fast, and with cheese.

Creamy Chicken & Rice Casserole
(feeds 2 adults plus two kids...or two adults and leftovers...or double it and make it for 6-8)

1 chicken breast
1/2 large onion
drizzle of olive oil
salt and pepper
1/2 brick of cream cheese, softened
2 heaping tablespoons of mayonnaise
1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (soup here does not come condensed, so you'll probably need to thin out your soup mixture with a 1/2 can of milk)
2 cups cooked rice (Minute is fine, regular long grain is better, long grain brown is best but I hate it so we eat the bad white kind. Check the back of the bag/box to see how much dry rice you'll need to cook to equal 2 cups cooked rice.)
1 cup Corn Flakes (when I buy a box of Corn Flakes, as soon as I open them I take out a couple of cups, seal it up in a freezer bag, and throw them in the freezer. That way I know I always have some for my recipes)

On a baking sheet, lay out your chicken and your chunk of onion. Drizzle both sides of the chicken and the onion with a little oil. Salt and pepper both. Bake at 350 until your chicken is cooked through about 20 minutes. Don't overcook your chicken or it will be too dry. I have found that 20 minutes is plenty unless the chicken is really thick. You might have to check it a couple of times, just make sure that the chicken is creamy white. Let your onion just roast away.

While the chicken is roasting, start your water for your rice. My rice takes about 20- 25 minutes to cook, so it's pretty even timing wise.

Meanwhile, mix the cream cheese, mayonnaise, soup, and milk. Grate the cheese and add that. Salt and pepper to taste, I make mine just a TAD salty because you are going to add the unsalted rice to this mixture.

Cut the cooked chicken into bite sized pieces, same with the onion. Add to the soup mixture. Mix completely. Carefully stir in the cooked rice.

Pour into a baking dish. I used my 7 X 9 pan and it was filled to the top. Sprinkle the Corn Flakes on top of chicken mixture.

Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes until the mixture is bubbly and the cheese is melted. Serve with steamed zucchini or green beans.

Enjoy!

(Image Midnight Mission, November 1957 by Leigh Wiener via Food on the Brain.

how can you really say thank you to this?

2008-11-07T06:13:00.005-07:00

Remember this post? Well, keep that post in mind as I tell you the following story.

Yesterday Darren answered a knock to the door. It was our Post Man. He had lots of mail for us--exciting stuff. A packet from the General Teaching Council of Scotland with my Teaching Certificate inside. A letter from a local Academy inviting me for an interview next week, and a big green package from Utah. Ooo-da-lolly!

I started (of course) ripping into the package from my dear friend Kathe. I taught with Kathe for 5 years...she was my Mentor teacher the first year I was there, we both loved maps and Geography, she was my boss, she was my friend. She had a key to my room and would let me students in after the first bell at 8:10 am rang, while I was just getting off the freeway trying to make it to school before the 8:15 am bell rang. She greeted me with a smile on her face every time. I miss her so much.

The frist thing on top of the package was an envelope with this year's OJHS Faculty picture, with a note saying "Happy Are We...But wait, someone's missing!" It was so great seeing the faces of all of my friends who I worked with at OJHS, especially since most of my school pictures are back home.

Next, a note. Saying, in part, "Dear Linds--Just thinking about you! It seems the manufacturers overlooked Utah when it came to plaid/checkered shirts! Maybe this is close? Thank you Katie H. for a great idea."

I sat there, a bit confused for a second, then ripped open the two smaller packages inside the box and found this:

A gorgeous shirt and gray sweater. I sat there for a second until, I realized that it was the outfit that I loved from that post. A post from over a month ago, a passing thought that she turned into a thoughtful gift. As I explained to Darren, with tears streaming down my face, the Katie H. who was being referenced, then what Kathe had done, I was filled with gratitude for her.

Then I found a bag of Dark Chocolate Moose Mix and a box of Hot Tamales (our favorite) and couldn't believe my luck. Not only for the gifts, but for the chance I had to work with such a great woman, and that I can count her as my dear friend.

Thank you SO much Kathe! I miss and love you so much!

Allison (took my place in Room #50 at OJHS), Kathe, Me, Cameo (another fellow History teacher and friend)

To: President-Elect Obama

2008-11-05T11:04:00.006-07:00

The hopes, dreams and expectations for

America

fall on your shoulders now that you have become President.

Please make sound and thoughtful decisions when it comes to our country.

Please be an example to the world of a strong, moral leader who stands up to terrorism and despotism, and an example of one who can be merciful to the meek and the downtrodden. Please continue our fellowship of Africa and the fight against AIDS and poverty.

Please strive to unite the two parties which have waged a bitter fight either for or against your election. Choose members of your cabinet who will temper your judgments, show you sides you had not looked at, inform you about issues you do not have experience in, and right your wrongs. Work with the Senate and the House of Representatives to make policies that will strengthen America.

Remember the lower and middle class Americans. Use big business to inform your decisions, not make them for you. Make sure that all Americans feel needed and important. Do not become indebted to lobbyists and special interest groups.

Work for progress in the energy field. Don't think of the welfare of nature before the welfare of your people, but don't drill on an uneducated whim. Incorporate business strategists as well as academia in your decisions.

Be true to your word. Remember where you came from and those who helped you to reach your dreams. Go home to your wife at the end of the day and thank her for raising your children, for giving up her privacy, and for being your better half.

Most importantly, please pray that you will be guided and blessed to know how to prioritize your new tasks.

Thank you,

A Fellow American

November 4, 2008

2008-11-04T03:16:00.008-07:00

I am so excited that we'll know who our next President is going to be tomorrow! So many people who know we're Americans have stopped me this last week to talk about the elections--everyone has their own opinion, but I can safely say that people from all over the world are anxious to see what happens too!

A couple of links that I think are worth checking out.

This post by my sister-in-law was very inspiring to me. Her post could be written by someone voting for either candidate, and she totally encapsulates the same emotions I have when I vote--and it's expressed so eloquently.

"I 'gave' him my vote."

And this video series from Newsweek. Entitled "What the President needs to do" it asks journalists what the winner of today's election should do first. Regular folks can also submit their own video to Newsweek if that is something that you're interested in.

And some election treat ideas:

Bakerella's sweet reminder...

Bipartisan Chocolates at Moonstruck Chocolate Company.

Or, take a hint from Perfecto's in Andover, MA and rock your vote with a Gingerbread Man. Either make the cookie-man you voted for, or bite the head off the one you didn't!

(Photos from this flickr photo stream.)

On a more serious note, I really hope that whoever wins asks leaders from both political parties to be members of their cabinets. After such a divisive election season, the President of the United States needs to be the example for mending the divide. More than any other desired outcome of this election, I really hope that the nation can heal a bit, to come together in the coming months to tackle the current issues. It is the only way for us to be strong.

Have a fabulous 2008 Election Day!

What's for Dinner? Election Night 2008

2008-11-04T02:16:00.001-07:00

Need something delightful for dinner? I have just the thing. I've been meaning to make this recipe from My Kitchen Cafe for two weeks, but I finally got around to it tonight. It was the perfect meal. Creamy deliciousness, white meat, peas, and pasta. It was really easy to throw together, even in my kitchen-of-5-tools-and-three-pans. In fact, it was so good I just started eating and didn't even bother styling a plate for a picture. If you click over to the link from My Kitchen Cafe (above) you can see a picture there.

Creamy Lemon Chicken Pasta
My adaptations to the My Kitchen Cafe version who got it from Cook's Country

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons butter
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream mixed with 1/4 cup regular milk (I used skim)
1 teaspoon grated zest and 2 tablespoons juice from 1 lemon
1 pound Penne (although you could use Fettuccine--and I used only 3/4 of a pound)
2 cups frozen peas
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Pat chicken dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. I hate handling raw chicken, so I roasted mine first. I just lightly oiled my pan, dumped the chicken in there, added my salt and pepper, and baked at about 350 for 20 minutes until cooked throughly. As it cooked, I started my sauce. Then when is was cooked I used my kitchen scissors to cube. This worked great and the chicken had really good flavor from the roasting.

Melt butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic to empty skillet and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add cream & milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice and simmer until sauce is slightly thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, cover, and keep warm.

Bring 4 quarts water to boil in large pot. Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta to boiling water and cook until almost al dente. Add peas to pot and cook until bright green, about 1 minute. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, drain pasta and peas, and return to pot. Add sauce, cheese, basil, and reserved chicken to pot and toss to combine, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

Because I thinned my cream with the milk, I did not find that I needed the reserved cooking water. I had plenty of sauce, although I would keep the water just in case.

I served this with a splurge--one of those take and bake baguettes from the store. I loved this meal, and it will go into the regular rotation. Next time I'm going to make a rue with the butter and garlic and use regular milk for the sauce. I don't buy cream on a regular basis, and hate having to run to the store for one thing, and it would eliminate a bunch of calories. But for Election Night, you can splurge!

Enjoy!

we were the service project today

2008-11-03T09:42:00.003-07:00

The missionaries took us to Cost-Co. It turned out to be mutually beneficial because unbeknownst to them, their card had expired, and they had no way of renewing it without their parents. Our card turned out to be expired as well, but since it was an American card, they couldn't run it through the computer anyway, so we were in the clear. Don't worry, I promptly got the information to renew online--and considered it a blessing that it worked at all. The poor missionaries had a cart full, and they were embarrassed (and upset) when they realized that they would have to put it all back. Alls well that ends well.

Comfortingly, Cost-Cos here are much the same as Cost-Cos there. The flowers, the electronics, the food, the samples. Lots of Kirkland stuff. Lots of new brands--mostly British. You'll be glad to know that the huge chocolate and carrot cakes are also available. As well as the Cost-Co sheet cakes. All I want for my birthday in May is one of those sheet cakes. YUM!

In addition to getting REAL Pace Picante sauce and frozen chicken breasts we splurged on a feed bag. (Hi Ms. Carter)

We also splurged and got Cost-Co pizza for lunch. The crust was a little thinner than what you get in America, but the taste was the same. In fact, it tasted like NYC pizza, which means it was delicious. I also bought one of their huge muffins from the Bakery (Double Chocolate). It was worth it's weight in gold (but only cost 50 pence). Refillable fountain diet-cokes and you have the perfect lunch. I'm so jittery right now I can hardly type. Oh diet-coke detox. You feel weird.

Some disappointments: We looked everywhere for one of those half-gallon bottles of Ranch Dressing, to no avail. Still on the lookout for Ranch Dressing in the UK. Also, no go on the Fabreze search. Our flat is so tiny that every room smells like whatever I made for dinner, so I am desperate for Frebreze. I'm trying the Wal*Mart owned ASDA tomorrow.

Cost-Co proved to be such a delight that I picked up a job application while we were there. There is a cake decorator position open, that I'm hoping for. Although, there are no bus runs at 5 AM out there, so that's probably not an option.

Finally, I am fairly certain I have an ear infection from wearing ear plugs to sleep in every night. But all in all, a successful day. I love you Cost-Co.