I had a wonderful day!

Our little man was baptized on Saturday. He seemed so sure of his decision, and his elation at making a good choice was emanating from him all day. He was beaming. My only regret is that he changed out of his little suit before I was able to catch him on camera. I'll get one though. It was precious. My little man.

Look at how happy he is. Yes, the spirit was definitely rejoicing with him! What's funny, is that Forrest got to be baptized twice because his knee came up out of the water the first time. What's even funnier is that Emma had to be baptized twice as well, because her toe popped up out of the water. Not many people can say they got baptized twice in one day!

Nolan is a recent convert to the church. He was baptized in 2002. Nolan was saying that when he baptized Forrest, feelings and memories from his own baptism flooded over him, and the spirit touched him. It was obvious that he was overwhelmed with the spirit because he was choking up while performing the ordinance. I wish I knew what that felt like. I don't remember my baptism at all. Only that I waited a few months for my sister to return home from her mission in Finland so that she could be there.

After our get together at our house, I had the opportunity to attend another baptism. Now I'm not saying that Forrest's baptism wasn't special, not at all. But THIS particular baptism was really special, and was a huge huge blessing. I experienced a re-baptism of somebody who had been ex-communicated almost 2 decades ago, (unfortunately because of inappropriate and uncalled for doings of some of her church leaders at that time) and was very bitter, as anyone would be after experiencing what she did. Yes, this baptism was a big deal. Not only for her paradigm shift, and allowing the gospel to enrich her life again, but also because for this kind of baptism, the First Presidency has to approve it. How amazing is that, that President Monson, President Eyring & President Uchtdorf know about her, what she went through, what she's going through now, and gave her their blessings. Wow. Not many people have that privilege. The spirit was so strong in there. Her son who performed the ordinance was in tears, her son-in-law, who confirmed her, also chocked up during the blessing. There were very few dry eyes in that room. There were many many prayers that were answered that day. 

That experience reminded me that the gospel is true, but sometimes the members are not. They can either make or break the religion. When in doubt, get on your knees and pray. The Lord will comfort your heart.

By request, some nummy recipes. :)

Britty was given an assignment in her health class to come up with a healthy pizza, using wheat, lots of veggies and minimal cheese. Well, we've already got that down to a science. But for her assignment's sake, we made pizza again, and this time I took pictures to document it. (So for fun, I'll post those too.) But then, I was thinking I've had enough people ask for some specific recipes, including the pizza dough, so I thought it would make sense to post them here.

Pizza Dough:
(Thanks to Diane for giving me this recipe!)

2 cups flour
1 cup wheat flour
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 package yeast (about 1 tbsp)
3 tablespoons olive or vegetable oil
1 cup VERY warm water (120-130 degrees)

In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast. Add oil and warm water. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed for 3 minutes, scraping bowl frequently. (I mix by hand)

Stir in enough remaining flour until dough is soft and leaves sides of bowl. Knead 5-8 minutes or until dough is smooth and springy.

Cover loosely with plastic wrap and let rest for 30 minutes. Heat oven at 425 degrees.



Grease two pizza stones (or cookie sheets or 12 inch pans) with oil. Pat 1/2 of dough on each pan, and allow dough to rise again. (Here is the key) Partially bake 7-8 minutes or until crust begins to brown.



Add toppings and bake for another 10 minutes.



Now you'll never order out again. ;)



Not your average run of the mill zucchini bread. Trust me. :)

2 cups flour
1 cup wheat flour (sometimes I do half and half.)
2 cups sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
4 eggs, beaten
1 cup oil
3 cups grated zucchini
peel of one orange, washed & minced.

This recipe is delicious even without the orange peel, but is even better with. :)

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter two 9-inch loaf pans and dust with flour or wheat germ. Mix all the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. In a smaller bowl, beat the eggs, then blend in the oil. Use a spatula to mix the egg mixture into the dry ingredients in several additions, then fold in the zucchini and the orange peel. (It will be thick, you may need to use your hands). Divide the batter evenly between the two pans and bake for 50-60 minutes or until the top springs back when pressed lightly with a finger. The bread may cool in the pans for 5 to 15 minutes before being turned out onto a rack or plate. Makes two 9-inch loaves.

*Wanna make this into muffins? Go for it! It'll make 24, bake for 30 minutes.



"Patriotic Cookies"
(Cranberry-blueberry-white chocolate-macadamia...)

2 3/4 cups flour
(While we're on a wheat kick, why not mix it up?)
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
2 cups butter, softened
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
2 tsp vanilla
1 package white chocolate chips
2 jars (abt. 6 oz.) chopped macadamia nuts
5 cups oats
1 1/2-2 cups dried cranberries
1 cup dried blueberries

Preheat oven to 375. Beat butter & sugars until creamy. Add eggs & vanilla. Mix in baking powder, baking soda & salt, then add flour. Mix well. Add oats, fruit & chocolate. Using a medium sized scoop, place dough about 2" apart (they will spread). Bake 14-16 minutes, or until edges are golden brown.


Any other recipes you'd like?

Relief Society Women's Meeting.

I actually had forgotten that it was tonight, and obviously wasn't planning on going. However, I am grateful for the events that led to me being able to go, and am especially grateful to Lori-ann for putting up with my kids while I went. I was touched by some of the things that President Uchtdorf had to say, and I know that he was talking to me (and unfortunately many many women around the world as well.) I feel refreshed, and blessed, knowing that the Lord is aware of my inner struggles, and inspired one of his servants to talk on the subject. Along the same lines, it is encouraging to know that because he talked about it, I am not alone. Although it did sadden me as well to know that there are other women struggling with the same battle as I am. If any of you are interested in watching the broadcast, it's already available on byu.tv. All the talks were touching on very important and inspiring subjects, but for me personally, President Uchtdorf really hit the nail in the coffin.

Here are some of the things that he said that touched me:

"I am grateful for you and who you are, treasured daughters of our Heavenly Father with infinite worth."

"No matter how perfect everything is, looks, or tastes, Harriet will apologize for something that she thinks is imperfect." (Don't we all?)

"To me it appears that our splendid Sisters sometimes under value their abilities. They focus on what is lacking or imperfect, rather than that which has been accomplished, and who they really are."

"We know that sometimes it can be difficult to keep our heads above water, in fact, in our world of change, challenges & check lists, sometimes it can seem nearly impossible to avoid feelings over run by emotions of suffering or sorrow. I am not suggesting that we can simply flip a switch and stop the negative feelings that distress us. This isn't a pep talk, or an attempt to encourage people who are sinking in quick sand to imagine instead that they are relaxing on a beach. I recognize that in all of our lives, there are real concerns. I know that there are hearts here today that harbor deep sorrows. Others wrestle with fears that trouble the soul. For some, loneliness is their secret trial. These things are not insignificant."

"Creating and being compassionate are two activities that we, as his spirit children, can and should emulate."

"Isn't it remarkable to think that your very spirits are fashioned by an endlessly creative and eternally compassionate God? Think about it. Your spirit body is a masterpiece, created with the beauty, function and capacity beyond imagination."

"You may think that you don't have talents, but that is a false assumption. For we ALL have talents and gifts, every one of us."

"So what if what you create is not perfect. Don't let fear of failure discourage you. Don't let the voice of critics paralyze you, whether that voice comes from the outside, or the inside."

"Sisters, trust and rely on the spirit as you take the normal opportunities of your daily life, and create something of beauty and helpfulness. You improve not only the world around you, but also the world within you."

"When we reach out to bless the lives of others, our own lives are blessed as well."

"As we lift others, we rise a little higher ourselves."

"True words of encouragement require only a loving and caring heart, but may have an eternal impact on the lives of those around you."

"Let us open our eyes and see the heavy hearts. Let us notice the loneliness and despair. Let us feel the silent prayers of others around us and let us be an instrument in the hands of the Lord to answer those prayers."

"As spirit daughters of our Heavenly Father, happiness is your heritage. You are choice daughters of our heavenly father, and through the things that you create, and by your compassionate service, you are a great powerful good."

"God loves you, we love you and admire you."

Autumn. Aaaah, beauty.

I escaped into the mountains the other day. Let me show you what I found on my hike...










Isn't it just beautiful?

The whole Midnight Sun ordeal.

Long story short:
Somebody leaked the first 12 chapters of Midnight Sun, and they got posted online. On Stephenie Meyer's website, she hints that she has an idea as to who the culprit is. Not sure if she was violated directly by the person she trusted the manuscript with, or if an outsider got ahold of the unprotected project. Regardless, the damage has been done. She has been violated, and now has no ambition to finish the project. I don't blame her. She opted to go ahead and post those chapters (in raw un-edited form) on her website to prevent any further illegal downloads of her work. Pretty much "Here's all that you get, thanks to that person that ruined it for all."

Well, after debating back and forth for a few days, I finally gave in and read it (legally on Stephenie's website), and am so glad that I did. Now I have a completely different perspective on Edward's mood swings, and also Bella doesn't seem like a selfish whiner now that I have seen her through his eyes. Now I feel horrible for thinking she was a brat. Now I look forward to re-reading Twilight (for the 4th time) with a whole new perspective.

Needless to say, Stephenie is absolutely brilliant, and it infuriates me that someone would betray her like this. I hope that over time she will find the desire and ambition again to finish this beautiful project. I can imagine Midnight Sun being even more anticipated and successful than Twilight. Especially now.

In a group that I belong to, I came across this post:
"She explains what happened and how she doesn't feel she can continue to write Midnight Sun. It's so sad. I belong to a group on Flickr that has a link to a petition to get Stephanie to continue writing for her fans. If you are interested here is the link: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/345116618"

I understand that this petition has good intentions, but the fact is that Stephenie is distraught and broken right now, and no amount of petitions can force her to be inspired and write again this soon. She needs time to sort out this mess, and it is completely acceptable (albeit sad) for her to feel depressed & hopeless, and afraid to be betrayed again. She will write again when SHE is ready to, not when people tell her to. It is like forcing somebody who has been cheated on to love again the next day. It just doesn't work that way.

And in the words of Chris Crocker: "Leave Stephenie alone! Leave her a-lo-ooo-ooone!"

Small price to pay for the life of my kids.

I have had a lot to think about since last week. Isn't it frightening how thin the line between life and death is? Have you ever been in a situation where you realize one or two seconds later would have been too late? Have you ever had some life experiences replay themselves for you and you realize how dangerous the situation was (and could have been), or marvel at the fact that everyone is safe and wonder how & why they made it out safely? Or even in my case, a few times, I wonder why I was spared, and need to thank the Lord for that blessing. I laid in bed the other night realizing how many times I was within a snap of the fingers from fatality, whether it was me or my kids. Many many near misses. So many that I realize I must have a purpose here. Same with my kids. They were spared because they still have some purpose to fulfill here.

So what brought this on? Well, last week the kids & I (and a good friend of mine) went up into the mountains to find solitude. We ended up at a beautiful lake. Of course, we have to swim. How can you not? Anyway, we were there for a while, and Forrest was doing really really good to stay right by us, where the water was shallow enough that he could stand and keep his head well above the water, and of course stay within our sight. He started heading towards the shore and all of a sudden dropped down and couldn't get his head above water. I was in the water and to him within seconds. But had my head been turned the other way, even to flick a fly off my arm, I wouldn't have seen him go down. Even though he was right there in front of me. It would have been too late and I would have lost him. So while I was in the water with him, I felt around with my feet and found that there was a hole in the ground that was a few feet deeper, then it went back to the other depth. As if there once was a large rock that had been removed and left a hole. That's what he stepped into. He went down with the hole. Had he been 1 foot either to the left or the right, he'd have been fine. How fitting to life that is, when we think we're safe and have good footing, that's when the ground falls out from beneath us and catches us off guard.

Then about an hour later, Emma was playing on a floating log that she found earlier. She could sit on and use it as a floatie. So she sat on the log and lounged, and the current slowly took her further and further out. I started getting nervous, so I was calling to her to paddle herself back to shore. Britt swam out to be with her and to help her come back. The log was protesting swimming against the current, so they abandoned the log and swam on their own. It's Emma that has the calcium buildup in her muscles and arthritis, so I was getting nervous about her muscles fatiguing before she got to shore. I was watching them work and work and not get much closer. At that time I was telling Jess that I was worried about her wearing herself out and not being able to swim the rest of the way. Then I called to her and asked if she wanted me to come in and help her. Of course when she yelled back yes, she slipped under the water too. Britt was doing her best to keep Nem above water, but was struggling because it was deep enough that even she couldn't stand to hold herself up. So for the second time, I jumped in, fully clothed, to pull my struggling child out of the water. It's amazing that I was able to make it out to her so quickly. It seems that I was out there within a few seconds, where she was a good 50 feet or so from shore.

So twice that day, I watched two different children come painstaking close to drowning. Not because I was a bad parent and wasn't watching them, and not because my neglect put them in danger. No. Not that at all. In fact, they're both excited to go to the lake again next week. It's just that life is such a fragile thing and can be taken away in the blink of an eye. We may not be aware of how many times we almost cross that line. But I wonder what it is that I am supposed to learn from this experience.

The only fatality reported that day in the lake was that of my beloved cell phone, which was in the pocket of my shorts when I jumped into the water the first time. Small price to pay for the life of my son.

Strange visions, raging headaches.

I've been getting these strange headaches during the past couple of weeks. Now I am no stranger to migraines, not in the least. I'm used to seeing little floating sparkles and black specks, but I've had completely different visions. What I've seen looks somewhat like a halo or an aura that is crescent shaped. It is very geometric, like the crescent has dozens of prisms that are reflecting the northern lights at different angles and brightnesses. Like I'm looking into a portal to another dimension.

Whatever I am attempting to focus on, the sparkling seems to wrap itself around it. The first time it happened, I thought maybe my eye was wigging out. So I closed it. Still saw the sparkles. So I closed the other eye. Still sparkles. So I closed both eyes. Still sparkles. Okay, not my eyes. So it's something in my head. Great. That episode lasted an hour, then followed with a headache that felt like a vice grip around my crown, but also felt like extreme pressure from the inside, like the brain is swelling with every heart beat. I've experienced one or the other, but never both at the same time. I literally thought I was dying.

A few days past, then I had another sparkle vision, this time it lasted about 2 hours, then came the headache that had me vomiting.

Well, yesterday, I WOKE UP with the sparkling crescent already on display. Not a good sign. I went into work, did the best I could despite my vision being obstructed with this bright light refracting object. After 4 hours, it wasn't showing any signs of letting up, so I told the Chiropractor that I work with what has been happening, and asked if that sounds like it could possibly be an optical nerve impingement.

He sent me to the imaging center for an MRI immediately. He called them with instructions while I was on my way. Within a half hour of leaving my office, I was in the MRI tube. Then things got fun.

So in the MRI, the machine puts out all sorts of different vibrating (screeching) sounds at different frequencies that cause different responses in your body. Well, every 5 minutes or so, the machine does 3 long sounds that sound like the emergency broadcasting warning. Well, my body reacted to those. Every time (on the 3rd buzz, which is odd), my right arm all the way from my shoulder joint down to my fingers felt like it was being zapped & electrocuted. It was very painful! I told the tech afterwards, and he said he'd never heard about that before. I really wonder if it's connected.

So here's my questions:
First, has anybody had any headache/vision issues like that? If so, did you ever find out what it was? Is there something that triggers it? Is it treatable? Am I doomed for the rest of my life to have it conjure itself up at the most inopportune times?
Second, has anybody had an MRI that their body reacted to like that? Am I abnormal?