Patience For Mr. Right

Because I have every intention to print out these posts and make a book for Sunny to read one day, I am going to direct many of my posts for lessons I want her to learn.


Patience is a virtue and patience is hard, but it is worth it. One day you will want to find Mr. Right and you may be lucky and find him immediately. Or, you may have to wait. Either way, he is out there for you. Trust in the Lord as he has a plan for you. You are his child, and he wants what is best for you.  Let me share my story of how I met your dad. I really had to be patient too, but it was worth it!

In high school, most of my friends were guys. I had a guy friend who I started spending a lot of time with, especially my senior year.. We did many things together, sometimes just the two of us. We ate lunch together, we went to movies together, we talked about our future goals together. We were always together and he knew me well.

He knew exactly what he wanted to do with his life. He would go to Dixie College, then on a two year LDS mission, then go to BYU, then he would go to school to become a pediatrician, and maybe he would marry me, I hoped.   You know what is interesting, all those things happened, expect the obvious last one.

I shared my goals with him too.  After high school graduation, we both went to Dixie College and we both hung out all the time. We started doing things every weekend. We never were serious, we were just good friends. We felt so comfortable around each other like a brother and sister would. I always thought he was handsome but we never once were intimate. We were just best buddies.

I started wondering if I should date guys and still hang out with him. I wondered if that would confuse other guys. There are plenty of awkward dating situations with him there along with another guy, but I will not go into details. Too much.

Anyway, long story short, he went on his mission and I went to BYU-H.  I met other people and kindof forgot about him.

About 2  years later, I was at BYU in Provo and I was checking my email one day. There were a message from HIM. My heart felt like it was going to burst out of my chest. He said he wanted to see me and do something together. For the first time in ever, I was a mess. I honestly never in a million years thought I would have that kind of reaction to his emails. I suddenly had feelings for him for the first time. Maybe because it had been years since seeing him. He was my best friend in high school and now I was so scared to see him.

I emailed him back.  One day, I ran into him on campus. We walked and talked on our way to class, but it wasn't like it was before. We were both nervous out of our minds. He was a returned missionary and I knew he was looking to get married to someone. I was hoping for the same thing. However, going from what we had to a whole new dimension of possible love, was not something I could handle.  I wanted him as the same friend I knew before.

We could be silly and casual and ourselves. I wanted that. I could not handle this pressure I felt or of how he felt. We were at BYU after all. Everyone had one agenda, to get serious with someone and get married.  I basically couldn't handle it and we never saw each other for a long time., because of me.

 We both dated other people.  I felt angry at myself. What was I doing?

In a nutshell, he ended up getting married to someone else, but I had no idea. I just felt magically one day, he would re-enter my life and I would wake up and just marry him.  When I found out he had married someone else, it was not easy for me to accept. I felt so angry with myself for such a long time.

One day, he emailed me years later. He was in his third year of school and he wanted to know how I was doing?  I thought he was still single, until I saw a picture of his wife and new baby.

I needed to feel happy for him, but it was  hard.

I guess I thought he deserved somebody better. Kindof like that movie, "Where The Heart Is." Now that I look back on those thoughts I had, I know those are not feelings from God.  All of God's children have infinite worth. I never realized that at 22.

After I graduated from BYU, I was still un-married. I felt like a failure.  I went home for a year and decided to return back to BYU for another degree, Special Education. I thought by returning there, I would for sure find someone.

Still nobody.

I decided to take a teaching job up in West Jordan at 26 years old, then in San Francisco area.  I was single and had nobody to worry about but myself. I lived it up in San Fran. I spent all my money and came home broke.  That is very un-characteristic of me.

I accepted a job in Provo, UT a year after San Fran. I was in my late twenties.  I didn't think I would ever meet anyone.

Rodney had been interviewing for a school police position and was down in Provo quite a bit for follow-up interviews. He got my phone number one day and called me. He lived up in Syracuse, but was willing to come down for a date.

Life has a way of suprising you though.  Four months later, I went on a group outing with my roommate and another friend. We met up with Rodney and we headed to the movies.

In only 3.5 months, we went on first date,  engaged, then married. I never thought that would happen. This concerned my mom. We didnt really know each other. But I prayed and just knew he was the one.

Life couldn't have worked out better for me, although many times I felt I was for sure going to die alone someday.  I am so glad I chose to stay close to the gospel and chose to not settle. As sad as I was for my choices, I am glad things ended up like they did, so I could meet your dad. EVERYthing happens for a reason.  I was supposed to meet Rodney.

Waiting for the right guy who could take me to the temple, was not easy, and there were times I felt I should just marry anyone just so I could feel accepted in society.  It is not easy, but I am a firm believer that something always comes out good at the end of a long road.

Sunny, Always remember to love yourself,  know your divine worth, and stay close to God. He has a plan for each of his children and if you are willing to be steadfast and obedient,  blessings will be in store.

Homemade Speghetti Sauce Over Speghetti Squash

Sunny is starting to love the gym daycare,  so much that when I pick her up, she runs and hides from me. She doesn't want to leave. For the past 2.5 months she has been going there, I have had to carry her to the car screaming because she refuses to walk. It's not an easy task. 

I know she's hungry and wants lunch. Since she only nurses at night before bed, which is only going to keep happening for another month, cross my fingers, she is hungry for real food much more.

I know her blood sugars are low and that is the cause of her mis -behavior. She needs food high in protein mixed with a carb, to sustain her blood sugars longer, but the problem is, she doesn't eat meat, except for mickey chicken nuggets and she can't eat dairy to much, or she gets diarrhea. 

I have tried beans, egg and avocado. She doesn't like those. She is a real picky eater. Her dad and I are starting to get strict when it comes to dinner time though.  She eats what we eat. If she refuses, she gets no substitutions. We will throw in some healthy sides such as tomatoes or cucumber to get her eating rhythm going.

Last night as we ate this speghetti squash with sauce, she refused and screamed for something else. I didnt serve hers with basil and made it look kid friendly.

We ignored it. Then I thought of something brilliant.  She loves Mickey Mouse and will eat anything he does. So I told her that Mickey loves squash with sauce.  Then her dad started singing the Mickey clubhouse song. She took a few bites after that. Whatever works, right?

We finally are harvesting some nice red tomatoes and we have a basil plant that is growing huge. I knew speghetti sauce would be the perfect way to incorporate these crops into.  Homemade Speghetti sauce with fresh garden tomatoes gently pureed so there is still that grear texture if tomato.  Add some ground beef or turkey, basil and Parmassan cheese, you have a complete healthy meal. It's very hearty which is always a positive in my book.

I am starting to get more serious about being more resourceful. Growing my own fruit and veggies in season, doing more food storage and learning how to can, baking more bread instead of buying, grinding our own wheat, continuing our compost collection outside, staying strong on the cloth diapering (no quitting this time) and getting her potty trained,  fast!   I have a tendency to be lazy or exhausted,  whatever you wanna call it. I hope I don't fall through the cracks, which I admit is in my history.

I want Sunny to grow up and carry on those traits. We must start teaching her now. However, cloth diapering is her own personal choice someday, if she chooses to do so.

Look at this sauce. Are you ready?

Homemade Speghetti Sauce

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 pound fresh tomatoes that have already been boiled for about 2 minutes and skins removed.
• 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
• 1/2 tablespoon dried oregano
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 2 T. butter
• 1 T. brown sugar

Optional: Add a half pound ground meat of choice. 

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DIRECTIONS

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat until hot and rippling. Add the onion and garlic and saute, stirring very frequently, until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.  Add the tomatoes, basil, oregano and bay leaves and simmer, covered, on low heat for 1 hour, stirring occasionally to make sure the sauce isn’t sticking to the bottom of the pot, until slightly thickened and the vegetables are completely tender. Stir in the brown sugar. Taste the sauce. Add salt and pepper as needed. Add the butter and stir to combine.
2. Remove the bay leaves. In a blender or food processor, puree the sauce for about 3 seconds. You want it to be lumpy, not completely smooth like a pizza sauce would be. The sauce can be frozen once it is cooled.

Serve over noodles or in our case, speghetti or butternut squash.

Recipe source: Melskitchencafe. Com and recipegreat.com

Broccoli Bacon Salad & Cauliflower Potato Salad (Two Ways To Get Those Veggies To Taste Great)

I created this online journal back in 2010 as an online journal and recipe index. I later decided to make it into much more. Nothing big where I get paid for blogging or sponsor. I have never been interested in that. I just wanted a history for later reflection.

If there is one thing I want to teach Sunny when she grows up, it will be to never gossip and if she knows someone who does it, to change the subject, fast. That is what I do and it works like a charm.

 I realize that by blogging and sharing my life with others, other may relate. Dont we connect better? Everyone has challenges and deep feelings that want to get out. We are after all human, right? But does everyone share, maybe not. I want others to know that I am no different then anyone else struggling with stuff in life. I may be more articulate about it, but I handle my deepest issues by talking or writing about them. That's just me. I have to do it. Holding things inside causes me to become sick. I think everyone should have a release. Just talk about it! I would be willing to listen to anyone who needed me.

 Now onto the food. I love to make healthy, wholesome foods, but they have to taste good. I detest bland food. The picture doesn't do this salad justice. It is bursting with flavor, trust me. If you have kids, they will love both these salads. The cauliflower potato salad is also a salad I have been making for years. Cauliflower is simply substituted for potatoes, and made the same way.

 Brocolli Bacon Salad

 INGREDIENTS

 Dressing:
3/4 cup light or regular mayonnaise
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
 2 T agave syrup
 Salad: 1 1/2 pounds fresh broccoli, chopped into small bite-sized pieces
3/4 cup sunflower seeds
 1 small red onion, finely diced (about 1/4 cup)
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Shredded cabbage, optional

 DIRECTIONS In a bowl, whisk together all of the dressing ingredients. Set aside. In a large bowl, toss the salad ingredients together. Pour the dressing over the broccoli mixture and toss to coat all the ingredients with the sauce. Put in the the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. Recipe adapted from Melskitchencafe.com Don't forget there is one more crammed into this post: Cauliflower Potato Salad
 1 head of cauliflower, chopped small and steamed to perfection
1/2 c. chopped red onion
1/2 c. chopped celery
 1/4 c. chopped pickle
1/4 c. diced olives (optional)
3-4 hard boiled eggs, chopped
 Dressing 1/3 to 1/2 c. of mayo (add to your liking for flavor)
1/4 tsp. salt and pepper to taste
 1/2 T. of Dijon mustard
1/4 tsp. of garlic and onion powder
1/8 tsp. of dill
 Mix in bowl and pour over veggie's. Chill for about an hour before serving. Source: escapefromobesity.net

Crockpot Butternut Squash Chili & An Art Museum

Today we went to Main Street Art Museum. Sunny was so happy to see her grandma there. She has a few pieces there. My mom has done exceptionally well with her art. She has many for sale in the museum and has won numerous awards. We are all so proud of her.

Sunny must of inherited that love of the arts that is in our blood.  I love art myself,  and could walk museum after museum all day if I could. I am lucky to have seen some fascinating art museums on different tours out of state.  Art speaks to my soul. I used to stare at old art pictures as a child and lose myself in imagination.  All art tells a story. All that art must of worn this girl out because she fell asleep.

Now onto this goodness.

This is one of our favorite recipes and we seem to have it more this time of year. This chili, omit the beans, is so rich in fall flavors, is very hearty, and will leave you very satisfied. The hints of cinnamon,  pumpkin spice seasoning, and rich salty beef stock, just compliment each other so well.  And what better way to get those veggies without even feeling like you're eating them. 

Ingredients

1 medium sized butternut squash, peeled and cut into small cubes.

1/2 c. Chopped onion

1 1/4 c. Beef stock

1 can diced tomatoes

1 pound lean beef or turkey meat, ground

1/4 tsp. Cumin

1 tsp. Cinnamon

1/4 tsp. Pumpkin spice seasoning

1/4 tsp. Garlic powder

1/4 tsp. Onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

 Add everything except meat. Set on low for 4 to 6 hrs. It could take less. Once squash is done, then it's ready. I recommend you cook the meat separately, then throw it into crockpot last 10 minutes of cooking.

Enjoy with cheese, avocado, cilantro, etc.

Grandma's Home

Sunny really missed her grandma (nama) while she was on vacation.  But today, Sunny got a special surprise.  She opened the door to this:

Nama came with souvenirs.  Let's see what she got:

She accidentally broke the yellow bracelet because she pulled it too hard. She was quite upset it broke. I can hopefully find her something similar.

She is quite the spoiled lately by grandma, and I don't think she minds one bit. ;)

I love they have such a special bond. Welcome home, "Nama"

Banana Ginger Spice Bread

This weekends fall treat consisted of all the flavors of fall with some pretty ripe bananas that needed to be used.  I give all credits to Rodney,  who made this bread.  It came out super moist and bursting with banana and spice.  We almost threw in chocolate chips but decided this bread could be great without too.

Ingredients:

2 Cups Flour ( we did part whole wheat.
1/2 Cup Brown sugar
1/4 tsp Salt
1 tsp Baking soda
2 1/2 Cups mashed Banana
1/2 Cup Butter
2 eggs
1 tsp Vanilla
Cinnamon and ginger to taste
Nutmeg and allspice to taste preferance

Mix the dry ingredients and set aside.
In another bowl put in the sugar and softened butter. Mix together and add the vanilla and the eggs. Mix and then add the bananas. When thoroughly mixed poor it into the dry ingredients. Mix well and place into a bread pan that is greased. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 for 60 minutes.

With this great weather we're having, Sunny is enjoying more time outside. She has a fascination with sticks, rocks, and dirt.

Tigger has been loving the outside too. I think mostly to get away from Sunny.  He usually wants inside only for his meals and water. He has another cat he likes next door.