Those Missionaries

Well, our snow is all gone - we woke up Sunday morning to rain which had melted all the snow. YAYYY! It was very pretty but it got old fast. We've been having the missionaries over a lot. They are a funny couple of kids. They're very serious about the work, but they do like to joke around and I think they've kind of adopted us as surrogate parents. They've been over 4 times in the last week. Today they came with a new member to watch a DVD and they brought us lunch - Fish & Chips. Yummm! But Don HATES fish so all he got to eat was the chips. I thought it was pretty funny because I LOVE fish and when the missionaries called to ask if he liked fish and he told them "No" they thought he was joking so they went ahead and bought it. While we watched the DVD the missionaries took turns sitting in our massage chair (I think that's really why they like to come). Oh, and they ate my fudge.

Last night our ward council met at the church to put together gift boxes for members of the ward. We did 21 boxes. Unfortunately, it's always a member of the bishopric who does the shopping for the food for the boxes and they buy the weirdest stuff. Nothing Christmasy at all. Things like fruit snacks, granola bars, crackers with peanut butter, and non-Christmas candy (Starburst, Laffy Taffy, Smarties). I can't take it one more year - I'm volunteering to shop next year and put together something much nicer and more festive. Also, we wrap boxes with Christmas paper and the men do it so sloppy and the inside looks awful. We have to do something about that next year too. We delivered 3 boxes and still have 2 more to deliver. We gave the missionaries 3 to deliver too. Some of them are going to investigators. I'm actually kind of embarrassed to give them out. Oh, and there really wasn't as much food for them this year because the counselor who bought it didn't bother to figure out how much he needed to buy so they look kind of pathetic.

We did a little food shopping yesterday to make sure we had everything we need for Christmas Eve, Christmas and when Don's kids come. I think we're ready now. We're actually going to have pizza for Christmas dinner because we're saving the turkey and fixings for when Don's kids are here and Joshua personally requested pizza. I'm OK with that - it's easy!

I'm having trouble with this post because Chloe is sitting next to the monitor putting up her paw at me to get my attention. Then she sees movement on the screen and tries to paw at it. The joy of cats.

Well, we have to go deliver those boxes and I'm going to try to make some berry thumbprint cookies and maybe one other kind. We'll see what I get around to - I'm trying not to put too much pressure on myself or have too many specific expectations for Christmas. I'm just going to be happy for whatever happens and whoever is here.

Glad to be Alive

Well, like a dummy, I thought I might be able to get down the hill to the store today. I think I might need a mental health check-up because it snowed again last night and looked worse than ever. But here was my reasoning: I thought the underneath part had melted and it wouldn't be too bad to drive in fresh snow. OK, that was super dumb. I actually made it out of our development and a short way down the hill. I was planning on going straight down the hill instead of turning and going down our usual route (there are two routes and I thought the straight one might be less steep). Well, my car decided to slide and turn at the corner of the usual route so I headed that way. Just as the hill started getting steeper I started sliding again and this time ended up facing back up the hill. I saw another car putting chains on just below me. I figured out at that point I'd be lucky to just get back home and a snow plow coming up the hill pointed me to another road next to me that had been plowed and sanded. So after much slipping and sliding I finally got onto that road and it was fine until I got to the place they'd stopped plowing, but to get back home that way I had to keep going. It was soooo scary. I got to a place that curved while going downhill and I just kept sliding. Little by little I tried to control the slide around the curve and down the hill and then back up to our street. Getting back into our garage was very hair-raising but miraculously I made it all the way back without an accident. I'm not going out again until the spring thaw (which I hope is next week). Don, to his credit didn't say "I told you so" even though he had. As soon as we can get out I'm making Don buy chains.

I guess we probably won't make it to church Sunday which is a shame. The Sunday before Christmas is always my favorite Sunday of the year. The choir has practiced for weeks and every voice is needed. Maybe they'll have to cancel church, we'll have to just wait and see. The weather report looks like we'll get a little break sometime next week. I hope things start to warm-up by Christmas Eve so the kids can come and so Don's kids can come the day after (which is the plan right now). Can't count on it, though. On the plus side, it's really beautiful outside. Very picturesque!

Snowbound

Backyard after snowstorm

Front yard after snowstorm

View from Living Room window

Front of our house after big snow

Well, our big storm came and we have about 4 inches of snow on the ground with more to come. They have about 2 inches in town and all the schools are closed and there are ice warnings. It's BRRRR cold (low 20's and teens at night and not above freezing in the day). We're home bound right now and I'm canceling everything coming up this week. I'm hoping we'll get out by Friday to go to our ward Christmas Party (it's a Mexican themed party and I love Mexican food). Wednesday is Jeremy's birthday and we have his gifts but I don't think he'll be able to get up the hill so we may have to postpone it.

Since we had to stay home today I baked some wonderful ginger cookies (Lily's mom gave me the recipe) with a lemon glaze and then Don and I wrapped presents. I'm glad that's finally done - I kept putting it off. I think Don was more eager to help than usual because it was that or go shovel snow (which he still better do). I also did some more sewing on the sails for Don's model of the Mayflower (he's almost done now).

Joshua and Lily came over Friday evening and Lily brought me a beautiful fresh wreath that her mother made for us. It's so much prettier than any store bought wreaths. She told me she'd show me how to make them next year. Evidently she has equipment that wires them together and she makes lots of them every year. She's really talented - she also makes beeswax angel ornaments.

I got a speeding ticket last Thursday. I was driving down the hill and the speed limit is only 25 mph which is ridiculous (but the speed limits in this town are all really low for the roads). Anyway I was speeding and I got caught. So I went right down to the courthouse and paid my fine ($115) . OUCH - that hurt! But I won't be speeding down the hill again, I learned my lesson the hard way. And, now we can't afford to go to see the lights on the coast and spend the night so that little trip got canceled. Oh, well - live and learn.

We had fun yesterday afternoon at a birthday party for a lady in our ward who will be 82 on Christmas day. She's from Switzerland and never married and she's an absolute riot. We really love her. Some other friends hosted the party and everyone brought little gifts. We sure love our friends in this ward.

We've invited our home teaching families over for a little party next Saturday night. Hopefully the weather will be cooperative by then. We did it last year and everyone liked it and it's easier for us than having to go visit everyone this busy time of year.

I'm posting pictures of our snow. It's still a big deal to us and it's so beautiful.

Twilight

I can now officially give my long-awaited review of the movie "Twilight." I know everyone's been waiting with bated breath for my revered opinion. Anyway, I went with my Book Club group last night to see it (kind of a fiasco getting there because the theater changed it's times so we ended up going to another theater and trying to call everyone to tell them of the change). I had lowered my expectations quite a bit after hearing a few things about it and, of course, books are always better than the movie made from them. But I must say I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked it. It took me most of the movie to really think Edward was handsome enough but I think his personality won me over eventually. I must say Dr. Cullen was spooky looking and his makeup looked pretty fake, but he played the part well enough to make me believe he was the good guy he's supposed to be. Jasper was freaky too. Those weird staring eyes and "on the edge" expression were creepy. Of course, that's the way he's supposed to act, I guess. But, overall I think they pulled it off. Most of the characters were either as I imagined or at least I could accept them without a problem, and the setting was exactly the way I pictured it. The effects were good too and I think they stayed very faithful to the story and somehow were able to condense it into the time frame of the movie without losing anything important.

Tuesday night was our "Night in Bethlehem" Enrichment Night. It was sooo wonderful. The committee had lined the room with a beautifully painted Bethlehem backdrop and set up tent booths for food. We dressed in robes and scarves and ate dried figs, dates, olives, grapes, pita sandwiches with chicken salad made with grapes and apples, and for dessert we had homemake Baklava (so delicious!). We sat on sofas, soft chairs and floor cushions while we ate and talked and then shared stories about our service swap from our previous Enrichment Night. We also shared our Christmas traditions. Afterward, an angel came out and announced the birth of the Savior and then more angels joined him and they sang some Christmas songs. After that we were led to another room where a group of women had set up a nativity scene and Mary told the story of the Savior's birth from her visit by the angel Gabriel through Christ's presentation at the temple after his birth. It was very beautiful and spiritual with more Christmas songs. It was such a special evening. I wore Don's robe and one of his scarfs around my head and as I was leaving, my friend (who's kind of tall) looked at me and said, "Oh, you look like a little hobbit." We all looked pretty unusual (one lady looked like she was dressed like a flapper but she kept explaining she was a lady from Babylon and another folded a quilt in half and wore that over her shoulder with a belt around her waist).

I finally have a night at home tonight, but I do have to go take Joshua to Lane Community College to take his final this afternoon. He's now questioning whether he really wants to get a degree in Graphic Arts & Design. I thought he'd finally decided what he wanted to do, but I guess not. I wish he'd decide and get on with it. He's got enough credits for his AA and quite a few towards his BA but still doesn't really have a focus. He wants to write and has to figure out what to do with that desire and ability.

It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas

It's looking pretty Christmasy around here. Nearly every house in our neighborhood has outside lights and decorations and I love the mall and stores this time of year with the trees and decorations and lights. The whole town is lit up and sparkling.

Friday night I went with 2 other women on the First Friday Art Walk (I said before it's once a year but found out it's the first Friday of every month). We walked around downtown to 6 art galleries and some other shops. There were lots of people, live music and free food. There was some incredible art and one gallery in particular was filled with amazing paintings, sculpture, jewelry, pottery, glass, etc. Afterwards we went to a little cafe for gelato. It was lots of fun and very "Eugene."

Sunday was my Relief Society lesson on joy. I've never had a lesson come together so easily for me or go so successfully. Everyone wanted to participate and one woman bore her testimony afterwards, crying about how much she needed this lesson because she should have joy in her life but doesn't (someone I never would have expected to say that). The sisters really loved the angel ornaments we gave them too. Sunday afternoon we went over to the Creche Exhibit and saw over 900 creches. Unbelievable!! Nativities from every country you can think of and made from every kind of material imaginable. Also depicting every kind of animal as nativity participants. There was a live nativity there and singers and other musicians. Then Sunday night we watched the First Presidency Christmas Devotional which was so good and so inspirational. It was a wonderful day.

Yesterday we found a good used mountain bike for Jeremy for his birthday. He just needs it for occasional backup transportation so he didn't really need a brand new expensive bike, but actually, the one we found on Craigslist is pretty nice, just needs a little tune-up. And it was only $50 - a bargain!

Tonight we're having the missionaries to dinner (they requested Don's "Mexican Feast" which consists of chimichangas, tamales, spanish rice, and refried beans). We also invited over the new member whose baptism I just spoke at. I'm not eating with them because tonight is also our Relief Society "Night in Bethlehem" Enrichment Night so I'll be eating there. I'm really looking forward to it. Our enrichment committee has been working hard for a month so I know it's going to be wonderful.

Tomorrow night our Book Club is going to see "Twilight" - finally!! I'm really excited to see it and as soon as the movie is over I'm going straight to the store that sells Twilight t-shirts and get one. Lily got one after she saw the movie and I want one too.

Don and I are planning to go see a beautiful light display at Shore Acres State Park (they have thousands of lights in a beautiful garden) on the coast just below Coos Bay. The Shore Acres display is kind of famous around here because it's so spectacular and we've wanted to go since we moved here. It's a 2 hour drive so we'll spend the night because we don't want to drive back after dark (it's kind of a dangerous drive after dark - at least to us). Joshua's going to try to get us a good deal at a Comfort Inn in North Bend (just above Coos Bay).

Our Christmas House

Above the Kitchen

Dining Room Window

Living Room Christmas Tree

Woodland Nativity

Bookcase in Family Room

Shelf at Staircase Landing

Bird Alpine Trees at Staircase Landing

Closeup of Family Room Woodland Tree

Family Room Woodland Tree

Family Room Fireplace

Thought I'd post some pictures of some of my Christmas decorations. I'm finally pretty satisfied with my decorations. I changed some lights over my kitchen, had to buy new lights for the deck after Don spent 1 1/2 days trying to fix the old ones and I bought 3 new little Santas for a display shelf. Next year I want to make a few more changes (upgrades) but I have to do a little at a time.

Last night was the baptism I was asked to speak at. It was very nice and I guess my talk was fine. Then I had to rush over to another building to take two of my Nativity scenes for a Community Creche display our church hosts every year. There will be over 900 Nativity scenes there this year. It's quite spectacular.

Tonight our Relief Society Discovery Group is going on the First Friday Night Art Walk downtown (held every year on the 1st Friday in December). There will be lots of art galleries open for viewing so it should be fun. Then we're going to a place called Perugrino's for gelato. Don't know if I can eat that - could make me sick. Next Tuesday night is our RS Enrichment Night (Night in Bethlehem) and then Wednesday night our Book Club is going to see "Twilight" since we read the book series.

We did our Costco shopping yesterday and need to get to Fred Meyer for the rest of our grocery shopping today. Got my budget and calculator on my iPod and I'm committed to stick to it. I'm loving all the uses for my iPod. I keep my weight chart and calorie count on it, as well as shopping lists, Christmas lists, check Facebook, email, movies and weather on it and have my scriptures, other books, recipes, medical and first aid information and lots of games on it. Also music and photos, of course.

My physical therapy seems to be helping my left shoulder. The therapist finally discovered that my AC joint is the primary problem but the muscles in my upper back are very tight and contribute to my pain and immobility. He stretches the muscles and manipulates the joints which is helpful. I also have a few exercises to do.

Tomorrow is December

Well, Christmas is coming and I'm finished decorating (although my deck lights are acting finicky) and my shopping and Christmas cards are done but I still have to wrap the presents and that's my least favorite Christmas "chore." I'm feeling semi-organized but that could change at a moment's notice depending on what else comes up for me to do. Right now I'm preparing a talk on the Holy Ghost for a baptism this week and my Relief Society lesson for next Sunday. It's on "Finding Joy in our Lives" with an emphasis on joy through service. I'm giving each sister an angel ornament to remind them to be angels to others.

We had an unexpectedly nice Thanksgiving even though both the boys went elsewhere (Joshua to Lily's mom's and Jeremy to a friend's). We invited two single sisters (one an investigator) over for Thanksgiving and really enjoyed spending time with them. One of them brought a "Frozen Lemonade Pie" which was absolutely yummy! It's made with frozen lemonade, sweetened condensed milk and whipped cream in a graham cracker crust and frozen. Try it, you'll like it. I made a really good layered jello/fruit salad (more like dessert) - Bottom layer: lemon jello mixed with pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, cream cheese and melted marshmallows; Top layer: raspberry jello mixed with raspberries. I also have found a wonderful recipe for brussel sprouts (if you like brussel sprouts and I do). You fry some bacon, take it out of the pan and chop it up. Then you saute the cut in 1/2 brussel sprouts in the bacon grease for a few minutes, add chicken stock, cover and let cook a few more minutes. You take the lid off and let the stock reduce and then add heavy cream and let that reduce. You serve with the chopped bacon. Just reading the recipe will make you gain weight, but man is it good!

Last week was very busy, rewarding, but also frustrating. We had 3 families in the ward that needed food orders so I got them prepared and to the bishop to approve and sign on Monday. Then, because none of the sisters have cars, I picked them all up on Tuesday to drive them over to the bishop's storehouse to pick up their orders. Two of the sisters (one was the investigator we had to dinner) were great but the other one wanted more stuff once we got to the storehouse so they kept asking me to approve one more thing. I didn't really want to because her order was already big and I knew the bishop didn't want her to get too much but it was hard to tell her no in front of all the people there (she probably figured that out) so I let her have what she wanted. And, although, her previous food order had been huge, she had made it last a long time so I figured she'd do that again. Anyway, I found out on Thursday that she and her husband had left town Wednesday morning to return to Utah and go "back to drugs." I don't know what she did with all that food (sold it, probably). It's very disheartening to try to help someone and have them take advantage of your generosity. I don't even know if it's the food that's bothering me as much as the time, energy, emotion and support the bishop and I spent on her. I know these things happen and I have to try not to judge the next person who comes along by what the last person did, but it's easy to get jaded.

We went to a financial advisor here in Eugene last week to have him analyze our investments. He suggested some changes that would be safer for us and make more sense for our stage in life so we've decided to take his advice and also let him handle our investments from now on. Tom Mills was great but we need someone closer so we can sit down with them and discuss things from time to time.

I didn't make it to church today because I woke up feeling pretty sick to my stomach. Once in awhile I have had that happen since my surgery, usually because of something I ate the day before (it was probably that "Lemonade Pie"). Anyway, I haven't felt too good most of the day - maybe it's just all the Thanksgiving "extras" I've been eating. I have to get back to my normal diet again. What's weird is, I always lose more weight when I eat like this. Thankfully most of the "bad" leftovers are gone now. Don ate 1 1/2 of the 2 pumpkin pies I made single-handedly in 2 days. He's the one that should have the stomach ache.

I'm going to take pictures of my Christmas decorations to post soon.

Change of Plans

We've decided to have Thanksgiving at home after all. I was watching Food Network (a very bad idea late at night when I'm already hungry) and decided I wanted all the yummy Thanksgiving leftovers so we went out and bought a turkey and all the trimmings. Then we found out about a couple of single sisters who didn't have anywhere to go for Thanksgiving so we invited them over.

I was at church from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. yesterday. Church then 3 meetings and choir practice. Long day, but the poor bishop still had hours to go before he got to go home and he'd been there hours before me so I shouldn't feel bad.

I finished my Christmas shopping Saturday. We cut way back this year and it's kind of hard not being able to buy everything I'd like to for my kids but they're old enough to understand and they're really not that demanding. I'm just used to being able to do more. My Christmas cards are finished and ready to go out and I'm pretty much on top of all the Relief Society end of year and holiday stuff (gifts for sisters, 2009 budget, 2008 RS history, orders for Bishop's night at DI, food orders for Thanksgiving, Enrichment dates for 2009, Dec. Enrichment Night, etc.). I'm feeling pretty organized at the moment but that could change quickly. I was going to start decorating for Christmas this early this week but since I'm having people over for Thanksgiving, I guess I'll wait til the day after.

I'm so happy that my favorite radio talk show host, Glenn Beck is moving to the 3-6 p.m. slot instead of 6-9 p.m. He was always getting preempted for stupid basketball or baseball and besides, I don't usually have time to listen in the evening.

Joshua and Lily came over Sat. night. I gave them all Joshua's old Christmas ornaments but I'm not sure Lily's going to want to use them. I think she may want to decorate in a more elegant way. Joshua gets one free night at his hotel a year so Lily spent the night in the jacuzzi suite last night - today is her birthday.

Giving Thanks

I've been thinking about all the things I have to be thankful for lately. Tis the season, I guess. I am so blessed with such a wonderful family, beautiful home, great friends, good health (except my shoulders), and most of all my testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Being Relief Society President has really been a blessing because it has helped me appreciate all I have when I've seen so many with so little. It's also helped me be more compassionate and giving. With the tough economic times, we've decided to cut out some less essential expenses (Netflix, my nails, Glenn Beck insider subscription, etc.) and I was feeling pretty sorry for myself for having to sacrifice some things I really liked having, but I realize how blessed I really am and how much I take for granted most of the time. There are a lot of people in this area who are homeless, mentally-ill and/or drug-addicted and I feel so thankful that I don't have those problems.

We had the missionaries to dinner Friday night and I gave them some names of less-active sisters in our ward to go visit. They were anxious to get as many names as they could and I was glad to have them help. Already they have two sisters and their families they're teaching and working with - I'm so excited about that and so are they. They're giving me the credit but they're doing the work. We love having the missionaries over - they're so enthusiastic and fun and they actually like my food and think I'm a good cook - that's a first.

I went to physical therapy Friday and found out I have very little chest expansion when I breathe (which isn't good) and that I have some very tight muscles on my left side neck and upper back which may be affecting my shoulder. He worked on the muscles for awhile and will continue to each week when I go.

I had our Relief Society Book Club here Thursday night. We have so much fun - Don asked if we ever talk about the book - all he could hear was lots of laughing. I told him we talk about it a little but I have to admit that we mostly talk about other stuff and just have fun and eat goodies.
We're planning to go see the movie "Twilight" in December (after the crowds die down a little) instead of having a book club night in December.

I made Cider Pumpkin Bread last night from a recipe I had that sounded really good. I was going to serve it tonight for Empty Nesters Family Home Evening. It smelled really bad while it was cooking (bitter or something) and tasted the same. I guess it was the apple cider in it that made it taste so bad, so today I made some regular pumpkin bread which tastes great so I'll serve that with spiced cider tonight. Don't know what I'll do with that other bread - it looks good and is nice and moist, but just has a bad taste - what a shame!

Since Joshua's going to Lily's mom's for Thanksgiving and Jeremy's going to a friend's, Don and I are going to go out to eat. Probably to a great restaurant we went to for my birthday.

End of busy weekend

Well, the election is over and although, most of the candidates and issues I voted for didn't win, I'm thankful for democracy and our right to vote and have our voices heard. Unlike some, I will do my best to support our new president and pray he is the kind of leader our country needs and will make the right decisions for our country. I think we need to continue to speak out for what we feel is right and against what we feel is wrong but hate and anger will get us nowhere. My biggest concern is that we stand fast and firm in defending our Constitution - the rights of free speech and to bear arms. I believe we need to continue to promote capitalism and not let our country slowly drift into a more socialistic form of government. These are vital to our nation's survival, so as I said, I'll pray fervently for our new president and other government leaders that they might be guided and directed by God.

Yesterday Don and I planned to meet Lily's mom and dad at Oregon Electric Station for lunch to discuss the upcoming wedding. Lily's dad wasn't able to make it so Lily's mom, Marilyn brought her friend instead. Turned out that Oregon Electric Station isn't open for lunch so we stood in the pouring rain trying to decide where to go. We decided to try Ambrosia (Italian restaurant). After we both drove there and paid for parking we discovered Ambrosia wasn't open for lunch either. Finally Don suggested Steelhouse Brewery (a sports bar and grill) so we went there. The food and atmosphere are great but a Ducks game was on so it was crowded and noisy - not that conducive to wedding planning. Don enjoyed it because he could completely ignore our conversation and just watch the game. Marilyn is very creative and talented and under Lily's direction has everything outlined for the wedding, reception and an evening party. I'll be a "worker bee" and help where I can but I don't think I have much to contribute creatively. Marilyn collects antiques and has an extensive collection of antique dishes and snack sets as well as silverware. We'll be using that for the wedding and I know she'll make it very elegant. I'm going to try to borrow tables and chairs from church (don't know if they'll let me, but I'm going to try) and I'm lending myself (from Relief Society) our nice white tablecloths that I would ordinarily not lend to anyone - I'm making an exception for me.

After a two hour lunch, we came home for a few hours then picked up a friend and met two more friends at The Shedd for dinner and a concert. We saw Ian Tyson (cowboy singer). He's a former folk singer and his songs still have a folk sound but cowboy lyrics. It was pleasant except he swore a little and had a couple of political opinions (which I didn't appreciate). His music was very enjoyable, though and it's always fun to be with friends.

Next week is crazy busy with RS Book Club here, physical therapy starting, a Missionary Zone Conference luncheon we're in charge of and we're having the missionaries to dinner the same night. Plus I have to start thinking about putting together our RS history for the year, finding out what I need to order from DI for Bishop's night and getting new conducting/teaching schedules planned for next year as well as finish preparing my RS lesson for December and getting gifts for the sisters. I'm getting them some kind of angel ornament (probably cookie cutters) because my lesson is entitled "The Errand of Angels." Lily's mom makes beeswax angel ornaments which sound like they're beautiful but they're $5 ea. and $200 for 40 just isn't in my RS budget - I wish it was.

I've been going through all my Christmas ornaments and sorting out all of Joshua's to give to him and Lily. I'm not sad to get rid of 11 or 12 basketball player ornaments and several football ones. They're welcome to them.

I bought a cute dress Friday - it was on sale and is the only wintery dress I have so far. I feel foolish wearing summery dresses to church in the cold winter rain but it's tough trying to get a new wardrobe for each season.

Shoulder surgery

Well, I went to the orthopedist for my follow-up today and I definitely need surgery on my right shoulder. I have a torn rotator cuff - the tendon is hanging by a thread. I'm waiting until the 7th of January to have it (wanted to be able to decorate for Christmas) - then 4 weeks in a sling and 6 months until full recovery with lots of physical therapy in between. That's going to be VERY hard! Don will have to do a lot for me and I'm sure he'll be sick of helping me by the time I'm well. I'm just hoping to be fully recovered by Joshua and Lily's wedding. My left shoulder will need surgery too, but the tendon is still OK so it can wait.

Went to Costco yesterday and Don bought me a new down jacket. I didn't have any warm jackets that fit me and I've been freezing - this one is nice and cozy and it was a good price.

Milo had a little outdoor adventure the other day. I guess he got out and we didn't know it - we thought he'd gone back into the garage. By the time we discovered he was out, he'd been out all night and he didn't come back until later the next day. We were pretty worried for awhile because we looked everywhere and called him but couldn't find him. Don finally opened the garage door and eventually he wandered back in.

Eugene is an interesting town. The other day I was driving by the library when I heard people yelling and saw them pointing. When I looked to see what they were yelling about and where they were pointing, I saw a guy riding a bike with no pants on. What more can I say about that?

I'm posting pictures of some of my fall decorations, my Gingerbread Pumpkin Trifle and our view this time of year.

Here's the recipe for the trifle:

Pumpkin layer

1 box instant vanilla pudding (made as directed) - large box if your bowl is big
1 can pumpkin - large can if you use large box of pudding
1 tsp. cardomom or cinnamon

1 - 2 boxes gingerbread mix (made as directed) - use 2 boxes if using large bowl

whipped cream

Layer crumbled (large pieces) gingerbread, pumpkin mix, whipped cream - repeat. Top with crushed gingersnaps.

The missionaries and our other guests loved this trifle the other night.

MRI, etc.

I got a call yesterday asking if I could come in last night for my MRI so I did. It wasn't too terrible because I took 2 Valium and they gave me headphones so I could listen to relaxing music and they gave me glasses that had mirrors which allowed me to see out the end of the tube. It helped a lot. Now I just have to wait for the results and hope I don't need surgery. If I do I think it's just an outpatient surgery but the recovery time is very long and my arms will have to be in slings for 6 weeks - that's pretty limiting. We're having the missionaries and an investigator and his son for dinner tonight so I've been making cheesy potatoes and a gingerbread pumpkin trifle. If it turns out as good as I hope I'll post the recipe - it's easy.

I talked to Lily's mom and we arranged to have lunch with her and Lily's father a week from Sat. at the Oregon Electric Station (a really cool restaurant with railroad cars you eat in). I've met her and talked to her before but it'll be nice to meet her father and to discuss some things about the wedding. She wants to involve me quite a bit.

I finally registered and got on the new Family Search and did a little combining of records and requesting temple work to be done. I was a little surprised that there was still some work that needed to be done for some ancestors that have already been found.

We had a little scare with Milo. He must have gotten out of the house sometime on Tues. but we didn't know and thought he'd gone back into the garage. Wed. morning we realized he was no where to be found. We looked and looked and called him but couldn't find him anywhere. Finally Don just left the garage door open hoping he'd come back in and eventually he did. He was happy to be home - he must have had a cold night outside.

Don's almost done with his Mayflower model ship. He's waiting for me to sew the sails for him. I'll probably do them tomorrow. It's a very impressive model - I put a picture up when he finishes.

Joshua & Lily

Joshua & Lily

My poor shoulders

Well, I went to the orthopedist today and had some X-rays done. I have calcium deposits and bone spurs on both my shoulders and because I've had them so long and the pain has been going on continually for a year, she's afraid I may have tendon damage so she's ordered an MRI (Yikes, claustrophobic nightmare). If there's tendon damage I'll probably need surgery because physical therapy and cordisone shots could damage the tendons more.

Yesterday Don and I walked out the front door to come face-to-face with a doe eating my potted flowers. This morning there were 3 deer eating my backyard plants. They're hard to shoo away - they just stand there and look at you. I took some pictures, but the light wasn't good so they're not great but I'll try to post them. I also took some pictures today of the beautiful fall foliage in Eugene and also of our new hospital (again, bad lighting-bad picture).

Yesterday was Stake Conference but it was a regional broadcast with Pres. Uchtdorf, Elder Perry and a couple of other general authorities speaking to all the stakes in Oregon. It was very good - 1st time we've had a Stake Conference like that.

I already finished reading "The Last Lecture." It was very good, inspirational and full of wisdom. Very short book but well worth reading, highlighting and re-reading.

Gas has sure gone down - it was $2.51 in Springfield this morning. Hope it stays down but it probably won't. Why hasn't food gone down too?

I'm Cold

It's 65 degrees outside but I'm freezing all the time. This being skinny makes you COLD! I'm not used to this.

I went to my RS Book Club last night and discussed "The Host" by Stephenie Meyer. It was a great book - very thought-provoking. Our book club thinks there are a lot of hidden gospel messages in her books, particularly in the Twilight series. Next month we're reading "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch.

Joshua and Lily have set their wedding date - it's Sat. June 20th 2009. Hope lots of family can come, I'm so happy and excited for them. They are good for each other and get along so great.

I just voted. In Oregon everyone votes by mail. Don voted after me and ended up voting different on several of our ballot initiatives, they're so confusing and our ballot information booklet doesn't explain them well at all. I had heard enough about them on the radio that I think I had information about them that he didn't. We should have discussed them together, I guess.

I had some great cookies last night and I can't wait to make them. They're pumpkin-chocolate chip but the recipe is soooo easy. It's just a spice cake mix, a can of pumpkin and a bag of chocolate chips. Yumm!

Enough for now.

Monday Morning

We had a great time at the Ralph Stanley and the Clinch Mountain Boys concert Friday night at The Shedd. We sat with the directors of The Shedd Institute at dinner and learned a lot about how they book the artists and about music in general. I felt a little ignorant because they know everyone in the music industry, most of whom I'd never heard of, but it was interesting and made me want to attend lots more concerts.

Jeremy's car broke down yesterday and we think it's dead. I don't know what he'll do about transportation because he can't afford another car and the rainy season is starting. I worry a lot about him.

Don and I are attending the "Strengthening Marriage" class in Sunday School now and it's been helpful - we're already communicating better and working on issues we've been ignoring for awhile.

We've got a lot of sisters in our ward that are going through some very difficult times and need help and support. I worry about them and it's difficult knowing that I can't always solve all their problems. I've come to love people who are very different from me and whose circumstances, backgrounds and choices are very different from mine. Being Relief Society President has really helped me grow and become more compassionate and understanding.

I bought some Size 0 jeans on Saturday - Wow, that's amazing, and they feel comfortable and look good. My weight has been stable now for about 3 months - I hope I can maintain this weight forever now. So far, it's been easy.

I've started a blog

My first blog posting - how high-tech of me. I thought I was getting pretty internet savvy getting on Facebook, but now my own blog - WOW!

Yesterday was our 3 year anniversary of moving to Eugene. A lot has happened and changed in those 3 years and I see more and more the Lord's hand in guiding us here. When we went back to Napa to visit in August it really didn't seem like home there anymore. Home is here and we love it!

I'll write a little family update first to catch everyone up with what we've been doing.

Well, the Abbott family is a complicated bunch. Joshua is working at Comfort Suites as a front desk clerk (soon to start working graveyard), living in Springfield, going to Lane Community College majoring in Graphic Design and engaged to Lily Kintzley. We love Lily and are so happy Joshua has found such a wonderful young woman to marry. We're excited to have her become part of our family. Jeremy is still working at Arby's, taking a writing course and is doing pretty well. Don is busy trying to finish his latest model ship, The Mayflower; working at the Family History Center; inspecting missionary cars; going out with the missionaries; going fishing with his buddy, Skip; helping another friend, Horace, build model airplanes; and doing Sodoku (he's addicted). I'm still Relief Society President so that keeps me on my toes, lots of opportunities for service. I'm loving my new iPod Touch which I'm kind of obsessed with right now, and I'm also an avid reader - sometimes too avid - I'm trying to balance reading with other activities more. I love birding and gardening and spent lots of time this summer in the garden and watching my birds (mostly our backyard birds are goldfinches, house finches, rufus hummingbirds, pine siskins, flickers, and Stellars and Scrub jays). I love all our Relief Society activities; Dining Out, Book Club and Discovery Group (this summer we went canoeing, hiking and rafting down the Willamette River).

Last month Don and I went camping at Silver Falls State Park near Salem, OR. This was our first camping trip alone and we had a wonderful time. We rented a little rustic cabin in the park which was so cute and we hiked and relaxed. There are 10 waterfalls in the park but we only saw the two biggest - spectacular!

Last Tuesday night Don and I went to a Natalie McMaster concert with some friends who get free tickets and invite us to go with them occasionally. The concerts include a catered dinner before the concert so it's a great evening. The music was Celtic with fiddling, bagpipes, flutes, cello, bass guitar, piano and drums. Natalie also does step-dancing. It was so much fun and we had front row seats. Tonight we were given tickets (again front row seats) to another concert - this time Ralph Stanley who plays bluegrass. We're really looking forward to it.

I was diagnosed with pseudogout recently. I was having severe hip pain that prevented me from walking on my left leg. X-rays showed calcium crystals in my joints (pseudogout). The only treatment for me (because I can't take anti-inflammatories) is a cordisone shot - it did eventually help and the pain is gone now. I've been having a lot of shoulder pain in both shoulders for quite some time so my Dr. referred me to an orthopedist - he thinks I may need surgery, but we'll see. My surgeon is watching the breast lump I found a couple of months ago. He thinks it's nothing but is going to keep an eye on it. Guess I'm getting old, all these health problems, but I'm thankful I've got the weight off so it's not worse - at least most of my back pain is gone now. My weight has stabilized now with my total weight loss at 140 lbs., 117% of my excess weight - I'm thrilled!

Don's daughter, Jennifer, had gastric bypass surgery in August and is doing great. We are so happy with her progress.

Our hearts are very sad about the loss of our little great-nephew Ian Jacob Wood. Our niece, Mandi and her family have been in our thoughts and prayers.

Now I'm going to try to figure out how to post photos. Good luck to me.