It's National Pie Day!!

Not that I need an excuse to celebrate anything - okay, I look for excuses to celebrate anything, lol.  But I decided this year that I was going to celebrate silliness.  I'm hoping to bring a little sunshine out, okay?  So anyway, today is national Pie day and I made pie.  ;)

I decided (for those of you who haven't read previous posts) that I'm giving up processed sugar and white flour.  This also means I'm being creative in the cooking department again.  Yesterday was blonde brownie day, so I made brownies from a recipe out of Lean and Free 2000 cookbook and left out the cocoa - they turned out a little dry, but very edible.  I like them...so that's all that's important, right?  lol.

I was thinking on the way home from work the phrase "have your cake and eat it too" doesn't make a lot of sense.  If we are holding a piece of cake, aren't we going to eat it??  Wouldn't it make more sense to say, 'make your cake and eat it too?' I think so.  Anyway, my desire in life is to make it possible to not only make our cakes but to eat them too.  And have them be of a healthy variety that doesn't make anyone feel guilty or like they've fallen off the wagon, so to speak.  ;)

So anyway - I digress (as usual)
Today's recipe is yet again a little different twist on the recipe I found Here.  It seemed the simplest at the time, and I've kind of stuck with it.  This is my initial remake of it at Sparkpeople.  But today I felt like doing something different.  Unfortunately, my brain didn't transmit the need for the skim or low fat canned milk to my son when I asked him to get it...so, alas, it's not as healthy as I would like, but it's still better than the original.  :)  I haven't put the whipped topping on it yet - so it looks a little naked, but it's still good.  ;)

Enjoy!

Banana Cream Pie

Crust - I didn't use one!  If you want one, go ahead and use your favorite kind.  The one I made before had vanilla wafers as the crust.

filling:
2.5 cups canned milk (next time I'll used the low fat variety)
1/2 C Land O Lakes Fat Free Ultra-Pasteurized Half & Half
1 egg
Xagave, 1/4 C
Cornstarch, 4 T
1/4 C powdered Stevia
Vanilla Extract, 2 tsp
Banana, fresh, 3 medium
1 Tsp butter

Combine the milk, cream and egg together, whisk till well blended.  Combine the sugar and the cornstarch in a heavy saucepan. Whisk in the milk mixture and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5 minutes.  (don't ask me why she does this...but well, go with it)

After 5 minutes stir the mixture constantly until it comes to a boil , about 5-7 minutes. (I ended up turning the heat up a little, and I admit, I didn't stand there and stir it every second, like she says to.) Boil and stir the mixture for one minute.  (it got really thick at this point, and it wasn't much of a boil - more like an erupting hot pot)

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and butter.

Let the filling cool down a bit before adding the sliced bananas. When cooled, add the sliced bananas and pour into the pie shell and smooth.

Now - I didn't let it cool.  I sliced the bananas and lined the pie plate with them, so they are kind of the crust.  Then I poured the filling on top.  I'm letting it cool before I put the whipped topping on, which is going to be Spiffy whip.  Have you ever heard of it??  It's amazing stuff, I tell ya.

Anyway.  Good stuff.  Enjoy!

New Year Vow

First - I'd like to say thank you for all your kind thoughts on the passing of my father.  Thanksgiving and Christmas was really different, and his Bday was empty - but I know he's totally happy and going about doing awesome things, so I'm good.  Life definitely goes on, you know?  ;)

Now - If you've read my blog at all before, you'll know that I don't hold much by way of New Years Resolutions.  I think they just bring more stress and frustration than anything else, and they are usually broken before the end of the month.  I DO believe in goal setting and determination.

Several years ago I determined that I was going to be more consistent in brushing my teeth.  A minor thing, you might say, but it was something I felt I'd been inconsistent on long enough and I cared about my teeth enough to decide I didn't want them falling out before I was 70.  (I HOPE) lol.  That is what I mean by determination.

Also, about 5 years ago, I started on a path to loose weight.  I've commented now and then about how it's been a struggle.  I found success for the first 2 years - hiring a personal trainer, etc., and managed to drop almost a 100.  Well....it's found it's way back.  Not all of it, but enough that I want to just sit down in a corner and cry.

At least I'm keeping myself from "eating cookies and cakes and blowing up like my Aunt Roberta...".  sigh.  (anyone name that movie?  Hm?)

But - it's desperation time again.  I've got to figure out what to do, and what it's going to take.  So today - for starters, I'm going to publicly denounce ALL white flour and refined white sugar.  I would say brown sugar too (which is only white sugar with molasses, did you know that?) but I can't be sure I'll hold to that one, I bake too much.  sigh.  I'm working on it though.

I realize that it's a small thing - we already eat wheat everything possible - but it does help when you think of sweets.  One of my biggest failings is the pastry.  I can not eat one for YEARS...but when I see one and it's calling my name...I have to have a bite.  I can actually eat only a partial piece, but ya know.  It's still there, haunting me.  At least I got the boys to eat the rest of the goodies my sister-in-law sent home the other night...UGH.

Anyway - so.  Not that anyone will care, lol, but I am making this commitment and sending it out into the world. 

Wheeeee!!!    ;)

Two Weeks Ago...

I can't believe it's been 2 weeks since the funeral for my dad.  It's still strange....still seems sureal.  My hubby even mentioned it today as we were driving.
We went to St. George yesterday and back today, nothing like a marathon drive.  His mom and step-dad are snow birds, but it's getting more difficult for her to drive herself, and we've been asking her to let us help her pack and unpack for a year or so.  She's always turned us down, but she finally agreed this year.  We originally were going to take her down on the first, but she changed her mind, and it was a good thing, because that was the week of the funeral.  So...We are always being watched over and there are always small mercies.
Driving back today, we disappointed her a little because she had hoped we'd stay the weekend.  But you see, my siblings were getting together and dividing up what was left of my dad's stuff.  It wasn't supposed to be much, but it was enough that my sister-in-law wanted her garage back, lol.
So, we were trying to get back when they were meeting, but one thing after another made us late getting underway.  And then, when we got to Filmore, we discovered that it was raining.  By the time we got to Kaysville, it was snow, and the traffic had been crazy from Provo on up.  You would have thought it was a week day and rush hour!!  UGH.
I do happen to like the raised speed limit though...it goes much faster!!
Anyway - there were few items that were of any value, but there were several that were fun and would be need for memorials.  A pair of cufflinks that were made in commemoration of the restoration of the priesthood.  Some ties that my sons and hubby can wear.  Some CDs that he liked to listen to.  Some clothing that will fit my sons and hubby.  Small things, but still -- there is a general feeling among my siblings and I that these are just things.  Dad isn't there, he isn't going to worry about any of these things, and he continues to live.
My sister happen to comment one day when she was counting off on the siblings that, "Oh, Lisa's out of town, Steve's out of town..."
We looked at her and said "Out of town?  They're dead!"
She shrugged.  "Well, that is out of town!"
So now I guess dad is out of town as well.  Wayyyy out of town.  sigh.
I guess one of these days I'll be able to handle it better, I won't tear up when I see a program or read the obituary.  I'll be able to think about going to the family Christmas party and know I won't hear his voice telling us the rules to the white elephant gift giving.  This year will be difficult because two of the four brothers are gone and everyone is going to be feeling it.
We are given this life as a gift.  Each person we meet and know and love is a gift.  The memories we have of them -- of life with them -- are a gift.
Priceless gifts that will never fade or go away.  The only thing we can take with us.
Truely an amazing gift from our loving father.
Remember to tell all you care about that you LOVE THEM today.  You never know how much or little time you have.

Farewell Dad

Well...today was one I didn't think I'd have to face for a while.  My dad's funeral was today.  He was an amazing man, with great love and compassion.  He loved to fish, play tennis and be with family.  It was the hardest thing I've done in a while.

Love you dad.  I'm sure you're having a great time with mom, Lisa and Steve now.  Remember we love you.

As If Things Couldn't Get Worse...

Have you ever wondered how some people get into certain positions?  I mean like the government.  All these people that are playing games right now with people's livelihoods were ALL voted there.  Isn't that a sad fact? 

We were listening to a radio talk show the other day, and the caller was saying that she was going to have to participate in the new insurance care bit.  (I refuse to type his name, okay?)  the talk show host asked her if she'd voted.  She said she hadn't because she didn't think her vote would count.

Well...this is a shocker, but now you see why your vote would have counted.  If more people had gotten out and voted for the OTHER GUY, we might not be in this situation as a country. 

It's pretty pathetic, and I'm sure it's harming our image over seas.  So far it hasn't effected my family personally except for a vacation we were hoping to take in a couple of weeks. 

Fish Lake is a National Park.  So, you know what that means.  Sigh.

How can so many people make so many WRONG decisions and not be aware of it??  How can they be so clueless??  And they are still arguing...

Any bets as to how long this lasts??  Apparently the longest one was during Bill Clinton's term.  That doesn't make me feel any better...this is the second time during this president.  I was surprised to discover that it was shut down 8 times during Reagans term, and 6 times during Carter's.  UGH.  I remember the Carter years, but I think I was in baby fog with Reagan, lol.

Oh well...everyone pray for our leaders.  They REALLY need it.

I Think I'm Turning Cynical

Or is it just aging?  I'm not sure.  I went to the doctors office with my daughter today and while waiting, observed there were 4 magazines in the rack for me to look at while waiting.  This was in the actual doctors examining room, not the waiting area - just to be clear.

One was GQ... which was totally full of men who were full of themselves...I mean wow.  I guess it's how men see women's magazines like O or Martha Stewart...hm.  Took me several minutes to find the article about Jeff Bridges, and after reading half the article I had to give up.  Too much language and it was getting into the kinky stuff that I really didn't want to know.  Found out that he's 10 years older than me and has actually been married to the same woman for 40 years, so that's something...

Another one was US...which is just a photo filled tabloid that passes as a magazine.  It has nothing but rumors and smut.  sigh.

one was Sunset Magazine, which is usually kind of interesting.  This issue was all about some really nice beach houses and wine country. A couple of recipes, but nothing I really wanted to try or copy.  Lovely.  Wish I had money.

The last one was the medical ones that the insurance companies put there that are supposed to have all sorts of encouraging things and suggestions.  This one had a little kid on the cover and was discussing raising healthy eaters.  Yeah.  Really felt like big brother telling me what to do...

So - either I spend too much time in doctors offices (which has actually been cut down quite a bit now that my youngest is 18 and hasn't done anything since breaking his arm this past spring, lol) or I'm becoming cynical.

Part of it is due, I think, to the latest bit about Obamacare.and all the hoopla over it.  I hate to say this - and it will label me, I'm sure - but it's what our government is headed toward.  I heard the statement made that our nation was headed toward a one payment plan type thing.  In other words, government healthcare.

Sigh.  Things are really going to the dogs. 

And my poor son.  Today was supposed to be the Bday party to end all bday parties.  We were going to do a glow in the dark nerf war.  I found all sorts of cool glow in the dark sticks and stuff and my hubby got strobe lights and I made a cake (well...it was kind of lame, but he liked it) that looked like nerf bullets, and you know what??? NO ONE CAME.  Not a soul. 

The same thing happened at his 16th bday party.  Go figure.  That one had been at Boondocks.  We ended up having fun anyway, but it was still sad.

Today, we managed to go ahead and play and it was a blast and we want to make this an annual thing.  But he was still depressed.  What do you say??  How do you get past this??

And then the RS Conference -- President Monson told the most wonderful story that said "Heavenly Father loves you!!  And always will.  That never changes."  wow.  Okay.  I just have to help my son see that.

I Think I Should Apologize...

Apologize... In case any one read my post the other day - it was kind of a rant.  Sigh.  What can I say??  I guess I was feeling a little crazy - we just found out my dad has several aneurysms and we are in the middle of the wait-and-see time.  He had a CT scan today, and they are doing some prep on the 8th...and then I guess a few days after that he'll go in, and we're sitting here going "HELLO???  These puppies could rupture any time and you're taking your own sweet time about it!!!"

Okay.  I'm calm now.  But anyway - that's kind of where my mind was the other day - so hope no one thought I was too wigged out.

Cause of course you'll really think I am now, huh?

lol.

Hey - did anyone catch the season premire of the Agents of Shield?  Anyone care to guess what really happened to Agent Colson?  We think he was cloned....

Have a good one.

I Couldn't Believe It

I got sucked into reading another stupid article about Miley C.  I'm not going to bother spelling out her last name -- if you don't know who I'm talking about, thank your lucky stars.  UGH.  That girl is...well, let me just say she needs a REALLY good friend right now to tell her the way it is.

The article said that her mother goes on tour with her.  There was this 'cute' little anecdote about how she was getting ready to get into her teddy bear costume for that awards show (where she showed how little respect she had for herself) and her mother asked her if she didn't need to go to the bathroom first.  She was like "mom!  ____ is right there!"  Well...like that mattered?  After what she did on stage for over six minutes was less embarrassing than having her mother suggest she go to the bathroom??  I feel like quoting Ron in the Harry Potter series:  "That girl has got to get her priorities straight!"

It's a sad sign of our day, really.  When the parents of that girl seem to support her in her various lewd activities.  I can understand them telling the press every where that she is "still their little girl".  They should still love her and let her know they are there for her.  But where do you draw the line?  I know I would be totally mortified if my daughter had behaved in such a way in front of millions of people!  It's pretty much like her filming a porn movie in front of a live audience, right?  How could you not go screaming into the night?

I guess they're doing the best they can, I mean, she's of age.  She lives on her own -- apparently down the street from them.  So mom goes on tour with her.  I guess that's showing her support...but I wonder if she has trouble sleeping at night? 

I know I do, and my children don't have half the problems her daughter does.  Am I being judgmental?  Probably, so I guess I should repent.  I'm sure she has many fine qualities.  At least, I felt she did when she was doing the Disney show.  Now, I'm not so sure.  I would definitely not call her a roll model.  I think she needs to be introduced to our wonderful member who likes to be known as the Tatooed Mormon.  I think she could tell her a thing or two about the life she is heading into. 

It's just so sad.  I'm sure Heavenly Father is up there shaking his head in sorrow - like he must feel like doing over all of us, huh?

sigh. 

Sometimes being the parent of the world must be the pits.

I can't begin to imagine.

Well...try to have a good one.  ;)  At least the weather has cooled off and we're headed into fall!!  Fun times!  ;)

Hippo Birdies...

And I guess I should honor the day and mention that my youngest turned 18 today... sigh.  No more babies...wait, I'm going to be a grandmother again in November...so I guess life has come full circle, huh?  lol
Hippo birdie, my son.  And many more...

Reality Check - Clean Your Room

I still can't believe it.

Jaden Smith (Credit: AP/Evan Agostini-as posted at SALON.com)

I have always been a fan of Will Smith.  I like his acting, his music for the most part (I'm not big on rap) and I was impressed at his marriage lasting in today's Hollywood climate.  I often wondered how they were raising their kids in such a wealthy and twisted world.  Well...now we know, sort of.

Apparently Jaden decided that school is for the dogs.  Well, what 15 year old doesn't usually feel that way - I mean, I don't think junior high is anyone's favorite memory, right?  Or even your sophomore year? Well, the end of the article quoted Will Smith as saying that the way parents treat children is kind of like slavery/property, and:
             "We respect our children the way we would respect any other person. Things like cleaning
               up their room. You would never tell a full-grown adult to clean their room, so we don't tell
               our kids to clean their rooms."

(Read more: http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/jaden-smith-if-everyone-dropped-out-of-school-society-would-be-more-intelligent-2013169#ixzz2fORnmn2J )

Okay.  Well.  I happen to disagree.  I guess we all have the right to our opinions, and since I've had seven kids, perhaps I might have a little more say than him, because they've had two.  Who knows.  It doesn't exactly make me an expert, but I might know a little.

I have adult children that live in my home.  They even pay rent.  But you know what?  Sometimes they are messy.  We've told them to clean it up.  It's a place where several people live, and private space or not, there is a certain level expected for civilized living.  I don't expect anything of them that I don't demand of myself, so I figure that's fair.

But besides that - how else does a child learn??  By example?  That only goes so far.  What kid wants to clean their room??  Some do, and that's cool.  But usually a parent has to remind them.  It's not what their world revolves around.  But the vast majority?  Hey, there's lots more to life than cleaning your room.  There is the great outdoors, sports, games, friends, food..."Ah, Mom!  You want me to clean my room?  Again?  But I just cleaned it last week..."  Believe it or not, I remember being on the other end of that.  I would resolve to keep my room cleaned this time!  It would be perfect!  And within a month, I'd be having to step over things.  Again.  sigh.  So reality sucks.  So does being a parent.  And being a parent means you teach your children what being responsible is about.

That means you might have to tell them some things they might not want to hear.  Like "You need to clean your room before mold starts growing on your socks."  Or, "You need to brush your teeth before they start falling out."  Or  "It's your turn to empty the garbage and you need to do it now before the dogs scatter it all over the house again."  Or "Turn off the lights when you leave the room or you won't have any power to your room next time the power bill is over $200."  How about "Put your dishes in the dishwasher when you're done or you'll have to wash all the dishes by hand for a week."  See, it's all responsibility and consequences.  

When kids move out on their own they'll discover that the dishes don't wash themselves, clothes don't magically wash and dry themselves, and rooms aren't self cleaning.  It's one of those facts of life that most kids learn before they reach 15.

Hate to tell ya, Jaden, you would hate to live in my house.  I don't have a housekeeper, cook, or butler.  You'd be on your own.  But my kids know how to cook, wash their own clothes, mow the lawn, and do the dishes.  They might not always like doing those things, and sometimes they have to be reminded on a couple of them, but for the most part?  They know it's part of living with other humans.  Period.

Guess money doesn't buy you everything, huh?

This Time 12 Years Ago...

I was sitting in the family room in front of the TV in stunned dismay.  My family gathered around me and no one saying a word.  The images on the TV being replayed and replayed, over and over made us cringe every time.

My youngest was turning 6 in a week.  My oldest were 14.  They remember hearing about it in school and coming home in confusion.  My husband had called me from work and said to turn on the TV, otherwise I wouldn't have known anything about it.  We have military in our family and it was a shock to realize that they were now going to be involved in fighting in a whole new way.

What saddens me most about the whole thing is that few people actually remember this day.  My daughter came home from work and said that her co-workers were wondering why the flag was at half mast.  She was like, really??  It's Patriot Day.  They were like, ohhh.

Really??

Somewhere we have messed up.  Somehow schools haven't kept important dates in the forefront of students minds.

We do so in our family, and perhaps that is the answer.  There aren't enough families keeping the spirit of our nation alive.  That's why we are struggling so with everything.

Sadly, the family is under attack, our faith is under attack, and our nation is under attack.  Continually.

We are using electricity, have food at our finger tips, have cars, gas to buy, and pretty much anything we really need.  And we have these things because of intelligence, inspiration and blessing.  And sweat and tears and blood.

 Our country began it's might through the determination of our civilian military.  Our country has continued through the gritty determination and guts of determined men and women.  Military, Doctors, Firefighters, EMT, Paramedics, and many others that usually end up getting the raw end of the deal.  Their pay scale is the lowest, their risk is the highest.  Go figure.

I hope that if you're reading this you remember what this day is and what it stands for.  I hope you know how important it is to remember it.

And Never Forget.