Wii-tarded

Wii had a great Christmas. The last couple of day, wii have been parked in front of the t.v. like a bunch of wii-tards. Seriously. Have you ever watched anyone play one of those things? Grown men? It's funny. Wii have sore arms (I do, anyway) from running the 100m dash in the Olympics game. I totally won.

'Tis the Season for Gift-Giving

Sarah and Kate were very excited when Dad took them shopping for one another. Last night, as they were in bed being hyper and excited for Christmas (admit it. You still do that), they began to discuss what they purchased for one another. It went something like this:

Sarah: Kate! (loud whisper/talking) What did you buy for me? I'll tell you if you tell me.

Kate: I'm not going to tell, Sarah! It will ruin the surprise!

Sarah: Come on. PLEASE!!

Kate: Ok. I got you the Barbie with the pooping dog (yes, there is such a thing. My kids think it's the funniest creation ever. However, that's not what Kate bought for Sarah). What did you get me?

Sarah: I got you a loin cloth (again, not the truth)

Kate: Ok, ok. I didn't get you the pooping barbie dog. I wish I did though. I got you a totally inappropriate Bratz doll (again, a lie).

Sarah: No you didn't. Ok, I didn't get you a loin cloth. I got you sexy man underwear.

Kate: HAA! That's gross!

Both kids: loud laughter

Mom: BE QUIET AND GO TO BED! YOU'RE GOING TO WAKE THE BABY!!!!

Don't you just love Christmas? We're pretty excited here at our house.

Budding Criminals

Having my kids home from school aaaalllllll week has been blog-fodder. Or maybe it's blog-chum. You decide.

Yesterday, I decided to stop and listen to what the kids were playing. It's amazing where their imagination can take them when they've been "snowed in" all week. Here's just a snippet:

The polly pockets hated their clothes. They wanted new clothes. So, they went to the mall, took a bunch of clothes to the dressing room, put them on under their regular clothes, and proceeded to walk out of the store. "It's called 'shoplifting', Kate." said Sarah. It's good to know that while my children are missing out on traditional education this week, they are still getting educated. Educated in the school of life.

Later, Kate was playing with the toy rifle (Yes, I let my kids play with toy guns. So shoot me). I sat and listened to what she was saying. She had on her cowboy boots, a huge pink dress-up ring, and was trolling the house, pointing the rifle at imaginary 'bad guys,' and telling them things like, "what do you want me to do? Cut you or shoot you? You decide." Disturbing. Time for me to intervene.

"Kate," I say, "I don't like the way you're talking. Are you a bad guy or something?"

Kate: "No mom. I'm a good guy. "

Mom: "You don't sound like one."

Kate: "I'm taking money from the bad guys and giving it to the poor people."

Me: "Ok Robin Hood. For such a tough guy, you sure do have a girly ring on your finger. Are you a boy or girl?"

Kate: "I'm a boy."

Me: "What's with the pink diamond ring?"

Kate: "I'm pretending it's purple."

Me: "Well, that makes it normal then, I guess."

Kate: "Dad, can I have the rest of your Dr. Pepper?"

Dad: "I don't care, Kate."

She shoulders the rifle, finishes the Dr. Pepper, and says, "Thanks for the beer, Dad."

Funny thing is, my Mother would probably think Kate might as well be drinking beer. We let her drink the rest of dad's dr. pepper, might as well move on to beer.

I'm so glad that Abigail has such wonderful examples to emulate. I love my girls. Really, I do.

Please, Go Back to School

My kids should be in school. But they're not. They had no school Monday, Tuesday, today, and probably for the rest of the week. Then, Christmas break begins. You see, we got 2 inches of snow Sunday night, and it's been below freezing ever since. So school gets cancelled. I'm going to go crazy. I need my kids to go to school. This is nuts. But, the kids and teachers sure are happy.

So, 2 inches of snow doesn't sound all that scary, but the roads are covered in ice and a friend of mine hasn't been able to leave home since Sunday night. Crazy.

Well, it's not all bad though. Today we're going to make a giant, heart-shaped chocolate chip cookie. And, being stuck at home with the kids forever increases the chances of hearing something funny. Like yesterday. The neighbors have had their 4-wheelers out in the streets pulling the kids on a sled. Quite fun, actually. Kate was telling me all about it, when she said, "Yeah! He was driving SO fast and SO crazy! Just like a blind person!"

Funny, I didn't know blind people drive.

The Jedi Training has Failed (or lapsed)

At church on Sunday, the familiar "sign-up" clip board was being passed around. This particular clip-board was a sign-up sheet for the annual ward Christmas party. As I looked over the sheet, I thought to myself, "you know, I'm just not gonna sign up for this one. I bring something to every activity. I'm also usually involved somehow. The ward party is the day before Sarah's birthday, and I'm already in charge of a multi-media project that isn't finished, I'm lugging my drum set out of the attic for a special musical number, and I haven't done any Christmas shopping, and I'm YW president on top of all that. I'm going to pass on this one. I will let others receive the blessings that come from service. I'll just enjoy the food everyone else brings." Oh, let me mention all the Christmas parties real quick: high priest party, stake high counselor party, Young Men/Young Women party, ward christmas party, & relief society christmas party. "Good, Better, Best" dictated to me that I must cut the high priest and relief society parties out.

As I'm sitting there, Emily, who was sitting next to me, hears me mutter something like, "I ain't bringing anything this time." It was rather cathartic to say out loud. I felt a release, kind of like when I finally decided for the third time to give up breastfeeding. Some things must be said out loud. Emily snickered and said, "You're not? It says here that you're bringing 3 dozen rolls."

"WHAT?" I seriously racked my brain and could not, for the life of me, remember EVER signing up for 3 dozen rolls. In fact, I have been so careful lately to choose my worthy activities wisely. "Good, Better, Best." You know what I mean? So, I resigned myself to baking rolls on Saturday, along with the 1,000 other things. When the heck did I sign up? I know I've been one-card-shy-of-a-deck for the last 5 months, but this? Must be worse than I thought. Did Neal sign me up weeks ago? Yes, he has done that before, and not told me. It's been done many times, actually. But I thought "surely he wouldn't do this to me. He knows, first hand, how I feel and how much I'm trying to shoulder. There is NO WAY he would sign me up for ROLLS!! A can of olives, maybe. But rolls, definitely not.

Fast forward to tonight at Family Home Evening. As we are going over the family calendar for the week, and as I'm realizing just how much is going on, I mentioned that I needed to make 3 dozen rolls, and spoke of how I didn't remember signing up. Neal suddenly had a very sheepish look on his face. A look like, "oh crap. I messed up again. I promised myself I would tell her, but didn't." Something like that.

"WHAT?? YOU SERIOUSLY DID THAT? What were you thinking?"

"Well, I remember thinking, 'hmmm, what do I like to eat at ward parties? I like rolls. I want good rolls, and I know Natalie makes good rolls. I'll sign her up so I will be assured of good rolls.'"

No way. Am I hearing this correctly? Wow. 12 plus years of jedi training gone in one fail swoop. At next ward council, I am going to press hard for a new ward policy: sign-up sheets are NOT to be passed around in priesthood. Neal is a recovering "do-gooder" and should not be allowed to touch it.

Lucky for the entire family, Neal was very inspired in his topic for Family Night. It was Elder Wirthlin's talk from last conference, "Come what may, and love it." There's a little section in there about being able to laugh through things. So, I just laughed about it. And told him, with pointed finger, he would die if he ever did that again. Our entire family was blessed by the wisdom of Elder Wirthlin's last talk he gave before he died.

7 Things

7 things I can do. . . .

1. Throw knives in the air and catch them whilst doing dishes. My kids cover their eyes EVERY time. Except when I screamed and they ran over to see what happened. Good laugh.
2. Suck a noodle up my nose and out my mouth.
3. spit like a champ
4. cook
5. play the drums
6. ride a motorcycle

7 things I can't do. . . .

1. Crafty activities. I can't AND I won't. I suck. Looks like a 1st grader showed up.
2. resist m&m's
3. resist donuts
4. be organized like I would like. I try every day, but resign myself to a somewhat workable chaos.
5. resist a good laugh
6. resist to kiss Abigail every time I hold her.
7. play the piano

7 things I always say. . . .

1. What the!?!?!
2. Bricken Bracken!!!
3. put your clothes RIGHT SIDE OUT when you drop them NEXT TO the hamper (I say it to Neal too).
4. (flush) Wash your hands!!!
5. Get me a diaper!
6. Get me a diet coke!
7. I love your guts!

7 things I always eat. . . .

1. diet coke
2. Kashi Go Lean Creamy All Natural Truly Vanilla oatmeal
3. pretzels
4. black pepper turkey, mustard, lettuce and pickles on whole wheat
5. m&M's (I wish)
6. Donuts (I wish)
7. Whatever I make for dinner

7 people I tag. . . .

If you want to be tagged, then you're it!

Band "blast from the past!!"

Sarah is in 5th grade beginning band, and she loves it! She plays the flute, and I must say, she is doing very well. Yes indeed. It's AMAZING how much she has learned just since September. Last week, she came home so excited. She auditioned for the flute solo, and she got it! She was so proud of herself. Being a former band nerd myself, as well as her mother,I was very proud of her too.

Her first concert was Monday night. I don't know who was more nervous, me or her. She had been working on her solo all weekend. Seriously, when it was time for her to perform, my heart was racing and I was praying that she wouldn't mess up. I know how nervous she was, and how easily embarrassed she can get, so mama was sceered. But, as you can clearly see, she did awesome! Here's to the flute solo Sarah! The first of many. You're playing that thing right on through high school. It was expensive.

So, sitting through a band performance brought back so many memories!! I absolutely loved band. Who wouldn't want to sit in the back of all the brass and woodwinds and just pound on things as loud as you can? Percussion is one heck of a release. Yes, we were nerds, but we had fun and made beautiful music! Oh, to be young again. Concert band, marching band, pep-band. I loved it. Especially marching in the 24th of July parade in 100 degree weather with a polyester, ill-fitting, stinky and well-used buccaneer uniform with a plastic cowboy hat with a big feather (donated by Kennecott Copper, thank you very much). I remember the first time I tried on my High School uniform, my mom laughed and laughed and laughed. She laughed even harder when she saw some of the trombone and clarinet players who looked even more horrible than me. The pants were either too short, too long, and always involved a wedgie. By the end of the parade route, we were sweaty, thirsty and stinky. But we were smiling. And the jazz-band uni's. . . . I'll have to post some great pictures sometime that involve the peg-legged, shoulder-padded suits we wore.

Have fun making memories, Sarah.



Here's my little Abigail enjoying the concert. When I was in Jr. High, we played the same exact score. No lie. I got to play the "boom-chuck" on the drum set. Delicious!

Who said family scripture study was boring?

Last night during family scripture study, we encountered the "so-and-so was the son of so-and-so" verses in Ether. We were going to skip the 26 verses of an extinct family tree, but I decided I would just read it really fast. So, I read the crazy names as fast as I could, while the family laughed. There are some crazy names! I'm so glad my parents weren't over-zealous with the scripture names. Who would want to be named Com, or Amnigaddah, or Heathrom, or Moron, or Lib, or Shez, or Riplakish (I actually know a couple of Moron's)?

So, we had some giggles and spent the rest of the evening saying their funny names. Someone commented how the name "Riplakish" sounded like "Rumplstiltskin." Some more giggles, then a reminiscent comment from Sarah, "Yeah! Who would want to be named Rumplesforeskin?! Ha!"


I think that's a lesson we should save for when we read the Old Testament.

Leaving the Zip-code

Feliz La-dee-da! Admit it, there are some gringos out there who used to sing that as kids. Some of us as adults, too.

So, yesterday I had to venture outside of my zip-code to buy some arugula (it actually tastes better when pronounced like a cartoon cat-call "a-ROOOOO-gula!"). Yeah, they don't sell the stuff down here in the flats where I live. I had to venture south. So, south I went.

Having lived on both sides of the tracks in various stages of my life, I feel I am qualified for the following observations. (disclaimer: I appreciate the virtues and vices of each and intend no ill-will or judgement as I attempt to make some funnies).

1. Should I be allowed to buy arugula, or even know what it is for that matter, if I live in the "NE" quadrant of Oregon's great capital? Should I even know that arugula is a great addition to various dishes if you want a unique, nutty flavor? (Thanks for the Tri-color orzo recipe Kendell. It's a hit at christmas get-together's).

2. If I do know what arugula is, should I keep my mouth shut, so as not to give the impression I'm "puttin' on airs?" Nevermind the fact that the recipe also calls for "ricatta salata cheese." Another item I could not find in my hood.

3. I need to get out more. Why? Because when I arrived at the south-Salem "Roth's" store, I felt like I had stepped into "Fancy World." I have a Roth's practically in my back yard (along with the Target and Red Robin. Dang you Red Robin for making my yard smell so good when I'm trying to scale back on the caloric intake!!). Seriously, I just walked the aisles of the store, and perused the produce section. It's like Rich Uncle Roth compared to my Lancaster Roth's. They even had some sushi chef's (I'm sure they have a name, but I'm not allowed to know what it is. Zip-code, you see. I've gotta keep it real).

4. I had sushi for lunch. Now, I know I bought arugula, but I must say, I am NOT a sushi snob. Heck, my dream-car is a 1978 black t-top trans-am with a sparkly, golden-eagle on the hood. Parked next to my silver mercedes. Am I a walking contradiction? I tried at a certain point in my life to try and be "urban," and say I liked the stuff, but truthfully, it's not my favorite. Some of it's ok. But the "sushi chef" saw me looking, and talked me into an exotic looking summer roll. It was actually very tasty, I must say! Especially washed down with the diet coke.

5. Part of me truly belongs here because the back of my van is filled with cans that need to be returned for the good old 5 cent refund. But maybe it's only part of me that belongs here, since they're just diet coke cans, and not beer cans. Once again, the contradiction.

6. My mode of transport definitely puts me in my place. It's an old dodge mini-van that was assembled in the soon-to-be extinct factories of detroit the year I graduated from high school. Yeah, it's old. We have affectionately named her "the Tithing Van." Because she runs on the blessings being poured from the windows of heaven (see Malachi 3:10). She is absent a working heater and a/c, along with the ability to open the back hatch (sounds like a nice laxative might work). When I have other kids besides my own that are in the van, they always ask my why there is only one sliding door. Sorry kids. I'm not fancy like YOUR parents. I just wish I was.

7. The Christmas lights on our house involved duct-tape. Maybe I belong after all.

8. I am the only jogger in my neighborhood. When we lived in the Sugar House/Millcreek area of Salt Lake, I couldn't go jogging without passing half the neighborhood who also happened to be jogging. Now, I just pass bikers. They're not the kind of bikers you might be thinking of with their spandex, helmets, and fancy bikes. They're the kind that just got out of jail, and they're riding their stolen bicycle to their new job at the Carl's Jr.

9. We live on a dirt road. Or should I say "mud," because that's what it is 9 months out of the year.

10. And you know what? None of this really matters. Why? Because people are people no matter whatchyer zip code may be. There are great people everywhere, no matter how much trash is in their yard, or no matter how much they may have paid for a hand-bag. If there's one thing I've learned, there ain't nothin' wrong with having a little money or a lot of money. Tiny Tim said it best, in his high-pitched voice, "God bless us, everyone!" Did Dickens really say that? Or was is just the Micky Mouse version? Once again, the contradiction. I know the origins of the Christmas Carol, but I get it mixed up with Disney.

"100 Things" rehash

So, I've posted 100 times. Instead of writing a new "100 things about myself" post, I've decided to re-post the original list:

Monday, November 12, 2007
100 things about myself
So, I saw this little list on Carrie's blog, and it cracked me up. I don't feel very good, and it's my birthday, so I thought I'd spend the day thinking of 100 things about myself. And, if you're a "Spongebob" fan, you'll know what song I'm singing: "You know it's all about you girl! On your 32nd birthday!" It IS all about me! Then why am I doing laundry and why did I clean my bathroom?

1. I hate cleaning bathrooms
2. It's my birthday!!
3. When I was eating Ben and Jerry's last night, Kate really believed it was special ice cream for the baby. She didn't even ask for any!
4. My first real job was as a janitor at Valley Jr. High when I was 15. It was full-time for the summer, and I remember thinking, "8 hours goes by so slow!" Good thing there was a Holiday Oil on the corner for my daily fruit punch and sprite mixture. That was before I discovered Diet Coke.
5. My favorite drink is Diet Coke
6. I discovered it was my favorite drink while pregnant with Sarah and watching the 1/4 mile drag races from the hill behind Rocky Mt. Raceway. That's also the first time I felt her kick. She must like it too! (or the races)
7. I've been to actual car races at a real racetrack. That's what I get for marrying a boy raised in Idaho.
8. I promised myself I wouldn't drink any caffeinated drinks while pregnant.
9. Speaking of jobs, one time, a guy in our ward who ran a printing business needed help putting together programs for a golf tournament. It was really hot, and Steve Thulin bought a soda and rubbed it on his face. It left dirty water all over his face (from his dirty face).
10. My favorite job was working at the Ream's camera bar all through High School.
11. One of my co-workers peed her pants in the back room when my sister was piercing her ear and stopped with the post 1/2 way through the ear.
12. No wonder it was my favorite job. We pierced each other's ears in the back room during work.
13. I love to iron
14. When I was little, I saw a swear word written on the sidewalk. I made Ginger, who was just learning to read, sound it out. Then, I ran home and told my Dad that Ginger said a swear word.
15. In 5th grade, I threw mashed potatoes on the wall at lunch, then told the "duty" that Devin Espinoza did it. He got sent to the principles office, and no one said a word, even though they saw me do it.
16. I have no conscience.
17. I have the best 4 sisters and 2 brothers in the world
18. They still love me even though I always got them in trouble.
19. I love to exercise
20. I love to eat good food, or even bad food. Just food.
21. Pizza is like sex. Even when it's bad, it's still kind of good.
22. I love cars
23. In my house, there's a rule that you can't get mad if someone throws cold water on you in the shower.
24. There's also a rule you can't throw cold water on Mom when she's shaving her legs.
25. The best was a few years ago when we lived in Utah. I filled the biggest cup we have with snow, then put some water in it and dumped it all over Neal when he was in the shower. He wasn't allowed to get mad.
26. I haven't done that for a while. Neal's number is up.
27. I'm really hungry right now.
28. I love snowboarding
29. I was named after Natalie Wood. My mom was watching a Natalie Wood show at the hospital when she was in labor with me.
30. If I have a girl, I want to name her Nellie. Neal's not so keen on the name.
31. I play the drums.
32. Neal and I were running in the mountains one winter Saturday, and I slipped on some ice and totally biffed it. He heard me fall, but didn't stop to help me up. He didn't even turn around! Some other hikers stopped to help me. It hurt like a mutha!
33. Neal's a different person today. He wouldn't do that.
34. It's really funny when people fall down.
35. I laugh when my kids trip and fall. Sarah thinks I'm mean. I probably am.
36. Sometimes I swear at other people when I drive (don't tell Dad, Ginger).
37. My mom is perfect in my eyes. She can do no wrong.
38. My dad's not perfect, because he's just like me!
39. I hate the sound of bathroom fans. It winds my nerves up tight tight tight.
40. I tried smoking cigarettes twice when I was little (like 10)
41. I will finish the bible tomorrow! Last year I read the old testament,and this year the new testament. I've read lots before, but never word-for-word until now. There's a lot of awesome stuff, but I must admit, lots of the Old Testament is pretty boring.
42. I love Stevie Knix (sp?) songs.
43. My first music tape was Billy Joel - The Bridge
44. I once made a whole leaning pallet of slim-fast fall on a man in the back of a trailer. I was a little over-eager with my box-cutter.
45. I felt bad, but it was really hard not to laugh.
46. I broke my tailbone when I was 12 (a little too much pull on the wheelie). The chiropractor had to stick his finger up my butt to un-bend my coxix. It was embarrassing. My mom giggled.
47. Whenever I go to the temple with my mom, she makes me giggle when we're supposed to be quiet. Then, I get dirty looks from the old ladies.
48. My big little brother will be home from his mission in a week and a half.
49. Last year when I was on a jog, a found 40 bucks.
50. I won $1,000 from KCPX Power 99 when I was 12 years old. I was the 9th caller when the song "Father Figure" by George Michael came on.
51. Dang, I'm only half way!
52. When I was young, I never thought about growing up and being a mother. I just thought about growing up and doing man jobs.
53. I love to mow and trim the lawn.
54. I get mad at Neal when his lawn trimming isn't up to my satisfaction.
55. I used to mow lawns for a living during college.
56. I love BYU.
57. My boys (if I have any) will grow up to play football for my hero, Bronco Mendenhall, at BYU someday.
58. No really, they will.
59. When Neal kissed me for the first time, I thought I was going to be date-raped. (just kidding. It wouldn't have been rape. I liked it).
60. I can be really mean sometimes.
61. I hate math
62. I had a brief stint working for a rent-to-own establishment.
63. My favorite candy bar is snickers and baby ruth (tie)
64. I love m&m's. All kinds.
65. I don't own a lot of clothes. Never have. I just don't think about that stuff alot.
65. I would wear jeans to church if I could.
66. I guess I could if I really wanted to. Then they would release me from Young Women! Hmmmm. I'll think about that one.
67. Just kidding. I absolutely love working with the 12-18 year old girls at church. I love my beehives!!!
68. Why are they called beehives and mia-maids and Laurel's?
69. My sista Laurel was named after "Laurel" from the YW program. It's LA-rel, NOT LOOrel.
70. I have 3 nephews that could be my own children. Shout out to Bryant, Spencer and Logan!! I love your guts!!
71. I love ALL of my nieces and nephews. Even the new baby girl named after my little-big brother Reese.
72. I hated the ice cream man when I was little, because he taunted me with his stupid jingle on a hot summers day when I had no money!
73. More than once, we told the ice cream man to wait while we went in the house to get our money. Then, we would watch through the window and see how long he'd wait before he'd finally leave.
74. Sometimes while making the ice cream man wait, we'd (Angie, Ryan and myself) yell out the window, "FROGFACE!!" And then giggle and giggle.
75. The summer after high school, I applied for a job being an ice cream lady. My mom made me withdraw my application because she said ice cream men were child molesters.
76. She was probably right.
77. When I say the name "Trina Bubba," I still laugh after all these years.
78. I love to play sports. Any sport, all sports. Especially racket ball.
79. I'm pretty good a racket ball, at least I used to be.
80. I'm very competitive when I play sports or games, but I'm not a poor sport. I can handle losing pretty good. I played on the Cyprus High soccer team. I learned to lose.
81. I broke my pinkie finger playing goalie for the soccer team against Hunter High. It's still really crooked and it scares Sarah. She won't touch it.
82. In 7th grade I tore the ligaments in my ankle doing the long-jump at a track meet. When my mom got me crutches from the Albertson's pharmacy, they were missing a bolt, and I biffed it twice in the Hunter Jr. High parking lot. We still laugh about it.
83. I should have sued them.
84. I can snort a noodle up my nose and pull it through my mouth. It hangs out of both my nose and mouth, then I pull it while doing a little jig.
85. I answered the door one day with the noodle hanging out my nose and mouth, and Justin Dymock started dry heaving. It was funny.
86. I found out I could do that trick all on my own one boring summer day while I made ramen noodles for lunch. We should have grown up on a farm to keep me more busy.
87. Incidentally, that's not why my nick name was Noodle all through elementary, Jr. High, an high school.
88. I saw Amanda Allen in Costco a few years ago, and she still called me Noodle.
89. Just 10 more left!!!
90. Becky Bezzant and I once played with 2 whole boxes of matches and a can of aerosol hair spray out in the hut. That's when I learned how to smoke matches.
91. We stole the matches from her mom's nice emergency food storage area. I hope they didn't need them.
92. We also snorted powdered sugar up our noses and then blew powdered sugar all over her mom's immaculately clean kitchen. We were 11 and old enough to know better. We got in trouble. That's the closest thing I've ever done to drugs.
93. It hurts to snort powdered sugar and smashed smarties up noses.
94. I relish the past
95. I have few regrets. Probably because I have no conscience.
96. Growing up with siblings was the best thing ever on this earth.
97. I'm married to an only child
98. I've ran 2 marathons
99. I watched Karate Kid probably 100 times. "Walk right side of road, ok. Left side, ok. Walk middle? Squished! Just like grape!"
100. I can't believe I wrote 100 things about myself.

Thanksgiving Dinner Washed Down with a Taco Meat Sandwich

We had a great Thanksgiving. It was just us, the 5 Peton's, here at home, all weekend long with the kids not in school. Sounds like a Thanksgiving Day recipe for disaster! But it wasn't. We relaxed, watched some movies, and ate lots of good food.

Every Thanksgiving I like to try something new - something fresh. I've made dressing with artichoke hearts, dressing with andoulie (sp?) sausage, dressing with apples, etc. Sometimes I like to focus on making killer homemade rolls, sometimes it's just Rhodes frozen rolls. Some years, we've had several delicious homemade pies, some years, it's from "Roth's" bakery. That's ok . . . . when I'm making the whole spread, we can't have it all. I've tried that, and it's like I'm the food slave for 2 days straight, and my kids just eat rolls and mashed potatoes and gravy, and I'm left with too many leftovers of too many kinds, full of resentment because I worked my butt off (I wish) while everyone else picked their noses. Sometimes I wonder if Neal and the girls believe in magic, because it's like their delicious food just magically appears while mom is in the kitchen. And they wonder why I'm grouchy.

So, this year, I decided to focus on dressing (or 'stuffing,' or 'stove-top' as we kids used to call it). I've evolved in my cooking skills and preferences. I enjoy the new and exotic, and I like to try new things. It makes life more interesting, even though Neal and the girls are pretty boring eaters. BUT, as the evolution has unfolded, I've realized that there are many dishes that just need to be simple, good recipes. Perfect down-home food without all the fancy fusion stuff. Simple ingredients and simple flavors. Yum. Thanksgiving dinner is one of those meals. I applied my new-found philosophy to my dressing this year. I decided to make a classic corn-bread/french bread dressing. So, Tuesday night I made the cornbread and cubed the french bread. I let them dry for 2 days (which is kind of hard to due in wet, damp, November Oregon). It was awesome!! Onions, celery, some parsley, sage, rosemary and thyme (who knew they were singing about stove-top). It was delicious!

But, because I focused on the dressing, the pie and rolls were all pre-fab. Oh well. It makes mother happier, and if mother is happy, EVERYONE is happy. Or, if mother is feeling a bit like Cinderella (pre-fairy-god-mother), EVERYONE is grouchy. That's too much pressure for a woman. That said, we did have quite the spread with all the classics.

Now, most American households eat T-give dinner around 2 or 3, sit around for a while, eat pie, sit around some more, then bring out the leftovers and start the insane cycle all over again. I did that, because I'm classic Americana. But not my husband. No. Towards evening, he's feeling a bit hungry, and he gets out left-overs all right, but not the Thursday left-overs. He gets out the taco meat from the night before when we fed the missionaries. He then proceeds to slather mayo all over some bread, load up the cold taco meat, sprinkle on some cheese, and there you have it . . . . a nasty feast! Kate notices what Dad is making, freaks out and begs for one too! Sick. It's one of their favorite things. I must have made a pretty lousy Thanksgiving feast for 40% of my family.