Doubt Not

As a family, we have passed through a perfect storm. The storm lasted a decade. Like any perfect storm it was rough, unpredictable, and harrowing. Then finally, it passed. Sunshine broke through dark clouds and the rain ceased. Life looked different after the damage. We had figurative bumps, bruises, scrapes, and scratches. However, we made it through intact and stronger. I believe we have more compassion, empathy, and understanding because of it.

However, since the trial was so intense and lengthy, I thought that future trials would be less--the waters more calm for the passing. For the most part, that has been true. Unfortunately, what I have been grappling with the last couple months is this: As long as I am alive, the trials and tribulations will NEVER end.

Admittedly, with some draining experiences the last 8 weeks, I began to doubt. This was something new, because I have always been a believer--ALWAYS--even through the worst of times. With incredible emotional and physical fatigue lumped on top of exhausting problems, DOUBT crept in and took hold of my mind and heart. I started asking God, "WHY?" I am too tired and beat down to endure MORE. We are just recovering from a "perfect storm." We are rebuilding our lives, a home, and in some ways our FAITH.

Then I opened a jar of quotes a dear friend gave me at Christmas time. As adorable as it was, I had yet to reach in and read even one inspiring quote since I received this savvy, lovely present. After a horrible day at the doctor's office, hospital, pharmacy, and a river of tears, I decided I needed God to give me an ANSWER! I needed to know WHY! Frankly, I was feeling bitter and I know better than to be bitter--especially at HIM. But to be honest, bitterness was welling inside of me. So the plan was to fish inside the jar without looking and see if God would provide me a personal message.

And to my utter astonishment, HE did! Here are the words on the card:

When you come

out of the 

STORM

you won't be the

SAME PERSON

who walked into it.

THAT'S WHAT THE STORM

was all about.

-- Haruki Murakami

Stunningly, my question was answered. What I learned from this experience is: I need to as President Deiter F. Uchtdorf admonished, "doubt your doubts before you doubt your faith." Whether we like it or not, we will all pass through storms in this life. It's inevitable. Peace may be ours (mine) as we keep our eyes on the Savior and reach to Him, like Peter when he walked on the water. As long as we do this, we won't SINK. Doubt NOT.

Jeremiah Evans 2013 Pleasant Grove High School

Spanish Fork Baseball

We enjoyed a great season with a top rated baseball team. I think the whole town was shocked when an outsider made the Spanish Fork Baseball Team, but that is what Jeremy did. Gratefully talent won out. In small towns, politics do come into play more often than not. The players had a winning year. I loved watching the games. This team dominated in their region. There were fantastic hitters and play makers. I will miss the Spanish Fork Dons Baseball Team. Take me out to the ball game!

Spanish Fork Prom 2012

Spanish Fork High School's Prom fell on a beautiful Spring evening in May.  Madi and Jeremy had the opportunity to be in the same group. This was meaningful since this would be Madi's last High School Prom. Her date, Seuwa, is a super guy and was a real gentleman. Jeremy went with McCall Magleby. The group started the date rock climbing at the Query. Then they had time to dress and be ready for the Promanade at 5:00 p.m. After pictures, they were off to dinner at Tucanos in the River Bottoms. The dance was also at the Riverwoods Shopping Center. After the dance, the group went to a friend's home to watch a movie. Both Madi and Jer had a really good time with some really good kids. 

Joe and I enjoyed the Promanade at Spanish Fork High School. I hesitate to admit, I get a little emotional as this is my first child moving on to college and out of our home for school. I can not believe it has been 18 years since she was born.So many great firsts. So hard to say goodbye to lasts.

Even though we have only been in Spanish Fork four months, we can honestly say, we love our new town, we love our new friends, we love our new life! It is interesting. Madi has said time and time again, "I wish I grew up in Spanish Fork." She absolutely loves it hear and the only regret is not getting her sooner. I echo that sentiment. Spanish Fork, you complete me. Life is so good!

Super model status. Work it McCall and Madi.

So I took little over a hundred pictures. What? I can't help myself. But I promise I will only post a few.

May I say, that I have the best kids ever! No. They are not twins and, yes, Madi is older.

Poetry Slam

We are so pleased that our beautiful, sweet Elle was selected out of  84 junior high school students to go the district Poetry Slam with a poem she wrote and performed in front of judges and junior high students. In about a week, she will compete again. 

Elle's writing is above her years. It is thrilling for me, her mom, to see my two daughters excel in writing, a passion of mine. I was a journalism student, but changed my major to nursing. Polar opposites. I was encouraged by my university professors to pursue writing. In my own way, I am doing that now!

Keepig Your Mouth Healthy

Keeping your teeth clean can be surprisingly difficult, as most of us have found out at one time or another. We simply eat and drink so many things day-to-day that it is easy to allow our mouths to become dirty without even meaning to. In fact, many people who think that they are practicing good dental care habits are even susceptible to difficulties with keeping their teeth clean. This is because dental health starts with understanding, and many people do not completely understand different aspects of dental care. For some information on the subject, you can visit a site like topdentists.com, but in the meantime, here are a few things to keep in mind. 

To begin with, it is important to remember that dental health is not synonymous with tooth whiteness. Of course, healthy, well-maintained teeth will generally be white and clean – however, white and clean teeth are not necessarily healthy. If your focus is only on the teeth in front, and on keeping them white, then you, like many others, may be neglecting properly caring the rest of your teeth. If your teeth are dirty looking or experiencing some rotting or decay, you don’t need to focus on making them whiter – you need to focus on thorough brushing and flossing.

With regard to flossing, far too many people still fail to understand its significance. Let’s be honest – many of us leave the dentist’s office having been scolded for not flossing enough, and then we tend to ignore the floss the dentists give us! However, most dental experts will actually tell you that flossing is the most important and effective way to fight against plaque buildup, as it really helps you to get between your teeth to the places where dangerous buildup is most likely to occur. Flossing is not an extra thing that you can ignore if you choose to – if you want healthy teeth, flossing is a must.

Finally, try to schedule your brushing and flossing around your meals, rather than around what time of day it is. Many people wake up in the morning and brush before breakfast, then go all day before brushing at bedtime. While this is still a generally healthy habit – 2 brushes per day – it is still not necessarily ideal. If you think about it logically, brushing and flossing are meant to remove the buildup in your teeth that comes largely from what we consume during a given day – so, it follows that it’s a good idea to clean your teeth immediately following meals. Brush after breakfast instead of before it, and if at all possible try to brush after lunch too – you can never clean your teeth too much, and cleaning after meals can really help to keep your mouth healthy.

Book Review

 

I feel a bit like I have fallen off the planet. As some of you may know, my family of seven chose to up and move to the country in the middle of January 2012. It has been a delightful transition that I have reveled in thoroughly. In a sense, it's like I'm playing catch-up.

I am catching up on so many things that I missed out on or was left out of over the past twelve years--not necessarily by choice. Being a part of a town with such a strong sense of community has been incredibly refreshing for me. I am having the time of my life! Sometimes I think it will all vanish like in a Fairy Tale, but so far so good!

With that said, my hunky husband and I came across a wonderful review of my husband's book, "Encompassing Charity." This review is found on a wonderful blog titled, "Small and Simple Things." You may read this lovely review in the post, Book Review 2011. You may read it here. This book would be a wonderful "Easters" gift.

Dear patient readers, I have so many fun and exciting things and beautiful ideas up my sleeves, that I may BURST! These ideas are coming SOON! In a remarkable way, this seems to be the year for ALL things wonderful, beautiful, and uplifting.

On the side bar of this blog, I mentioned the publishing of my cookbook, Sweet and Savory: Award Winning Recipes Made Easy. I am thrilled that my manuscript was accepted and is currently in production. I am tickled pink that full color photography will be included in this lovely cookbook published by Cedar Fort Inc. 

In other words, I have been writing, cooking, photographing, moving, painting, playing, and traveling more than I have in my entire life. Life is so good. More info. to come. 

Utah State Fair 2011

I love this picture! It really encapsulates the feelings the Traveling Crepe Cake evoked from the judges. The ingredients were searched and collected from tip of the state to the bottom! Carmel really SOLD it! 

The whole spiel about my ancestors crossing the planes and starting one of the first peach orchards that is still in operation today didn't quite have the same effect. Next time, I think I will scrape the salt for my recipe off the salt flats with nothing but a spoon and my bare hands. Of course, all joking aside--we had quite a few--Carmel ROCKS!!

 The Three Finalists

 Not Your Mama's Lasagna

Traveling Utah Crepe Cake

The competition was STEEP!

 French Raspberry Macarons

 Carrot Cake and Peach Pie Frozen Yogurt

 Chicken and Dumplings

 Cherry French Toast

 Orchard Peach and Lemon Tartlet

Stuffed Breakfast Sandwich

 No, he really isn't in pain!

 Our loot!

 The fair was just like in Charlotte's Web. We wanted to ride the ferris wheel, but all of our gifts would have melted and we needed to drive home then to Logan Utah for the marathon the following day!

 We grabbed a quick lunch at a BBQ grill. This side dish gives new definition to CURLY fries!

 Kettle Corn is a weakness of mine!