Glasses

Tyler's lesson in Nursery today was "I am thankful for my eyes." He got to make these cool glasses that he has worn ever since. I think he likes them so much because now he's just like his daddy. We finally made him take them off for bed.

He kept saying, "I can see you, Mommy! I can see you in there!"

Three, Two, and One

Three Things I Had Forgotten:

Humidity makes bread go moldy faster than dry air.
(This is not my own personal bread, by the way)

When it rains in the Southwest, it pours. Can we say Microbursts?!
And the thunder and lightning is like nothing the West has ever seen.

It’s really satisfying to save money with coupons.
The stores here, (H.E.B., Randalls, CVS, Walgreens) make it really easy to coupon, and coupon well. With the automatic coupon doubling and tripling, and using the store specials/coupons in addition to the manufacturers’ specials/coupons, I’m getting so that many items I buy are free or very little. I’ve even made money on some! I get so excited to grocery shop now! And it’s helping me build up our food storage.

Click here to see my favorite money-saving site. Look especially in the Forums section to get tips on where the great deals are. I think you have to register to get to all the good stuff. It’s free.

Two Products I Love:

Airborne
I don’t want to jinx myself, but ever since my mom introduced me to this, I’ve taken it at the first sign of getting sick, and it has stopped it in its tracks! Helpful hint: I’ve tried all the flavors and Lemon Lime is the least offensive. I’ve also found about a cup of water is just about the right amount to drop the tablet in. (Not too strong, but not too much, either) Walgreens has a good generic brand.

Kraft Easy Mac
These are much easier than making the whole box, and Ty loves them. Just 3 ½ minutes in the microwave, and presto! Lunch! We started with the individual cups, but the value pack with the pouches are just as easy and less expensive. In fact, I’m stocking up this week and getting them for just $1 for a box of 6.

One Thing I’m Noticing:

Texas is a Bit Behind Utah in some things.
Now, I know Texans would never agree with me on this, but there are some things that we’re behind on here. Like Redbox: Utah’s had that for ages, and we just got one in our neighborhood this week. Also, I haven’t seen any self-checkout registers at any stores, and they’re all over Utah.

A Song Remembered

The Warbler passed away last week. She was one of the biggest reasons why I loved the Jefferson Ward in Murray, Utah. She had a name--it was Roxie--but Brad and I, with only respect and affection in our heart, called her The Warbler.

You couldn't miss it, really. Anyone new who participated in Sunday services could be seen perking up a bit when the singing began, because right there, in the smack-dab center of the chapel would be Roxie, singing loud and clear with all the feeling she could muster. I don't know how to describe it--not off-tune, not shrill; just signature Roxie. I loved her for that. I'm sure she knew she didn't have the finest singing voice, but she wasn't singing for herself, or anyone else in the room, for that matter. She was singing to her Heavenly Father, whom it was instantly apparent she had a tight relationship with.

I knew her for only the last three years of her life. Some people, when they reach the age of 91 might think it's their turn for a break. Not Roxie. This woman, in a four-foot-something frame, had a giant spirit. When a sister whom she visit taught fell ill and needed help, it was Roxie who let us in the Relief Society know. And before anyone else could help this sister, Roxie had already gone out to the store in her big boat of a car--with her head barely clearing the dashboard--to get some food and other items. A couple weeks before I moved, Roxie had a stroke and was put into a rehabilitation center. Her first comment to the Relief Society Presidency was her concern that she might not get her visiting teaching done that month!

Roxie also attended all the Enrichment Meetings. I got to sit next to her in March as we played a getting-to-know-you type board game. We all laughed and agreed when on one turn she chose the word Spunky to describe herself.

After her stroke, we all noticed the absence of her heartfelt singing. But her example remains. How many times have I not served with all my heart because of one of my perceived weaknesses, or because I worried how others would react? How many times have I ignored little promptings within me to serve a sister I visit teach? Maybe next time I'm prompted to bear my testimony, but try to talk myself out of it because I feel like a dork in front of all those people, maybe I'll gather up the courage to do it anyway...and I'll remember the beauty and sanctity of Roxie's warbling.

Maifest Fun

In an effort to discover and experience our new state, we went westward on Saturday, and landed in a town called Brenham, Texas. Brenham was settled by a bunch of Germans in the mid-1800's, and this weekend they were celebrating their 117th annual Maifest--the oldest spring German Festival in the South!!!! It was actually quite fun; they had a children's carnival, lots of leiderhosen and saurkraut, and fun little booths. Reminded me of many of the Oktoberfests in Oregon that I grew up attending.

(Sorry about the poor quality of these pics--we forgot the camera so we had to use the phone)

Ty rode on his first roller coaster and loved it!
He was really proud of himself for holding on so tight.

After the exciting coaster, we went for something more mellow with the bouncy castle.

From Brenham we went about 10 miles Northeast to St. Claire's Monestary. The nuns there breed and raise miniature horses. They are soooooo cute! (The horses, not the nuns) We saw many baby ones, even a day-old foal. This was the favorite part of the day for all of us. The little ones were about 18 inches tall, and were so gentle and curious. Tyler kept petting them and tickling them, and they would play back--it was really cool.

Because it is a monestary with a "cloistered, contemplative Order," it is only open for two hours each day and has self-guided tours. It was very interesting.

We finished the day by having dinner at a Biker Grill in the town of Novasota. My Reuben wasn't very good, but Brad's Texas Filled Spud was! A huge, huge potato stuffed with BBQ beef, cheese, bacon, butter and sour cream. Very filling! And very Texas. I guess I should save the German Reubens for the German festivals!

If You Ever Plan to Motor West...

If you someday find yourself traveling through the metropolis of Monticello, Utah, I highly recommend you stay at an up and coming hotspot: Canyonlands Motor Inn! Lucky for us, we happened to be traveling through the same night as a big car rally in nearby Moab, and no other room in town was available; otherwise we might not have found this gem.

Upon entering the 1970's lobby, you'll instantly be taken to the far-away land of India, native home of the proprietor. Several different strong and spicy incense sticks burning simultaneously will leave you and your clothes smelling sweet for days to come!

Don't let the rust stains and mold fool you! If you want to sleep in air-conditioned comfort, Canyonlands Motor Inn is for you!

They are so confident in their 100% safety guarantee, they laugh at the thought of using smoke detectors. (Besides, they just get annoying going off all the time with the burning insence.)

No need for clunky and bothersome shampoo bottles and bars of soap. They'll provide the same magical aqua-marine colored soap at the sink and in the shower.

This is Brad enjoying the luxury of the the lukewarm trickly shower in the comfort of his Teva's. We just weren't up for the adventure of battling foot fungus this time around, what with the long drive ahead of us. Maybe next time we'll be more daring.

Other bonuses not pictured:

*Be sure to get your TV remote control from the clerk upon check-in.

*Enjoy the game of "What Lamp works, and what lamp has the cord chopped off?"

*And please don't forget the age-old question of: Is that a man's or a woman's greasy handprint on the wall?