Stumped

I haven't written a post for awhile. Yesterday's post, I actually wrote sometime last week, and had forgotten that I'd scheduled it for Monday. So, when I read my email and saw how many comments I'd gotten I was shocked. Then I noticed that it was on the tag post.
I'm completely brain dead for ideas on what to blog about. This is a rare occasion, since I ALWAYS have something to say. I noticed how many of you are taking blogging breaks for the Thanksgiving holiday. And some of you are just quitting blogging all together. Smart people.

Lately, I've been thinking to myself: maybe this whole blogging thing is getting way too out of hand. It shouldn't consume me the way it does. Does anyone else have this problem?

Yesterday, I had a crazy busy day, and didn't even turn on the computer. Not once. It actually felt pretty good. I got a lot done. I did the dishes and laundry, then, my Thanksgiving grocery shopping in the morning, drove my kids to their respective friends' houses and went out to lunch with my lovely visiting teaching partner, Motherboard, and our beautiful friend, Andrea, who we visit teach. It was really nice. I'm loving all the lunches I've been going to lately. I could get used to this life!
After lunch, I had to drive across town to pick up the kids, then saw I had 30 minutes before my neice came over for her piano lesson, so decided to go buy that Christmas tree I saw at Hobby Lobby. (Yes, Robin, I bought a Christmas tree BEFORE Thanksgiving)

The guy helping me to my car was a complete idiot! First, while I was waiting in line to pay, my SIL called to say she was at my house, and where was I? Crap!! So, needless to say I was in a hurry (thankfully she was there when KJ got off the bus). The dude pulled the cart carrying the tree box out to my car, and while I proceeded to help Peter get buckled in he stood at the back, staring. Just standing there staring.
So I said, "Do you need help?"
He said he didn't think it would work. (Keep in mind I drive a full size SUV).
I, frustrated and maybe a little cynical, said, "Oh, then will you just deliver it to my house, then, because it's this car, or nothing!"
Of course, he said they don't deliver. He then walked to the side of the car, and without a word started trying to pull down the center row of seats while Peter was sitting on it in her carseat!! What a doofus!
Exasperated, I said let me do it. So, I pulled Peter out of her carseat, moved it over to the other side, pulled TJ's booster seat out, and pulled the seat down, so he could push the box in. Good thing I only had one kid with me, or I would've been up el creeko. Dumbass.

Anyway, so I cruised home (skipped going to pickup TJ from the neighbor's, even though I was supposed to get him BEFORE my piano lessons), and rushed through my neice's piano lesson. Then left KJ home to babysit Peter (please don't call CPS on me), and went to get TJ at the neighbors' house. Got home to find my Mom there with my brother, ready for his piano lesson.
Everything about my day yesterday overlapped. I just couldn't quite get the schedule together!

Finally, things calmed down a bit. The kids were awesome and helped me clean the house (after I lost it a little bit) Then, Clint brought home a P90X Yoga DVD from work, so for FHE the whole family did Yoga together. Something I never thought I'd ever do with Clint, but it was fun, and crazy hard. That is an advanced Yoga video! But, I loved it! Great end to a crazy day!

p.s. remind me to tell you sometime about why TJ was painted completely green, when I got back from our blogger lunch on Saturday. (Motherboard, care to email me that pic so I can post it?)

p.p.s. also remind me later, to tell you the story about why I am now buying a fake Christmas tree, instead of a real one. Funny story....

ABC Tag

I was tagged by Tink, one of my newest bloggy buddies! I'm pretty sure I've done this one before, but oh, well, I'll do it again. It's nice to have something for when I can't think of anything to talk about (like that EVER happens)
Here goes:

A--Attached or Single: Attached!

B--Best Friend(s): My sisters: Kris & Kat, Nis, Lisa, Motherboard, and Clint!

C--Cake or Pie: Pie. I'm not a big cake fan. I like pie on occasion. I'm more of cookie/brownie person
D--Day of Choice: Saturday! C is home, and I get to run a little later than normal, and then we can go out or play as a family!

E--Essential Item: my Piano (although I'd really like to get a grand piano), and my computer (I might be a little addicted)

F--Favorite Color: Red!!!!

G--Greatest Accomplishment: 1st: my marriage and children, then, writing my music, and running marathons.

H--Hometown: Layton, UT (I've ventured VERY far away from home)

I--Indulgences: duh, chocolate!

J--January or July: July! I hate winter. It makes me depressed. Plus, 4th of July is one of my favorite holidays.

K--Kids: 3: daughter, KJ (7), son, TJ (5), daughter, Peter (3)

L--Life is incomplete without: music, chocolate (OK, all food), my family, sisters, friends

M--Marriage Date: May 26, 2000

N--Number of Siblings: SEVEN! One older brother, 2 younger sisters, 4 younger brothers. My baby brother is now 11. There is a 22 year gap between the oldest and youngest in my family!

O--Oranges or Apples: Apples! But I like oranges, too.

P--Phobias or fears: Heights, my kids getting hit by a car, my husband waking up and realizing he's way too good for me

Q--Quotes: "Anything is good if it's made of chocolate"

R--Reason to Smile: Funny things my kids say, when people tell me they love my music, my hubby hugging me (and not so I'll smell that he just farted)

S--Season: It used to be Fall, hands down, but it's more and more Summer these last few years.

T--Tag 5 Friends: Ugh, if you haven't done this one, then YOU.

U--Unknown facts about me: I love to cross-stitch, my still haven't finished the last project I started when I was prego with Peter (3 years ago)

V--Very favorite store(s): Target. Hobby Lobby (I thought of this one because I went there recently)

W--Worst habit: losing my temper, sitting at the computer all day in my PJ's

X--X-ray or Ultra Sound: ultrasound, they are happy memories for me with my babies. X-ray usually means something is broken.

Y--Your favorite food: Uh, duh...chocolate!

Z--Zodiac: Pisces

Not Imaginary Friends, anymore!!

Today, I had the wonderful opportunity to go to lunch and meet some of my favorite blogging pals. I met with Motherboard, Frumpy, Wonderwoman, Redhoodoos, Binders, and Debbie.
Motherboard and I drove down together, belting Wicked songs at the top of our lungs! Gosh, I sure do love that woman! We are truly kindred spirits.

It was fabulous to meet everyone in person, and put a face to all the wonderful personalities I've gotten to know on your blogs. At one point, Wonderwoman said everyone was so much more beautiful in person. I couldn't agree more! It's a new experience to see everyone's faces, and hear their voices, and see their personalities in action, rather than trying to picture it as I read.
I know that many of you will be my friends for life!

Sorry, I don't have pictures. I can't find my blasted camera. I know exactly where I left it. It seems a little 5 year old elf swiped it and can't remember where he put it. He hid it good, too, because I have searched high and low, including his room, under his bed, etc. NO sign of that damn camera. Crap! I hope it turns up before Christmas!

I look forward to meeting more of you! (As long as you're not stalkers or serial killers or anything like that)

Ladies, thanks for a great afternoon!

Alright, alright...I give in!

I was chastised by many for not having shared my Wassail recipe, in a previous post, while bragging about it. I've made it my personal creed NOT to do anything remotely crafty or domestic on my blog, because that might possibly mislead you into thinking that I actually Do things that are domestic. (Sorry, to get your hopes up Robin!)

Well, back in the day, I used to fancy myself something of a culinary genius. I think we've all been there. Fresh from the alter, anxious to please my new husband with all my domestic brilliance. I made up recipes and cooked them for my husband and family. I even made a recipe book a few years ago, and gave it out to my family for Christmas. I've been told by some of my sister-in-laws that it's the only recipe book they use!

Now, before you pass out from shock, please understand that this was the younger, more ambitious and more energetic Sherrie.

There is something about having 3 children in 3 1/2 years, that can wipe the fun right out of you. Now, I'm lucky to have a meal cooked every night. And yes, cheese tacos, mac 'n' cheese, and frozen pizzas are regular menu items now days.

So, since I've been lacking in the holiday spirit, and the domestic department lately, I thought I'd unburden myself by sharing my Wassail recipe with you.

I started making Wassail for Thanksgiving when I was 10 years old. (So when I said 20 years ago, I wasn't exaggerating!) My 5th grade teacher, Mrs. Sevy, had the class all help make it one year. I was so excited to come home and share it with my family. That year, we (Mom and I) made Mrs. Sevy's recipe for Wassail. Over the years, I've altered the recipe slightly, adding an ingredient here and there, taking out things I didn't think worked. I've had some years when I tried new ingredients and it turned out simply awful. But the last few years, I think I've got it mastered! I have NEVER missed a year of making Wassail since that year in 1988. Now, I'm passing on the delicious blessing to you.

Are you sick of my talking yet? Are you thinking, well get on with it then, where's the recipe?

Now, I'm having second thoughts. What if I've hyped it a little TOO much, and now you'll be expecting some magic potion of youth and vitality, and you'll be disappointed when it turns out to be just plain old Wassail, delicious as it may be.

Maybe I won't share.........

Ok, I will. Here it is:

Best Ever Holiday Wassail

1 gallon apple cider (not juice, cider has more zip. Yes, that's important)

4 oranges (these are for juice, you could use frozen juice, but it's not the same)

2 lemons

ground nutmeg (I don't know how much--just shake the bottle, probably 4-5 shakes)

or about 1 tsp, if you are a measure freak.

ground cinnamon (same rule applies, only use a lot more, probably 10 shakes)

or 1 TB-ish

ginger (4-5 shakes, or 1 tsp)

1 bottle of stick cinnamon (just dump it in--about 10-15 sticks)

16-20 whole cloves (you can use ground cloves (1 tsp), but it's not as pretty)

Pour cider into large pot or crockpot, set on Low heat. Slice oranges and lemons in half. From each orange, cut a slice and set aside. Juice oranges and lemons with juicer (or just squeeze 'em if you're really strong), and pour juice into cider. Add spices. Stir. Stick cloves in sections of orange slices. Put slices in cider to float as garnish(now it's tasty and pretty. Simmer 1 hour. Serve Hot (duh.)

There you have it! Now you know I don't measure when I cook. I just dump stuff in and hope it tastes good. But if you're a OCD control freak, and HAVE to measure stuff, you can. I'm pretty sure it won't taste as good, though, if you measure it. I'm not sure why. I think a little dash a rebellion is my secret ingredient.

So, go try it, and then, tell me how much you LOVE it!!!

Things I Love....

1. I went to the music store yesterday while the kiddos were at school to look for choir music or Christmas and came across this:




For years, I have wished I could get my hands on sheet music from George Winston. And I was always under the impression that he doesn't publish his music in written form. Until now! I'm so excited. I've already sight read through the whole book! If you've never heard George Winston, you must!! He is a brilliant musician, and definitely one of my idols as a pianist.


2. Last night my hubby and I watched one of my favorite shows.



I'll admit that part of the reason I like this show is that is probably one of the very few shows that both of us equally enjoy watching together. If you've never seen The Unit. Check it out! It is so full of suspense, drama, action, plot twists, and whenever an episode ends, I'm lefting dying to see what happens next.

It's on Sunday nights, so we usually Tivo it and watch it on another night. You know, because of the Sabbath........oh, and Sunday night football. Whatever.


3. Last week I downloaded the new album from David Archuleta. Can I just say I love it! Especially this song:




My kids call it the "whistle song" It has a really catchy tune, and everytime I heard it I want to start bobbing my head and play air drums on my steering wheel. (What? Am I the only one who plays air drums to song I like?)

Anyway, take a listen. You'll be hooked!

Today, in a round about way, I love that I have all three of my monkeys home. Unfortunately, KJ woke up barking at 3:00 this morning. The Croup? Probably. But, I kept her home from school, and TJ is now home from school, so we're all just taking it easy today. I'm going to go cuddle with my little monkeys now.

I'm thankful for all these things today!

Giving back the Comment Love

Rule 1. List the first 10 people who have commented on one of your blog posts. I used my last Random 10 Friday, because it has the most comments.


So here's the list:

1. Little Miss

2. Kristina

3. Annette

4. Motherboard

5. Shelle

6. Deb (kitchen ditcher)

7. Mikki

8. Mary

9. Tink

10. Devri



Rule 2. The meme questions: 10 blogs - 15 questions



1. What is your favorite post from #3's blog? Well, I've only been reading her blog for a very short time, but I'd have to say Thanksgiving with the Apes. It has me reeling, seething and laughing all at the same time!

2. Has #2 taken any pictures that have moved you? Mostly the ones she posted last week with Christian Bale. Yum!! And her co-worker? A little weird.

3. Does #6 reply to comments on their blog? I have never gotten a reply from any of my comments on her blog. Seriously! What's up with that?!!

4. Which part of Blogland is #4 from? Oh yay! She's from my own backyard (or around the corner, whatev) in Northern Utah! She is also my own personal visiting teaching partner, my very good friend, and I love her to death!!

5. If you could give one piece of advice to #7 what would it be? Ummm......I don't know, she pretty darn near perfect if you ask me. Oh, I know. Now that she's gotten her temple recommend, make sure you keep going back often, because it's easy to get out of the habit and make excuses.

6. Have you ever tried something from #9's blog? She has another blog called Healing 4 Life.
It's about eating well, and following the word of wisdom, and I'm trying to follow her advice and improve my diet, in addition to exercising.

7. Has #1 blogged something that inspired you? Her very being inspires me! She is funny, deep, and intelligent, and I admire her immensely. But this post, written long before I found her blog, but which I found after we reconnected really says a lot about her! Also, this one, even though it didn't quite sway me to the other side, it still gave me a lot to think about!

8. How often do you comment on #10's blog? I'm pretty much hit and miss on everyone's blogs. I know I've commented a few times on Devri's blog, I could probably be a better commenter.


9. Do you wait excitedly for #8 to post? Of course! She is hilarious and I laugh at everything she writes! I would love to meet her in person someday to see if she is really that funny, or if it's just her blog alter-ego.

10. How did #5's blog change your life? I really loved her post about Hope. It lifted me up, and when I was very near rock bottom. Also, she is another one of my imaginary friends who I have come to know and love through blogging.

11. Do you know any of your 10 bloggers in person? Motherboard is my VT partner, and Little Miss was my best friend in 5th grade, and dated my husband, and we recently became reconnected through blogging!

12. Do any of your 10 know each other? Gee, I really don't know. Maybe I should do a post about that, and have everyone tell me who they know in real life. Maybe that'll bring in some extra comments!!

13. Out of the 10, which updates more frequently? Probably Motherboard with her bucket fillers.

14. Which of the 10 keep you laughing? Mary, Motherboard and Kristina!!

15. Which of the 10 made you cry (good or bad) tears? Shelle, with her post about hope when I really needed it, and Motherboard, whenever she leaves me sappy comments about how much she loves me!

Turkey Trot!

Calling all Runners!

(and wanna be-runners/walkers)

If you will be in the Davis County (UT) area on Thanksgiving morning, then come run with us!!

What: Turkey Trot Fun Run!

5k, 10k, and 10 mile run

When: Thanksgiving morning, Nov 27, 2008

7:00 a.m.

Where: Sherrie's house

Email me for directions

How: I have mapped out a course for 3, 6, and 10 miles routes. Come and run whichever route suits you. I can also tell you a 2 mile route, too, but come on! Push yourself and do the 5k!!

Why: Because you'll burn enough calories to cancel out all that Thanksgiving food. What more reason do you need that that?

Cost: Free!! This is just a fun run, and an excuse to get together as friends, and get some good exercise, and have fun!

So, if you are in the Davis County area, and are interested in running with us, send me an email to pianorunner@yahoo.com

and I will send you directions to the start.

(For obvious reasons, I am not posting my address here.)

So come run, and have fun!!!

“We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues." Pres. Thomas S. Monson

I love this quote! Sacrament meeting was surprisingly uplifting today. By surprising, I don't mean that it usually isn't. Well, other than the fact that I usually spend more time and pay more attention to wrestling with and shushing kids. Today, the kids weren't especially reverent, but for some reason, between their wiggles, and noise, I heard the words of the returned missionary who spoke in our ward today.

I didn't catch every word, but his topic was Gratitude. And basically that we should have joy in the journey. Heavenly Father wants us to be Happy in this life, and showing gratitude will help us to do that!

For those of you who don't know, my calling in my ward is choir director. We have late church, so that makes is really hard to find a time to have practice. No matter what time we try, people whine (including me). We finally started meeting at someone's home in the morning, and we're starting to get a better turn out.

Well, today, the choir sang in sacrament meeting. I was so pleased with the turnout. We sang "All Creatures of our God and King" arranged by Mack Wilburg. If you didn't know, Mack Wilburg is the director of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I LOVE him! His hymn arrangements are amazing, beautiful, and I love to sing and listen to them. Someday, maybe a few years down the road, I aspire to be able to sing with the Tab choir under his direction. What an honor it would be to work with him!! Another dream I have.....Yes, I like to dream BIG!!!

Anyway, our ward choir sounded amazing, and thankfully I kept myself together through the end of the song. After singing it dozens of times during practice, you'd think I'd be "immune" to the song. I was touched from the beginning, and the spirit was so strong throughout the number that I have no doubt that angels were singing along with us.

Whenever I start to grumble about my church calling, the time comes along to perform in church, and it renews my testimony of how important music is to our meetings, and in the gospel. Hopefully, soon, I'll be able to spread the gospel through my own music, and touch someone's life for good.

(BTW, I had my final recording/editing session on Saturday. That sound engineer is a genius! It's going to turn out really good! I can't wait for you to hear it!)

Today, I'm thankful to be able to serve in my church, and for the many people in my ward to support me by coming to sing.

Random Crap and Stuff...and more music!

Dangit! I really need to start writing stuff down! I had all these great ideas. And again....they're gone. Hopefully they'll come back. This is why my blog isn't funny. It is completely, and totally Off. The. Cuff. None of my blog posts are premeditated. Because I'm too hair-brained to remember any good thoughts I've had, or too dense to write it down when I do have good thoughts (which are rare anyway).

I do have a very funny Christmas tree story, but I'm saving it for later. I can't bring myself to discuss anything Christmas-y before Thanksgiving. It's one of my personal morals. No offense, and please know that I love you all, in all your holiday-annoyingness, but I can't stand it when people start doing Christmas stuff, playing Christmas music, etc. before Thanksgiving.

I mean, come on, people, you're skipping a really great Holiday.

Not only are we forgetting to be grateful, but we're just going to skip it all together, and get straight to the "getting stuff." Now, ask yourself, since we're on the subject. WWJD? I think you know the answer. He'd tell you to put away the sale ads, tacky inflated snowmen, and twinkle lights, and start thinking about how you should appreciate what you already have, and just be grateful to have a simple Holiday where you can enjoy a delicious meal, surrounded by people you love.

After binging on Turkey and yams, then you can go all hog-wild for Kris Kringle. M-kay?



**************



That said. I have a confession to make. You know how I've been something of a holiday scrooge of late? If you haven't noticed, then Thank you for seeing the good in me. I really have been boycotting all festivity regarding Holidays (including Halloween), especially with decorating, cooking (hence the buying birthday cakes), and whatnot.

Well, I'm starting to get excited for Thanksgiving. Can you tell, I LOVE this holiday? I'm very grateful that I don't have to cook Thanksgiving dinner this year (BTW, that's my grateful #14).

But, for the last 20 years, I have had a tradition of making Wassail for Thanksgiving every year. I must say, my recipe for Wassail is THE best you've ever tasted. And no, I'm not selling the recipe (Ok, maybe, if you make me an offer I can't refuse)

So, if you want to have a taste, then just invite me to your holiday party, and I will bring some.

It is TO DIE FOR!!!

**************

I am consistently at least 5 minutes (or more) late for everything. For years, this fact has baffled me. I get everyone read on time, I get myself ready on time (usually). But, recently, I finally discovered what the problem is. I have a set time in my head for when we need to leave. I usually allow the minimum amount of time allotted to get from point A to point B. So, if it takes 15 minutes to drive somewhere then we leave 15 minutes before it starts. Rain, snow, sleet or shine.
The real problem is that after years of having 3 children, I still forget to account for the fact that it takes like 10 minutes to gather everyone and get them all buckled into the car. There goes our precious driving time. Hence, we're running late.
My new goal this week is to start getting the monkeys in the car 10 minutes BEFORE we have to leave.
Does anyone else have this problem?

**************

This little tidbit is for the people in my neighborhood. So, if you're not, feel free to skip ahead.

My stake has exercise classes during the week. I only go to the Friday Yoga class, because I run and/or go my gym on the other days. But, can I just say, that the girl (whose name I've forgotten, I'm a dork) is an amazing teacher. She teaches at one of our local gyms (unfortunately NOT the one I currently go to), and she has a rockin' body, and I love this Yoga class. It kicks my butt, EVERY WEEK. I always thought Yoga was easy and boring, and just a bunch of stupid stretches until I started going to this class.
Currently, I am the ONLY person in my ward who goes. What is UP with that?!! Come on, people! I don't know if the word is just not getting out, or what, but I'm here to say get up off your lazy butts and come join me in this incredible Yoga class!
It starts at 8:55 on Fridays at the Stake Center. There are other classes on other days, but I don't know those details.
So, seriously, if you want to come next Friday, call or email me, and I'll come pick you up.
(FYI, I do go a little late because I have to drop TJ off at preschool first)

Or, if you don't live by me, then find a Yoga class, or go for a walk or do SOMETHING. It might seem daunting or hard at first, but exercise makes you feel sooo good! Do it! NOW!!!!

Ok, I might still be on a little endorphin high from yesterday's run. Or from the Yoga class I just got home from.
But, when you find something you truly LOVE, you just want to share the joy with EVERYONE!!!

****************

I think it's about time I took the Thriller song off my playlist, since it's now way past Halloween, don't you?

How about a new random list of tunes!!!

1. Like Whoa (Aly & AJ)
2. We Close Our Eyes (Oingo Boingo)
3. Hold Me Now (Thompson Twins)
4. I Get Weak (Belinda Carlisle)
5. Complicated (Avril Lavigne)
6. So What (Pink)
7. One Step at a time (Jordin Sparks)
8. Better In Time (Leona Lewis)
9. Dangerous (Roxette)
10. Bold as Love (John Mayer)

Bonus:
All At Once (Jack Johnson)

Why waking up before the crack of dawn is a good thing....

I'm feeling pretty darn good day. Especially despite the fact that I woke up today at 4:30 am.
Actually that's part of the reason I feel so good.

Yesterday, my friend Annette, in my running group emailed me. In the subject line it said, "We miss you." She is really good at making me feel wanted and giving me a guilt trip at the same time.
So I got up this morning and went running with the group. I'm so glad I did. I always feel so good after I run, even though it's crazy hard, because I'm so out of shape from not doing it.
I don't know why it's so hard to get myself out there and going.
Actually, I do. I hate getting up in the morning. I am sooo NOT a morning person. If I could stay up til 2am and sleep in til 10 every day, I totally would.

And it's such a gorgeous day today. It's nice and calm, a little overcast, and 45 degrees. Perfect crisp fall weather.

I'm thankful today for such a beautiful day. I'm also thankful, again, to be able to run.