Favorite Part of the Day: Mexia

Today we had an enjoyable Sunday, different from our normal. Nathan had a speaking assignment in Mexia, TX, a small branch in our stake. We were encouraged to go with him when he has speaking assignments, so today we went. It took us an hour and a half to get there, and it was very small. Diana was the only child in nursery. Caitlin and Bryn had class combined with one other boy, and Andrew’s teachers were the missionaries. It brought back so memories of people and branches from my mission that I began crying with a flood of emotion. (I only served in branches on my mission, except for the 2 months of visa waiting in Las Vegas).

Today it took only two people to pass the sacrament, and was so reverent in the room. Nathan said there were 42 in Sacrament meeting. (6 of whom were us). The chapel had 4 side rooms which were open with extra seats during the sacrament meeting, but closed off and became classrooms during class time. Both the nursery and B & C’s classes were held in these. Relief Society was held in a small room as well. When I walked in, I thought out loud, “Will we all fit?” Of course, we did. I think it was 11 sisters.

I loved it and so did the kids. Both Bryn and Caitlin said their favorite part of the day was going there, and Andrew said he likes it better than our normal ward. Nathan gave a great talk about celestial marriage. The people were very friendly and welcoming, they were sad to learn we were only visitors and not moving in. More than one person told us to come back anytime, and a man tried selling Nathan some fresh eggs from his personal free range chickens. We declined, but I was envious when I saw the Elders walk off with a free dozen in their hands. But I’ve been there before, I had my turn. Someone in my mission gave me a freshly slaughtered rabbit. I promptly gave it to a sister in the ward who knew how to cook it. I couldn’t even open the package, because I didn’t know what I would do if I saw the fur. . . . I mean, really, what would YOU do?

Back to today . . . it was so hot in our car that the cheese in our sandwiches melted even though the food was in a cooler. No ice, so we could have prevented that, but we’ve had 100 degree weather all week. We saw a crop on the side of the road that we couldn’t identify, we should have asked a local. We saw two fields of it, growing about knee high with 5-6 inches of seed at the top. Nathan’s guess was tobacco, but I don’t think the leaves were big enough, however, I didn’t venture a guess. Any takers?

On the drive we also saw donkeys, goats, many horses, cattle hiding in whatever shade they could find, a Brahma bull, and several homes with plenty of dilapidated, rusty vehicles and tractors sitting outside. We saw gorgeous, sprawling new brick homes right next to worn out wood frame homes and trailers. We saw the sign on Disco 84, Open for Dancing and BYOB.” In Mexia itself we passed 5 churches and the swimming pool before arriving at our own. Aunt Lucy’s Day care, open 5:30 am to 5:30 pm. Can you believe anyone is up for day care at 5:30 am? Ugh. Makes me want to go to bed!

If I had been smart enough to take my camera, I would include a photo of the cattle lying nearly on top of each other trying to get a piece of the shade. I personally feel a 10 degree difference during the middle of the day if I am in shade or not, so you can’t blame the cattle for packing themselves in tight. Sitting between sweaty cows doesn’t sound 10 degrees cooler. I guess it is all about survival.

We left our house at 8:15am and got back at 3:15pm, so we will not be going back often. But when we do, we will welcome the opportunity for a little more Mexia.

Here's a little TX trivia for you: Mexia is pronounced Ma-HAY-ya, stress on the 2nd syllable.

P.S. I think my father in law was right, I am pretty sure it was sorghum we saw.
Click here for more info on Sorghum.

Sweet dreams

A long time coming . . . .

I bought this fabric over 1000 miles away and at least 2 years ago. I planned to make my own PJ's after making and giving Nathan some for Christmas. Needless to say, this project is one I am happy to cross off my list. My goal was to make something I would wear. I figured PJ's were a good place to start, because no one will see them except my family.

Now, you've seen them, so I consider you family.

Happy finished 1st serger project! Buying thread for #2 tomorrow!

Can't Stop Moving

Not sure what to title this one yet . . . .

This morning we had a ward activity at the "Splash pad." I know of 4 splash pads in our town and the neighboring one. I guess it is survival for the heat. These FREE parks have tons of water squirting and dumping from all kinds of places . . . until it goes off, that is. Today while we were there it went off without explanation, and didn't come back on. It was OK, because we really needed to be on to the next activity of the morning.

I had a really hard time getting a photo of Diana. She wouldn't stop moving long enough to look at the camera. Maybe that's a good title. "Can't stop moving." Pretty accurately describes 2/3 of our family. Her expression shows you how she feels about time spent at the splash pad.



We can't keep time from moving, either. This week was busy with a 3 day fever for Bryn, 3 days of Cub scout day camp for Andrew and I, and lots of 90 degree weather. The next activity this morning was stopping in at Day Camp for Family Day with sailboats, magic show, our favorite weatherman, and pony rides. Tonight is a date out for Nathan and I, to the resident graduation. First time we've been to a resident graduation other than Loyola. So glad to not be the residents anymore!

In other news, we think (fingers crossed) that the air conditioning in the minivan is fixed. Hoping it "stays cool" through lots of hot miles in July. Gotta go, can't stop moving!

Searching for Dinner Salads S.O.S.

Tonight dinner was Chinese Chicken Salad, pictured below. My older kids love it, especially because I added Mandarin Oranges tonight. The younger ones still have a hard time with the dressing, but filled up on the Chow Mein Noodles and cucumbers we served on the side.



I've been in a bit of a cooking funk, and so I am searching for your favorite dinner salads. Using the electricity as little as possible is a desirable thing. In your comments, please post a favorite, send me a link to a great recipe or site, or an email. My husband, family, and self would greatly appreciate a new idea or two.

p.s. I'm not really a fan of cold pasta salads, so save those for someone who is.

70 degrees

My favorite temperature.

"And it came to pass"

You don't have to read very much of the Book of Mormon to become familiar with this phrase. This week, Caitlin learned how to read these words all together. As a result, it is her turn whenever "And it came to pass," comes up.

Last night she read Alma 19:11-12
"And it came to pass that she . . ." followed by
"And it came to pass that he . . ."

So exciting to see her reading progress. She's very excited to be "becoming a reader."
I'm hoping to engage her older siblings in teaching her a few new words in their spare time this summer.

End of School parties

What would you do the last day of school?

If you are my kids, you've been watching movies for the last week and a half. Today was a pizza party, and tomorrow is the last half day. I wonder what they will watch tomorrow??

Yesterday I decided to celebrate my last naptime peace and quiet with a little sewing. We found out Nathan has a Priesthood training meeting when the scheduled serger class is, so I figured I could ask for a little extra help to figure out my serger by myself, if I skip the class and send him to the meeting. But I can't skip the class and have my serger sit idly collecting dust.

My goal: Thread the serger
My time limit: About 50 minutes

I did not make it or come anywhere close to it. BUT, finally last night while Nathan ate his dinner at the sewing machine table next to me, I got it to work. He missed dinner and I couldn't sit at the table any longer by the time he arrived. (That table, anyway).

I am pretty sure I made every possible mistake. Which means I never have to make those mistakes again. Tonight when I boldly switched threads from black to white, that whole process took 10 minutes. So thankful it will never be my first time again! The next step is to cut out the fabric for the pattern I am wanting to experiment with . . . . . maybe tomorrow, during the little break I get during morning cartoons in the post-breakfast peace and quiet . . . .



I promise never to show a threaded machine on my blog again, (unless it takes me over an hour).