While Visions of Sugar Plums Dance in My Head

Help! I can't quit eating!

The Mr. and I started out the month by doing a cleanse. After the cleanse I figured it would be easier to just keep eating well, and avoid sugar all together, instead of trying to pace myself with all the Christmas treats. Things were going really well, and I wasn't even missing the sugar.

I had told myself right from the beginning of the month that I would allow myself to have a piece of dessert on Christmas Eve, and then again on Christmas Day. But after that I'd go back to proper eating. Hah!!!

Once I tasted that first "forbidden fruit" I was hooked. It's as if I felt like since I'd been naughty once, I might as well keep it up. (I'm sure there's an analogy there somewhere!) One thing led to another:

Chocolates

Peanut Brittle

Shortbread

Caramel Popcorn

Fudge

It's like I've turned into my own Fat Booth picture.

Dixie

Ready for Christmas

"Are you ready for Christmas?" In the past couple of weeks I've been asked that question more times than I can count.

"Are you ready for Christmas?" What does that really mean? I assume it's supposed to mean, "Have you finished your Christmas shopping and baking?" If that's what is meant, then sadly I have to answer "no".

The past two evenings, however, have provided a different meaning:

• On Saturday night we attended our church Christmas party, where the cultural hall was perfectly decorated to resemble the ancient city of Bethlehem. Everyone came in biblical attire and participated in an open-air market, using pouches of gold to make our purchases. Later Mary and Joseph arrived to pay their taxes with the rest of us. Although they were not able to obtain lodging, they were told they could stay in the stable with the animals. There we witnessed Mary bring forth her first-born child, the Lord Jesus Christ. Music and narration was presented to retell the birth of our Saviour. Daughter #3 played the role of Mary, so it made it all the more special for me.
• On Sunday evening we attended our Stake Christmas concert. Although the choir selections were far from perfect, there was a sweet spirit that attended the performances and spoken word. It set the perfect tone for my Christmas celebrations.

Am I ready for Christmas? I am now.

Dixie

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Yesterday The Mr. and I attended a funeral for an elderly gentleman named Stan. Although we had seen him on a few occasions, we didn't really know him. Our attendance was meant to show support for his daughter, who we know through church.

Until the funeral, we had only known Stan to be a fragile senior with Alzheimer's. What a treat it was to learn more about him as the letters from his children were read aloud. We learned that Stan was a fun-loving man with a strong work ethic, positive parenting skills, and a love of nature, music and family. It felt right to be there.

There were a few things, however, that didn't feel right. Like the fact that so many people showed up in extremely casual clothing. Like the man seated in front of us who kept laughing obnoxiously loud at his own jokes. It seemed to me it would have been nicer to show more respect to Stan by dressing and acting a little more dignified. But I guess I shouldn't judge. Maybe Stan would have wanted it that way. In fact, I'm sure Stan is far more tolerant than I am.

But did that one person really have to clip their fingernails so loudly throughout the entire funeral service? I bet even Stan found that a little disgusting.

Dixie

Family

This past while my thoughts have been focused on my family. How much I love and appreciate them. How much I worry about them. How much I enjoy being with them, and miss them when they're not around. What a wonderful blessing to belong to a family!

Last week I was informed that my mom was taken to the hospital and not doing well. Of course I wanted to be there. Because she's my mom, and I love her.

So I hopped a plane, and Kim picked me up at the airport and chauffeured me the extra 45 minutes to the hospital. Because she's my sister-in-law and she's cool like that.

I was impressed to see the love and concern my brother and sister, and my grown daughters showed for my mom, although it wasn't really a surprise. Because that's what families do.

The Mr. and Daughter #3 arrived a few days later to check up on Mom. Later they took me with them to visit Daughter #2 and her family, as promised. What a fun time we had enjoying nature, playing games, visiting, and eating. Because those things are more fun when you have a family to do them with.

I loved practicing a song with my grandchildren on Saturday night, and then watching them sing in church (with the other children) the next day. It was especially fun to see them take their seats on the pew again, and then flash me a big "thumbs up". It warmed my heart. Because they're my grandchildren, and I love them.

I'm looking forward to Daughter #1 visiting with her children in four days. I can't wait to give them hugs and kisses and do fun things with them. Because that's what grandmas are good for.

Tonight Sons 1A and 1B called -- just to chat. Gotta love that! Because I miss them terribly since they moved out.

I love my family! What would I do without them? Because they're pretty much the only ones who read my blog :)

Dixie

Thirty-nine Years Ago...

Today I shed a tear of disappointment as I read the newspaper. David Cassidy was charged with a DUI in Florida.

What's become of David?

When did he go down hill?

How could he have changed his ways so quickly?

He was always such a nice wholesome young man.

Wait a minute. The newspaper just said that this "young man" was now 60 years old. Has it really been 39 years since he was making headlines as a teen idol? Has it really been 39 years since I called my first meeting as president of the fifth grade "David Cassidy Fan Club"?

I remember listening to one of his records over and over and over again in my bedroom. I'm sure my mom wished she would never have gotten it for me as a birthday gift. And how could anyone resist watching "The Partridge Family"? He was about the cutest thing I'd ever seen. While other girls were swooning over Donny Osmond and Michael Jackson (mere babies), I was interested in a more mature 21-year-old.

Okay, David, I'll forgive you this once, but don't let it ever happen again.

Dixie

Happy Halloween

Having decided years ago that she would never dress up as a princess, Daughter #3 broke her promise to herself this year and wore a Princess Leia costume to school on Friday. Okay, so not exactly your typical princess, but still a princess.

Later that night for the dance:

She apparently enjoyed dressing as a princess so much, that on the next night she dressed as Gwynnvere from Camelot. (Sorry, no picture.)

I, myself, have decided to opt out of Halloween this year. So, as a repellant to trick-or-treaters, I will be practicing my "Tap Dance Class" choreography in front of the open window.

Dixie

A Trip Down Memory Lane

Last week for my birthday, Daughter #3 presented me with a very unusual gift:

The 1974 Eaton's Fall and Winter catalog.

Wow -- did that ever bring back a lot of memories! I've had such fun perusing its pages this past week.

In the fall of 1974 I turned 13 years old. (Okay, I'll make it easy for you. I just turned 49.) I must have still been wearing children's sizes, because all the girls' outfits looked familiar to me, unlike the women's outfits. Even the young girl models seemed like old friends. My favorite girl was this one in the yellow shirt:

Doesn't she look like a fun girl? I use to imagine that she loved having fun in a natural and wholesome way, and that she and I would have been good friends if we knew each other. I always thought that the clothes she wore were the cutest, probably just because I liked her the most.

I never really cared for the girl with the blonde hair. She always seemed a little too "Cindy Brady"ish to me. I imagined she was terribly spoiled.

I don't remember ordering any of those particular outfits, but I do remember owning these exact same shoes. I have to admit, I still think they're kind of cute.

In the fall of 1974 I definitely remember thinking: "How cool are these guys?"

I may have still been wearing children's size clothing, but my tastes in mature men were clearly a little more developed!

Dixie

Really?

Yesterday while browsing the Halloween aisle at Walmart, I had only one thought: "What is this world coming to?"

Every costume for adult women was.....how do I say politely.....naughty. There was a naughty nurse, a naughty policewoman, a naughty Victorian woman, a naughty pirate, a naughty prisoner, several naughty fairy tale characters.... And the list goes on. Every single costume included fishnet stockings, stilettos, and a whole lot of cleavage. Really?

I wondered how the fishnet stockings would help a nurse perform her duties more effectively. Or how the high heels would help a policewoman to pursue a criminal more easily. And have they forgotten that a witch is supposed to have green skin, scraggly hair, and a wart on the end of her crooked nose?

And don't even get me started about Little Red Riding Hood. Something tells me her grandmother would roll over in her grave if she knew how Little Red was dressing these days.

Dixie

Tons O' Fun

So yesterday was Tuesday, and as I've said before, I love Tuesdays! That's the day I run my children's musical theatre class. I have another fun bunch of kids again this year:

• There's the girl who sings every song with so much facial expression I think she's going to burst.

• There's the girl who arrives early each week and follows me around giggling at everything I say.

• There's the boy who asks every week if I have a treat for the class, not really expecting it, but he knows that everyone expects him to ask, so he does.

• There's the girl who uses the bathroom twice each class... just to make sure she's getting her money's worth, I suppose.

• There's the other girl who once spent a total of 30 minutes in the bathroom, all the while assuring us she was fine. (I discovered later that she was just decorating her disposable drinking cup so it wouldn't get mixed up with the others.)

How could you not love these kids? Or this job?

Dixie

Spicing Things Up

I've decided my life is too boring. Too predictable.

Recently I've been talking to four different women who have told me the most fascinating details of their very recent lives. In some cases these stories have left me giggling uncontrollably, in others with my jaw hanging open in disbelief. I found myself almost resenting their riveting lives, wishing I had one of my own to tell about. I'll have to see what I can do to spice up my life.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm running late for my Nude Tap Dance class.

Dixie

The (Almost) Finished Product

So for those who care (mostly Daughters #1 and #2), here are a couple of pictures of our new backyard. Take particular note of the beautiful fence. The beautiful fence that The Mr. and I have slaved away on. For the past. three. months.

Okay, to be fair, we also recruited our kids to help out now and then. And, to be even more fair, the biggest change to our back yard is probably the work done by the landscaping crew. But that doesn't mean that I'm any less proud of the work I did on the fence.

It seems like it took FOREVER. With all the rain and the newly-acquired church responsibilities for The Mr., it's been a long, drawn-out process. But we are SO close to being finished that I can almost taste it!

I think the thing I'm looking forward to the most, is the opportunity to spend a date night with The Mr. that doesn't involve power tools.

Dixie

The Perfect Party Guest

The Mr. and I threw a little party the other day. It was a real casual affair -- potluck supper, games, and visiting. I was expecting 12 guests, so was a little surprised when one couple each brought a friend of their own. Normally I don't appreciate that kind of thing, but these particular guests weren't a bit of trouble. In fact they added quite a bit of fun to the party.

During supper they were very quiet -- we hardly knew they were there. Later as we were debating over the rules to a particular party game, one of these guests came to the rescue by providing a very detailed description of the exact way to play it. When the fun of the games died down, and we started visiting, both these guests had us laughing for the rest of the night. They shared their knowledge with us about all the current movies. All we had to do was mention a movie title, and they not only informed us when was the best time to leave, but EXACTLY how much time we had and what we would miss. Later they kept us in stitches as they showed us what all our friends would look like if they gained A LOT of weight.

"Who were these guests?" you ask. Well, I'll tell you. Or rather, show you.

The Mr. had a similar friend arrive by Fed Ex today. He's a happy boy.

Dixie

Too Funny

I love this. It's definitely worth watching. Maybe even twice.

Dixie

On A Mission

Lately I've been on a mission to purchase a dress. Nothing fancy. Nothing trendy. Just an all-purpose dress, with a bit of class, that I could wear to church. For the past few years I've been going the skirt route. In fact I have a black skirt that gets worn far more than any skirt deserves to be worn. I figured since dresses have made a comeback recently, it wouldn't be too hard to find something. What a laugh!

Too short, too tight, too revealing, too glitzy, too everything. But mostly too short. The dress designers all seem to be in cahoots rights now: "Let's make all our dresses the same length. You know that length that makes beautiful legs look even more beautiful, and ugly legs look even more ugly." Sadly my legs fall very definitively into the second group.

I, however, will not give up. I am on a mission and will not stop until I succeed!!

Dixie

Movin' Out

After several months of advance warning, I'm still having a hard time coming to grips with something: Sons 1A and 1B moved out! They found a cute little apartment in the city, packed their bags, and headed out. The nerve!

Well, the truth is, we've always told our kids that they shouldn't be hanging around the house for too long once they get to be young adults. (Somehow I've always felt that would stunt their social lives, not to mention our financial reserves!) But when the time actually came for them to go, it was a little harder than I anticipated.

Here's wishing them the best as they embark on this new phase in their lives!

(And boys, if you're reading this, please get a phone. I'm only prepared to cut the apron stings, not throw them away entirely!)

Dixie

Fencing, Family and Fun

Fencing

For the past several weeks, I have been learning the art of fencing. Not the kind involving swords and protective gear. I'm talking about the other kind. You know - lumber, screws, post hole augers. What fun we've been having (read that with a slight tone of sarcasm) as we are racing the clock to get this done, all the while fighting rain and mosquitoes.

Six times in a row - SIX - we would just barely get all the supplies and tools hauled out of the garage and start working, when it would start to rain and we would have to haul it all back inside again. Now, I'm not talking a little drizzle. This was all out torrential downpours, and even once we were pelted with hail as we struggled to get everything put back in the garage. It has become the family joke that maybe during drought years we could offer to build someone's fence to help bring on the rain.

We have had a couple of productive days, however, and our fence is starting to looking pretty good, if I do say so myself. In our 30-year old neighborhood, it certainly looks better than all the other delapitated fences.

I'm trying not to get a swelled head over it.

Family

At the beginning of the month The Mr. and I hosted a mini family reunion at our house. Not many of us - just our own little family. We started out with five children, and now we've added two sons-in-law and four grandchildren. Still not a huge number, but it's so fun to welcome each new addition to the family, and I'm looking forward to what the future holds in that department. My thoughts have been centered on my family this summer. Thoughts of how they have grown. Thoughts of the kind of people they have turned out to be. Thoughts of how much I love them.

(You have lots of time to think while you're building a fence!)

The Early Years

One Year Ago

Fun

One of my favorite things to do is watch live theatre, especially musical theatre. I've taken two trips to Cardston this summer to attend the Carriage House Theatre's summer productions. The first trip was with The Mr. (after our previously mentioned camping trip) to see "Thoroughly Modern Millie". The second trip was with Daughter #3. We saw "Curtain Call", "Little Women", and "Thoroughly Modern Millie" again. Fun, fun, fun.

Each time I come home dreaming about being younger and having a little more talent.

Dixie

Camping With The Mr.

Daughter #3 was attending a week-long musical theatre camp.

Sons 1A and 1B were busy with their summer jobs.

So, The Mr. and I decided to take a little vacation without them. Nothing very exciting, but you'd think that The Mr. had died and gone to heaven. We went camping at Waterton.

As noted earlier, I'm not much of a camper. Okay, that's an understatement. But The Mr. absolutely loves being in the mountains. Unlike me, the thought of seeing wildlife doesn't frighten him a bit.

He could hardly wait to revisit the place where he spent so many of his family vacations as a child. He even convinced his parents to come camping with us to help relive the memories. Normally I would have preferred to stay back at the trailer reading a book while he went off to do "nature things". But I decided to be a good sport and tag along. (Didn't want the in-laws thinking too poorly of me!)

Things weren't going too badly -- By day three I had only seen a few deer and chipmunks. Nothing too intimidating. And then......

After that I was a nervous wreck! Thankfully Daughter #2 and her children came for an afternoon visit. I knew if we played hard enough with them, they would make sufficient noise to keep the wildlife away.

On day four we packed up the trailer and headed to Cardston to set up camp at the Lee Creek Campground. Now this was my kind of campground: Free Showers, Flush Toilets, Laundromat, Free Wifi, and best of all.....it was right in the middle of town -- no chance of wildlife!!

Dixie

Skills

I survived Young Women's Camp! As noted in my previous post, I was not looking forward to it. Not that I don't love the girls, 'cause I do. I guess I just don't love all the inconveniences of trying to live in nature. I did, however, learn a few new skills I had not previously known:

• I learned how to light - and cook on - a propane-fueled camp stove. I somehow became the camp cook (although not previously assigned) so that was a good skill to acquire.
• I learned that a container of wet wipes makes it possible to take a quick "bath" in the privacy of an outhouse.
• I learned the importance of closing the toilet lid and layering it with well-placed, clean toilet paper strips so you have somewhere clean to place your belongings while taking said "bath".
• I learned the art of balancing on one foot while putting on clean underwear and clothes in the outhouse.

I'm thinking Napolean Dynamite would be happy for me knowing that I have skills.

Dixie

11 Days

So, once again I've been asked to go to Young Women's camp. For those of you who know me well, you know that I would rather undergo a root canal. I AM NOT A CAMPER. Never have been. Never will be. But for some reason, I keep getting asked to go. Actually, I just found out that several other women were asked before me, but they had the good sense to decline. I never realized that was option. I'll keep that juicy piece of information tucked under my belt for next year!

We leave one week from today. The only good thing about that, is the fact that 11 days from now it will all be over, and then I can enjoy my summer.

Dixie

And the Winner is.....

Last week The Mr. and I decided to purchase new interior doors for our home. A certain unnamed lumber store was having their 10th ANNIVERSARY SALE, and, as luck would have it, the doors we wanted were 25% off. We placed our order with a nice man by the name of Lorne only 5 minutes before the doors closed (and the sale ended) on Saturday.

On Monday morning I received a phone call from Lorne informing me that our order had qualified us to have our names entered into a draw for an anniversary door prize and we were the winners!!

"How exciting! I wonder what the prize is? A trip for two to Hawaii? A $1000 in-store credit?"

Not wanting to appear too eager, I waited a day before returning to the store to collect my prize. When I arrived I saw Lorne and a couple of other men at the counter. With great anticipation I approached the counter and stated my business, anxious to get the actual gift in my hands. I guess I was a little disappointed when I discovered the said gift was a portable CD player.

"Okay, well, that's still a nice gift. I guess I shouldn't have been so greedy! Yes, of course. A CD player is a very nice gift."

I thanked Lorne and the other men, and left with my door prize. As I was putting the box in my trunk, I noticed these words:

Portable CD player with cassette

"With cassette! Nobody makes cassettes anymore. How old is this thing? Has this "gift" been around since the first anniversary sale?"

I could just picture it: every year for the past nine anniversary sales, Lorne and his gang tried to pawn off this little beauty on unsuspecting customers, only to be told, "Oh, no thanks. Go ahead and give it to someone else." I imagine it's been sitting around taking up valuable space in the office, just waiting for someone like me to give it a home. I'm sure they were thrilled to finally be rid of the thing.

I felt a little silly as I closed my trunk and drove away. I can't be certain but as I looked back through the window, I think I saw Lorne and his buddies giving high fives!

Dixie

Tuesdays

Today is Tuesday, and I had the day off. But I've had mixed feelings all day, because I've really come to love Tuesdays.

Tuesdays = Showbiz Kids.

Last week my little group of Showbiz Kids put on their year-end show, so now we're done. I really enjoyed this group, and I miss them already! How could you not love these sweet faces?

So now I'm gonna have to find something else to do on Tuesdays. Maybe those windows I've been putting off since 2004 will finally get washed. Or maybe not.

Dixie

Grateful

As I left my house earlier today to make a quick dash to the store, the thought came to me to take my cell phone with me. (You know, the little thing I almost always forget to take with me -- or actually turn on if I do remember.) I decided to ignore the thought because I was in a rush, and would only be gone a few minutes anyway. The thought came again, so I went back inside, retrieved the phone, and continued on.

On my drive home from the store, I happened to glance over to the opposite side of the street. Just at that moment I saw a man on the walking trail take a nose dive. He fell face-first onto the cement.

"Ouch! That's gotta hurt!"

By this time I had driven past, but as I looked back I could tell he was not moving. I was in a busy lane of traffic, so it took me awhile to find a pullover spot, but I got out my phone and dialed 911.

I was actually surprised at how calm I was as I reported the incident, gave directions for the paramedics, ran back to the scene of the accident, and flagged down the approaching ambulance. Normally I'm the type of person who would get all flustered and tongue-tied in a situation like that, but I felt like I was receiving some extra help from above.

I'm grateful for that extra help.

I'm grateful that I received the prompting to take my cell phone with me.

I'm grateful I heeded that prompting.

I'm grateful that the paramedics arrived so quickly.

I'm grateful that the man was conscious -- albeit, not coherent -- when we all arrived, and was well on his way to receiving the help he needed.

I'm so grateful.

Dixie

I Stand Corrected

Editor's Note: Today's post features a guest blogger. Apparently someone *cough*Daughter #2*cough* feels she needs to put in her two cents. Here it is:

Dear Mom,

I settled in to read this highly anticipated blog post, ready to have a good chuckle about this silly little scenario (which may or may not have emotionally damaged me, but that’s neither here nor there). After reading through the entire post, I came to one conclusion: clearly you are delusional.

First of all, you stated that you came across the Nike shoes in the exact shoe size of Daughter #2. Being Daughter #2, I can emphasize that unless my feet at age 12 were a Mens size 8, they were definitely not the exact size.

Secondly, even after the jiffy-marker job they were hardly a perfect resemblance. The kind of Nike shoes I wanted looked something like this:



The shoes you found for a mere $2 looked exactly like this:


While I appreciate your effort and enthusiasm, the chic-black-and-white low-tops were much more in fashion than the puffy-foam-stuffed high-tops.

Also, you left out the best part of the story. After the not-so-permanent marker wore off in the snow my peers teased me so badly, I took those silly high-tops off, left them in my locker, and walked around in my socks for the rest of the day. And then waited until everyone left the school before putting them back on to walk home. In the snow.

Despite my teasing, I feel the need to commend you for #1) being a bargain shopper, hello shoes for $2! And #2) for keeping me in mind whilst shopping. Keep up the good work. I now wear a size 7. That’s Ladies.

All kidding aside, this story really does show how great of a mom you are. A mom who would do anything to help her daughter feel loved and popular. All for only the small price of mass humiliation.

Love Always,
Daughter #2

Feeling Guilty

So, after my last few posts about my mom, I'm feeling a little guilty. Did I sound like an ungrateful, spoiled daughter who only cares about my own feelings? I sure hope not, 'cause I love her so much. And the older we both get, the more I appreciate everything she's done for me and everything she represents:

• She's incredibly honest.
• She's reliable.
• She's a very hard worker.
• She's a friend to the underdog.
• She's a woman of faith.
• She loves to have fun.
• She's extremely frugal (as illustrated in several of my stories.)
• She's amazingly creative (as also illustrated in several of my stories.)

The point is, I can't think of anyone else who I would rather have for a mother than her. And just to prove that she's not the only mother who can embarrass her daughter, here's another story:

In 1996 Daughter #2 was in the seventh grade, and black and white Nike high-tops were all the rage. How I would have loved to have been able to afford to get a pair for her and her older sister. But at $100 a piece, and our tight budget, that was never going to happen.

One day, while browsing at a second-hand store, I came across a pair of hardly-worn Nike high-tops in the exact shoe size Daughter #2 wore. Okay, so they weren't black and white -- they were, in fact, entirely white -- but nothing that a black permanent marker couldn't fix! And for only $2, how could I resist?

When I got them home, I whipped out a jiffy marker and quickly transformed them into a perfect resemblance of the real thing. The $100 real thing! When Daughter #2 came home from school, I showed her the new shoes I bought, and she loved them. She could hardly believe that they once used to be completely white.

The next day as she wore them to school, she was feeling pretty good. When the other kids looked at her feet with a smile, she assumed it was because they were impressed with her "coolness". It wasn't until later in the day when she looked down, that she realized her shoes were dripping black ink.

I guess "permanent" markers aren't so permanent when you walk in the snow!

Dixie

More About Mom

In an effort to wrap up this past week of Mother's Day stories...

STORY #6

When I was young my hometown sponsored a fair and rodeo every August. My mom always believed in supporting a good cause, so she thought we should enter a few categories wherever we could. Since none of us were competent bull riders, and our dog, "Daisy", suffered from low self-esteem, and didn't like being subjected to pet competitions, we usually had to enter the baking categories: We never really planned on winning, we were just supporting the fair.

I'll never forget the year Mom entered some category. (For lack of knowledge, let's just say it was baking powder biscuits.) When we arrived the next day to see the judged results, we were thrilled - not to mention surprised -- to see that Mom had won third prize!! She'd finally won a ribbon - sure it wasn't a first or second place ribbon, but at least it was a ribbon. She was SO pleased......that is, until she realized she was the only entrant in that category!!

And because this next one was specifically requested...

STORY #7

About 10 years ago The Mr. and I had taken our kids to go spend a little time with my mom. It was a busy morning, and everyone was getting ready and eating breakfast in shifts. I was upstairs pouring myself a bowl of cereal while The Mr. was shaving in the downstairs bathroom. As I sat down to eat, I could see that my cereal was moving!! Upon closer inspection I discovered it was crawling with weevils.

When I informed my mom of the bad news, she immediately started boiling up water in every pot in the house. Within minutes she was heaving potfuls of boiling hot water into the cupboard in hopes of killing the weevils that might be lurking there. Water was EVERYWHERE! Pretty soon, from the bathroom below, we could hear The Mr. yelling, "Ow! What's going on? Ow! There's scalding hot water pouring out of the ceiling all over me!"

Now I realize that my mom's response was a little over-the-top. Most of us would have handled that situation in a slightly more subdued manner. But, seriously, where's the fun in that?

And yes, I DO check the cereal very carefully before I eat it!

Dixie

Making The Best Of Every Situation

For those who have been following the stories of my mom, let me just say that it's not just me that she embarrasses. She can embarrass anyone -- even herself.

STORY #5

Fast forward about 15 years to the summer of 1993. Daughter #2 was spending two weeks with my mom -- it was her turn for some one-on-one time with Grandma C.

Mom thought it would be fun for the two of them to do some baking, and then take it to her friends at the Hutterite colony. (Now at this point, may I just say that, similar to sewing, baking is not one of my mom's strong points. But I'm sure the ladies at the colony would at least be appreciative of their visit.) Anyway, they decided on baking powder biscuits.

Midway into the recipe, my mom realized she was out of baking powder so she and Daughter #2 went down to the storage room to retrieve some more. My mom found some in a jar labelled "1974". When Daughter #2 questioned whether or not they should still be using it, Mom responded with, "Oh, sure. Baking powder never goes bad." They took the jar upstairs and finished their baking, then rode their bikes to deliver their wares.

When Daughter #2 arrived home, she told us the story of using the outdated baking powder, and hoped it was okay. Then, a couple of weeks later, she got a call from my mom saying, "Do you remember that old jar of baking powder we used for the biscuits? Well, it turns out it wasn't baking powder after all. It was wallpaper paste!!

(No doubt it was last used for a certain snare drum carrying case creation.)

Dixie

Another Story

STORY #4

Growing up in a small community, we didn't have our own daily newspaper. The newspaper we got came from the city 45 minutes away. In the '70's, the newspapers were completely black and white. There was only one colored picture per year -- on the front page -- and it was always a picture of the same event: Whoop-Up Days. So every July the newspaper would feature a colored picture of someone screaming on one of the rides, a child devouring some cotton candy, a cowboy getting thrown from the back of a bull, etc. For me it was always kind of exciting to see who would be featured on this one colorful newspaper each year.

One summer when I was a teenager, my parents and brother were going in to Whoop-Up Days to attend the rodeo. Two of my friends and I also drove in to the city with them. Our plan was to go to the midway. After determining the meeting place and time, my parents gave us strict intructions to NOT BE LATE, as my dad had to get up early the next morning. We set off to have some fun on all the rides. And have fun we did! In fact, we were having so much fun that we lost all track of time. When I finally realized what had happened, I determined we were over an hour late for meeting up with my parents. It would be an understatement to say that I knew my mom would not be pleased!

I told my friends that we needed to hurry, and began walking as fast as I could hoping they would keep up. They didn't seem to sense the urgency as much as I did. Soon enough I saw my mother coming towards us with a determined look in her eye. When she saw me she said, "There you are!", and picking up a twig off the ground, whacked me across the back of the legs. I started jogging. At this point my friends picked up their pace a little to try and keep up, but still keep their distance from us so as not to be associated with us. My mother turned around to them and said, "You better start moving, or I'll use this on you, too!" They broke into a run, and actually passed me.

I remember the 45-minute drive home being an extremely quiet ride -- no one spoke the entire time. The thought that kept going through my mind was, "Please don't let me be the colored picture in the newspaper tomorrow!" When the paper did arrive the next day, you can bet I ran to check it out. Apparently the stars and planets must have been aligned in my favor, because the picture was only of the ferris wheel all lit up. I breathed a sigh of relief knowing that I wouldn't have to worry about a permanent reminder of this eventful night for the rest of my life. Kind of. I may not have the paper reminder, but I have two friends who still love to bring it up for a good laugh.

Dixie

I Love My Mom

I really do love my mom. I just needed to clarify that..... in case any of you have gotten the wrong idea from my last couple of posts. Also, my mom is a really good sport, and so it's all good. The fact that she doesn't own a computer might also be in my favour ;)

STORY #3

My first high school dance was pretty exciting. I spent quite a long time getting ready -- I wanted to look just perfect to make a good first impression. It was early September -- a beautiful evening. The weather had been gorgeous all day, and my mom was making the most of it by working in the garden. As I called out to say goodbye to her before leaving, I chuckled to myself as I took note of what she was wearing: a pair of plaid pedal pushers (old-fashioned term for "capris") and a paisley-print shirt. A bright pink chiffon scarf covered the curlers in her hair. "Oh well," I thought, "at least she's just in the backyard -- no one can see how hideous she looks."

I arrived at the high school and was soon on the dance floor with the very boy I hoped would ask me. I had developed a pretty bad crush on him, and was hoping he liked me too. He was a year older, so I really wanted to make a good impression. After only a few more minutes he nervously asked, "Um, isn't that your mom over there?" I looked toward the gymnasium door and was horrified to see my mother standing there -- wearing the exact clothes as when I left her -- calling my name. "Dixie! Dixie!" You didn't clean your room before you left like you promised you would."

I was too embarrassed to try and cut a deal with her, so I just left as fast as I could so that she would have to leave also. I went home and cleaned my room, and to be honest, I can't even remember if I went back to the dance, or not. I suspect it was a case of trauma-induced amnesia. One thing I do remember, though: I never made that mistake again!

Dixie

Happy Mother's Day (again)

Here it is...

STORY #2

When I was in sixth grade, three other students and I were selected to play the snare drum in the school band. How awesome was that? Anybody could be selected to play those other "boring" instruments, but I was about to become one of the "cool kids" -- a percussionist!

The band instructor sent us each home with a brochure to show to our parents. It contained all the information we needed to order our very own snare drum, complete with a convenient carrying case. After taking a quick peak at the brochure, my mom decided we would take a trip into the city and purchase a used drum instead. As it turned out, the used drum we bought was actually pretty good, but it didn't come with a carrying case. Mom assured me she could make a case for it that would look even better than the ones in the brochure.

On Monday morning as I carried my new drum case into the school, I tried to hold my head high and act like nothing was out of the ordinary. Inside I was dying of embarrassment. Mom had covered a cardboard box with some left over '70's wallpaper, and used an old bathrobe tie as a handle. Somehow I didn't feel quite as cool as I had anticipated.

Dixie

Happy Mother's Day!

At the beginning of the week, Daughter #3 and I were in the car with the radio on, when a request came from the deejay asking for people to call in with an embarrassing story about their mother. The person with the best story was to win some wonderful prize. We both looked at each other and burst out laughing. To my best recollection the conversation went something like this:

Daughter #3: Mom, you've GOT to call in about Grandma.

Me: Which story would I tell?

Daughter #3: It doesn't matter -- they're all good.

Me: I know they are, but I don't know if I should.

Daughter #3: Mom, do it.

Well, I thought about it. In fact I've thought about it all week. There are so many good stories about my mom that I figured I would post one story each day for a week to celebrate Mother's Day. So, here goes:

STORY #1

When I was in third grade, our elementary school was putting on a Spring Concert. Our class was assigned to dance to "Turkey in the Straw", and each girl needed a full skirt for our number. When I informed my mom that we would need to buy me a new skirt, she replied that she would just make me one. I was a little concerned as Mom wasn't an accomplished seamstress. As the other girls began showing up to school with their new skirts, I was becoming more and more worried because my mom hadn't even started sewing. When I reminded her about the skirt, she promised she'd have a skirt for me in time for the program. And, sure enough, she did. Mom had constructed a very full, pleated, skirt with a large bow.......out of crepe paper and staples!! With 20 minutes to spare, there was no other option -- I had to wear it. The giggling and mocking that took place when I arrived at the school was pretty hard to take. And that was just from the teachers. As we took our place on the stage and waited for the music to start, I hoped no one in the audience would notice my paper dress. That hope was soon dashed when I realized all the snickering in the audience was directed towards me. Even the other kids in the dance were giggling at me. Who knew crepe paper "shooshed" as it brushed against a person's legs?

Dixie

She's Growing Up (Sniff)

Last night Daughter #3 bought her first cell phone. I suppose that fact in and of itself is not really blog worthy, but there's a bigger issue here. For the past several years, when all of her friends started getting their own phones, she made a conscious decision not to get one. Later when some of them moved on to their second phone (and in one girl's case, her third and fourth), Daughter #3 was even more determined that she wasn't going to get one. She was afraid she might become addicted to the thing, as they had seemingly become. I asked her several times if she minded that she was one of only a handful of teenagers left in North America who hadn't joined the 21st century. She said it didn't phase her a bit.

So imagine my surprise when she woke up yesterday morning and asked me if I'd like to go to the mall with her later that night to pick out a cell phone. As I tagged along, she impressed me with her presence of mind. She went to all the different retail outlets, spoke to the salespersons, got the brochures, and made an informed decision. Even the sales clerk who rang up her purchase complimented her on her maturity of doing it all on her own. I sensed she was pleased with herself.

A few minutes later, as we walked down the mall, I happened to glance over at her. She had that same look on her face that she and both her older sisters had when they first got their ears pierced. I could almost read her thoughts. It was something like: "Okay, act natural, don't look too excited. But, man, I'm SO cool now I can hardly stand it!"

So now that she's joined the 21st century, I guess I probably should, too. Not only should I learn how to text so I can keep in touch with her, I should probably actually remember to take my phone with me. And turn it on.

Dixie

Things Are Looking Up

For those of you who know me well, you'll appreciate the new image at the top of the side bar. It pretty much says it all when it comes to my lack of computer skills. I have never been (nor I'm afraid ever will be) tech-savvy. The ironic part of this is the fact that I actually figured out how to post it to my blog on the first try!

Have a good one!

Dixie

Living Vicariously

Today was one of my favorite days of the year -- "Musical Theatre Day" at our community's Music Festival. Each year I always take the day off and just sit and watch all the classes from morning until evening. I love it! Of course it helps that for the past several years one of my own daughters (lovingly referred to as "Daughter #3") has been an active participant. I'm a little envious that I never had the nerve -- not to mention the talent -- to have done it myself when I was young. I guess I'm living a little vicariously. I hope that's okay.

Performing "Jimmy" from "Thoroughly Modern Millie"

Performing "Ring Them Bells" from "Liza With a Z"

I'm already looking forward to next year!

Dixie

Road Trip

A short while ago Daughter #3 had a week off school, so she and I took a little road trip. Not only was it tons-o-fun to share this time together, but she now has her driver's license, so we got to share the driving, as well. Our first stop was at the home of Daughter #1 and her family. We were looking forward to seeing the two little guys who live there. Can't you just see the mischief in their eyes?

Speaking of eyes, maybe watching "New Moon" was a little too much! (You might have to click on this one to get the full effect.)

A little bonding between sisters:

Our next stop was at Grandma C's. She was rehearsing for her latest gig at the barber shop.

Daughter #3 kept asking this guy to dance, but he just ignored her:

In honor of April Fool's Day, my brother packaged up a ratty old wig in one of Mom's "Paula Young" wig boxes and told her that it had come in the mail. Thinking her most recent order had arrived, she was a little put out when this is what was in the box:

I made everyone try it on to see who looked the funniest.

And the prize goes to:

We got a bunch of the girls together to celebrate Grandma M's birthday at a restaurant in the city. Of course I forgot to get a picture of us seated around the table. By the time I remembered to bring out the camera, we were the only ones left:

We found out a few hours too late that Daughter #2 had been in the city (at the same time we were there) passing time until she was to be at a wedding dinner. She could have joined us, but I had no idea she was even in town. That will teach me for not calling her before I left! We did manage to link up the next day in the Easter candy aisle at Wallmart before we headed out of town.

A little shopping, and a stop at our favorite Chinese Buffet rounded out the trip.

We arrived home in time to spend Easter with The Mr. and Sons 1A and 1B. The response to my healthy easter basket hunt was a little less than enthusiastic. Still, it made a great fruit salad for our Easter dinner.

Thankfully, that trip to the Walmart Easter candy aisle was a little more appreciated than the fruit!

Dixie

A little over 30 years ago I set off on a new adventure -- I was on my way to college, taking with me not only a lot of courage, but pretty much most of my earthly possessions. My mom made sure I was well equipped, and relinquished some of her older kitchen ware for my use. (Some well-worn muffin tins, a cast iron frying pan, a half-broken toaster.) Nothing was too good for her daughter. In with the mix of supplies was this little beauty:

The Better Homes and Garden "New" Cookbook was hardly new when I received it in 1979. It was, in fact, a wedding gift to my mom and dad in 1952. Just the same, I was happy to have it, as I really knew nothing about culinary procedures. It had everything in it -- canning and freezing techniques, information on all types and cuts of meat, a list of ingredient substitutions, information on quantities for feeding the masses, etc.

Over the past 30 years that book has become a second bible to me. Not that I'm a great cook, but I know that if I ever need any information in the kitchen, it will be there. So for the past several years this prized possession has started looking a little worse for the wear. Both front and back covers have come off, many of the pages are dog-eared, and several have even fallen out and gone missing. Fast forward to 2010:

I've seen the updated versions of this book in stores for the past few years -- usually at Christmas --and always wondered if I should put it on my wish list. (Suggested retail price of $49.99) I guess the cheapskate in me always figured I could get a little more use out of my old one. A couple of months ago, however, I was at Homesense and found the updated version of this book on sale for only $7.99. How could I resist buying it? It was new. It was shiny. It was obviously in much better condition than the old one, and upon closer inspection it not only seemed to have most of the same information, but even a bit more modern information added to it. I went home pleased with my purchase, showing it off to The Mr. and everyone else at home.

I'm sure it's a really great cookbook -- I even gave it a place of honor on my shelf. And yet, two months later, I still can't bring myself to throw away the old one. We've been through a lot together, and somehow it wouldn't seem right to just throw it out. Almost as if I were being unfaithful. Hmm....

Dixie

Kids, Don't Try This at Home!

The Mr. enjoys eating a couple of boiled eggs for breakfast most mornings, so I happily fix them for him. Yesterday, I figured I would be smart and boil four eggs instead of two and keep the others for the next day. All he would have to do is just peel the shells and warm them up in the microwave. Fast forward to this morning, when he placed the peeled eggs in the microwave and went back to reading the newspaper. It wasn't long before we heard a loud EXPLOSION. Upon opening the microwave door, we discovered little bits and pieces of egg EVERYWHERE!! Apparently you're not supposed to put boiled eggs in the microwave. Who knew? I think a warning label might have been nice. What a mess to clean up!! It makes me wonder if there's a conspiracy among microwave manufacturers to purposely withhold all warning labels just for fun.

P. S.

It didn't help that at the time of the explosion, The Mr. was reading an article about terrorists who are lurking in suburban neighbourhoods. Funny!

Dixie

Sunday School-itis

Daughter #2 and her husband are off on a week-long adventure of sea, sun and sand. They stayed overnight on Friday so they could catch a flight early the next morning. In their hurry to get to the airport, they left behind a couple of their belongings:

(This is where I would have inserted

a really cute picture of their two

children, but we changed computers

from Windows to a Mac, and I can't

figure out how to post a picture!!!!)

On Sunday morning as I was getting the kids ready for church, it was obvious Hayley was in no mood for being happy. Often when her parents leave her, she misses them so much that it seems she is able to make herself physically sick. I wondered if that was starting to happen. Well, we took her to church anyway, and she was pretty much lethargic through the whole thing. Even in her little "Sunbeam" class for three-year-olds she refused to eat the snack provided, sing the songs, or look at the pictures the teacher was showing. I figured I was going to have a sick little girl on my hands for the next week. When we returned home, however, it seems she had made an amazing recovery -- she was completely healed!! If I didn't know better, I'd think someone was trying to get out of going to church.

Can't really blame her, though. I don't like 9:00 church, either!

Dixie

Spoiled

I was recently talking to a friend who was talking about how blessed she felt. She used a phrase that caught my attention. She said, "I feel like my heavenly father is spoiling me". What a neat thing to say -- not just "blessed", but "spoiled". I love it! I think her terrific attitude is one of the reasons He is spoiling her.

I'm feeling a little spoiled myself these days. Here are a few of the things that are making me smile:

1. March is here, the sun is shining, and we've had some pretty incredible weather the past few weeks. Gotta love that!
2. 14 Gold medals! Not too shabby for a polite little country who is used to taking a back seat.
3. The Mr. He's been SO helpful to me lately. I can't help but love him more and more.
4. Great kids. Love 'em to pieces!
5. My grandkids are coming in four days. Looking forward to having their cute little faces around for a while.
6. Just got back from a fun little winter get-a-way with The Mr. Didn't go anywhere exotic, and had to mix business with pleasure, but it was still tons-o-fun.
7. Showbiz Kids is extremely enjoyable. The kids are a lot of fun, and I think they're going to do a great job!

Life is good!

Dixie