ripe for the picking

I couldn't wait another day. The bananas I had been saving had reached a stage of blackness that could be ignored no longer, and I was yearning to use the cute Halloween mixing bowl Susan brought me on her last visit. It was time to make Banana Chocolate Chip Bars.

An after-school staple in our home for years, I admit I get some odd measure of comfort in making these--perhaps because I look forward to the kids' expressions of delight, or maybe it's the happy smell their baking leaves in my kitchen, or quite possibly it's just because I like to eat the edges.

Of course, licking the bowl could be another reason I like to make them.

Here's the recipe, should you have some black bananas that need a good home, or if you just want good batter to eat:

Denise's Banana Chocolate Chip Bars

• 3/4 cup Land o' Lakes margarine (it really is the best, I promise)
• 2/3 c. brown sugar
• 2/3 c. granulated sugar
• 1 egg
• 1 t. vanilla
• 2 medium bananas, mashed
• 2 c. flour
• 2 t. baking powder
• 1/2 t. salt
• mini chocolate chips, to taste

Cream margarine, sugars, and vanilla; add egg and bananas. Mix well. Combine dry ingredients and add to creamed mixture. Stir in chocolate chips. Spread into greased 9 x 13 pan and bake for 20 - 25 minute at 350 degrees.

Enjoy!

family cheer!

A few years ago we started the tradition of having a family cheer upon completion of family prayer. It's a long story as to how this all came about, but we pile up our hands football huddle style and join in a pre-determined cheer, such as "Wood Family, Wood Family: go the length! Wood Family, Wood Family: be the strength!" or "Wood Family, Wood Family: choose the right! Wood Family, Wood Family: be the light!"

Sometimes we get more creative, however, and devise a cheer for a specific need or person. Tonight we decided to cheer for Charlotte and Emily:

"Charlotte and Emily at BYU! Charlotte and Emily we love you!" Not so creative, but sincere none-the-less.

Feel the power.

girls just wanna have fun

About a year and a half ago, I decided to reclaim my passion for scrapbooking and start a "club" of sorts with some of my friends. My original idea was to have it be sort of like a book club, only instead of assigned reading, we would have assigned projects we would work on and share throughout the year.


Well, the assigned project part never really took off, but I have been getting together with my friends on a regular basis--every four to six weeks--at our favorite local Crop Shop. I look forward to these nights, as some of the friends in the group don't live close by, and this is one of the few times I get to see and spend time with them. We usually get dinner at the nearby Chipotle, and have a typical scrapper's stash of plentiful diet drinks and M&Ms.


This is me with my friend Barbie, who teaches classes at the Crop Shop and is our "in" to scheduling private crop nights! She is one of the most cheerful people I know and always has that pretty sparkle in her eyes.

This is me with my dear friend Linda, who I have known for more than eighteen years. She was a newcomer to our gathering, and had to be convinced of the intrinsic value of self-portraiture. She was a good sport, however, and favored me with this one. I hope we can convince her to be a regular.

Melissa, a long-timer, was not feeling photogenic, but humored me as I tried to snap a group shot. I still need practice with larger self-portrait groups, as evidenced by the missing part of her head below:We didn't stay as late as we sometimes do (we have been known to stay as late as 2 or 3 a.m.), and I didn't really accomplish as much as I had hoped to this time, but I realized that a large part of the enjoyment of this monthly get-together is the friend therapy. I also realized, with much gratitude, that I have incredible friends. The three who attended with me last night (as well as Janice, the one who wasn't able to make it) are all women I could count on for anything--the kind you know in your heart would do anything for you. How many of those kind of friends should one person be allowed to have?

I'm a pretty lucky girl.

just like the good old days!

There is an upside to working fewer hours at my part-time job: I actually find myself with an occasional hour or two at home, alone, during the day! Today was a first in a long time--I stayed home the entire day--no errands, nothing. It was heaven.

Even though I was a stay-at-home mom for nearly twenty years, it's sometimes hard for me to remember what it was like; it feels like such a long time ago--in a different lifetime. Sometimes I actually get a little panicky now, when I have a block of "free time" at home. It's as if there are so many things I want/need/should/could do that I don't know which to tackle first. I have to be careful that, in trying to make the most of my time, I don't squander it away.

Today, however, I had a plan. Part of Sarah's birthday present this year is to give her bedroom a facelift, starting with paint. I've been a little overwhelmed by the project, as her tiny room (only about 10' x 10') is so cluttered that it's daunting to think of clearing it out sufficiently to paint. I decided that today was the day I would tackle her closet, and from there moved to her dresser and *gasp!* under the bed. I figure it is always best to do this sort of cleaning when the child is away from home, as I am at greater liberty to sort things into Keep, Give Away, and Throw Away piles.

By the time I was finished I had two large Give Away bags and two large Throw Away bags (which I quickly took out the garbage before Sarah returned from school). One benefit of having Charlotte and Emily away at school is that I can use their room as an overflow area. I moved much of Sarah's stuff into their room to give me a more clutter-free work zone. Also, once I start painting, Sarah can sleep in their bed for the duration of the project.

Here's how her room looked when I left at 2:45 to pick her up from school: (yes, Jessie, that is Moosey's Nylabone on the floor).

And here's what her closet looked like after my cleaning spree:

Whew! I feel like I've really accomplished something, and now the thought of painting isn't so overwhelming. Of course, there is still the carpet to pull up (hardwood underneath), the curtains to make, the dresser to paint. . . . one thing at a time.

blogging fears realized

I used to always think it was funny when a blog post would begin, "Sorry I haven't posted much lately. . . ." I mean, isn't your blog mainly written for you, so why apologize to an invisible group of would-be readers? I now understand that underlying apologetic feeling. "Sorry my life is pretty mundane and my brain so tired that I can think of nothing of interest or great worth to share today. Sorry I don't have a million fun links, or a constantly evolving banner, or some fresh idea to light the world on fire. Not today."

A few major stumbling blocks that kept me from starting a blog in the first place are that I was afraid I:

• wouldn't always have the time to post frequently.
• wouldn't have sufficient items of interest about which to post.
• would fret too much about my writing, trying to craft the perfectly-written piece.
• would get bored with the layout, but frustrated in trying to change it.

Well, I'm there. Bear with me, and I'm sure I'll eventually stumble onto something sufficiently motivating.

going whole hog: blackberry style

After a shameful week of no photo documentation and an embarrassingly obvious suggestion to use my cell phone, it still took me until Mark returned home to figure out how to transfer the photo from my Blackberry to my computer (my cell phone plan doesn't allow me to email pictures--I already thought of that). Anyway--here's the lone photo from my week: my friend Pat (a man in my ward with a catering business) serving up a whole, smoked pig at the invitation-only event he hired me to help with.

Perhaps the most amusing part of the evening came when one party go-er stood looking--awestruck--at the whole pig and asked where we ever found an eggplant that large. Now, I've never seen an eggplant of this magnitude, let alone one with ears and a snout, but then again there was an open bar, so maybe that had something to do with his skewed assessment of the serving presentation.

The best news of the weekend was that, not only did I bring home a nice wad of cash at the end of Friday's event, but also Mark received a merit-based (and completely unanticipated) large bonus during his business trip/conference! Woo hoo! Additionally, Emily sent me a text message informing me that she received a 75 cent raise that day.

All-in-all a good day on the economic home front.

day off

Work has been so slow of late that I didn't go in to the office today. I can't remember the last time I had morning time alone at home after the kids went to school. It was quite fabulous. I ironed while watching Rachel Ray--heavenly!

Later in the morning I had an appointment with the counselor/therapist Mark and I have been seeing off and on for the past couple of years. His name is Wayne Brown and I look forward to the time we spend with him--it feels like such a "safe" place to lay down my burdens and discuss them with an objective, insightful, and non-judgemental third party. (And thankfully, our insurance covers a good part of the cost).

Today I went alone for the first time and Wayne helped me sort through some of the emotions I've been experiencing since the change in our family dynamic (a.k.a. Charlotte and Emily both leaving home). He reassured me that the feelings I'm having are almost "textbook" in nature, but in saying so he didn't diminish them. Rather, he made me feel like at least I'm not a freak. He also said that many times, when there is a shift such as this in family dynamic, something that has been hovering the background will "bubble up"--a new problem or situation to deal with comes to fill the space that used to be taken. I'm not sure if that makes sense the way I put it, but it made sense to me when Wayne and I talked today. Interesting things to think about.

The not-so-good part of my day came later, when I found out that my Explorer needs new brakes and rotors. I hate spending money on boring things like rotors for a car that is fifteen years old. Unfortunately, the metal-on-metal grinding noise my car started making yesterday every time I brake is not something I can ignore.

Mark took my camera with him on his business trip to D.C., so I have no photo documentation this time. It's probably just as well, as Wayne may have thought me a little odd if I started snapping photos during our session.

living in her wake

I often marvel at my good fortune in having Susan for my sister. How is that I, of all people, was chosen to share a common gene pool with her--only the most talented, generous, ingenious, and creative person I have ever known! Anything unusual, trendy, beautiful, or colorful in my house or wardrobe I can pretty much chalk up to her uncommon generosity and/or brilliantly creative mind.

She has her own interior design firm and retail store in Pennsylvania (well worth the trip, if you're ever near Yardley, PA) and occasionally does projects for out-of-state clients. In the past she has hired me to help out with projects in her home state, as well as in Charleston, SC, Nantucket, MA, and most recently my home town of Lakewood, CO.

Susan's visits, however, are not what you'd call relaxing for her. Last week we worked nearly 30 hours in three days, one night working late and then having a slumber party. Somehow, working with Susan doesn't seem so much like work--it's just fun to spend time together and learn from her (and she pays generously--or gets her clients to, anyway). Here's a sample of one of the rooms she's putting together for her client's daughter:

I want this polka-dotted rug for Emily's dorm room!

I'm always sad when it's time to part ways--even though I may be a little tired. Living in Susan's wake is one good place to be.

end of an era

It finally happened. As I was walking quickly out of the post office early Wednesday morning, rushing to make my next stop--Costco--before hurrying home to meet my sister and her client, my favorite EVER and most comfortable pair of summer sandals broke. My rhinestone flip-flops--broken beyond repair! I had to walk, lopsided, out to my car with one shoe off and one shoe on. This time I really could have qualified for the handicapped placard.

Adding insult to injury, I not only had to return home--even though I was already three-fourths of the way to Costco, but also drive barefooted, as my broken sandal happened to be my right one. I hate driving barefoot.

I knew that my time was growing short with my beloved shoes, as I had already had to mend the holes in the sole with duct tape, but I was simply not prepared for this sudden loss. For now I can only hope to find sandals this stylish and comfortable by next summer. Farewell.

birthday video at last!

I finally got the birthday song video to load properly. Enjoy!

See--I'm not the only one

I've been fighting the blues today, missing the girls and not looking forward to Mark being out of town this week for business. I'm not even used to just four yet, and now Mark's departure makes three. I've been trying to keep my chin up, as my mood seems to effect those of everyone else at home (one of the more burdensome tasks as a mother, that of Mood Maker).

I was doing fairly well until John came up while I was making dinner, and with a teary look in his eye said, "I missed hearing blow dryers when I woke up this morning!" Who knew that a fourteen-year-old boy would miss the sound of his sisters styling their hair on Sunday morning.

The bathroom does look a little empty without the customary tangle of appliance cords.

On a brighter note, I was getting a package ready to send the girls and was thinking I'd use my cute Good Mail labels from Jill, but wishing they said "Mom" instead of "Denise." Lo and behold, what to my wondering eyes should appear in Friday's mail, but a cute card with a sweet note and a little bag of "Good Mail from Mom" labels! Thanks, Jill--you're not only very thoughtful, but apparently a mind reader as well.

getting it off my chest

The 1993 Ford Explorer I drive does not boast many luxuries. While I am thankful that it does have power windows and locks (even if there is no remote key fob), and we did add a decent stereo about five or six years ago, it lacks many amenities commonly found in newer cars. Despite its 100,000+ miles, however, it still gets me about town and isn't too embarrassing for my kids to be seen in.

One thing I do have in my glove box that many people my age do not is a handicapped parking placard, courtesy of my 81-year-old mother and her failing eyesight and bad knees. When she obtained the parking pass a few years ago she was given two--one for her car and one for mine, since I often take her about town in my car. I admit there have been many times I have been glad to have that permit when we're out running errands, allowing us the advantage of greater availability and more convenient parking spots. I never use the permit unless she is with me, as that would not be honest or fair.

Well, at least I never have until last Friday.

I had to make a stop at a County office on my way home from work to pick up some papers. It was a drizzly day. I had on pointy-toed shoes that were cute, but starting to cramp my toes. It was slightly chilly and I had no coat. I was running late. There were no parking spaces that weren't a half-mile away. I was a desperate woman. And I did it.

I debated whether or not to limp out of the car up to the building, possibly making would-be onlookers sympathetic and less judgemental. I didn't.

Just had to get it off my chest. It won't happen again.

Sarah's Big Day

"As Sarah fell--exhausted--into bed tonight, she told me, "Mom, this is the best birthday I've ever had!" I'm pretty sure she says that every year, but I'm glad that the day lived up to her high expectations. She looks forward to her birthday, I think, more than Christmas and sometimes I wonder if it can really live up to all the hype. She did a better job this year, however, of pacing her fun throughout the day instead of opening all her gifts, eating all her treats, and spending all her birthday money (a staple from her Canadian grandpa) within the first ten minutes.

She was pretty excited to get a Razor scooter, as she had been pining for one for some time now. This was a little more of a "grown up" birthday for her, as many of the things she received are items for her forthcoming bedroom re-d0 (can it really be called a re-do if it has never been done in the first place?). Anyway, I was wondering if she would miss the usual gifts of Barbies, stuffed animals and the like, but she was thrilled with it all.

I was missing her older sisters again when I felt their absense at the birthday dinner table (especially when it came time to sing the rousing Petersen birthday song), but as I watched Sarah throughout the day I felt the comforting reassurance that I still have a little girl in the house--one who, though she now like things like room decor for her birthday, will still be my little girl for a little while longer.

Happy birthday, sweet Sarah!

P.S.: I have the cutest video that I tried to post of the aforementioned birthday song, but was unsuccessful in my attempt to upload. . . .

finding my groove

Nothing like a busy life to yank me out of the doldrums. Sarah's 10th birthday is tomorrow (I've always lamented the close proximity to Charlotte's birthday) and I've been staying up late trying to finish her "10 Things" album. I've chosen a pink and orange color scheme which, coincidentally, coordinates with the palette we've chosen her bedroom makeover (that will be her main gift this year, but we're just starting the project--hopefully it will be finished by Halloween!).

I only got teary-eyed once yesterday, which is progress. I did catch myself, however, when I was making a mental list of the many things I still have to do to get ready for Sarah's birthday, and I thought, 'Oh, I'll get Emily to make the cookies for Sarah to take to school on her birthday.' Yeah, right. Guess I'll have to make them myself. {sigh}

Life goes on, and I'm gradually getting back into my--new and revised--groove. More to follow.