SISTERS ARE THE BEST

Sisters, you really cannot say too much about sisters. How I loved having my sister here for two whole weeks. It was like getting a great big present that I got to open again and again. She came in spite of being very sick and within hours of arriving-she colored my hair. (I sure know how to make people feel welcome!) We had to get her rested up and better first-after the hair emergency- and believe me I only stayed in my pajamas until noon so she wouldn't feel uncomfortable.
We didn't do a whole lot but we loved being together. We went to lunch, we went shopping, tried on clothes, got depressed and didn't buy anything. We babysat, went to Home Depot (only 2 or 3 times because I wanted her to feel at home), she and Sadie painted Sadie's dresser and Chris contributed a beautiful mirror to Sadie's room that now makes the room. We painted closets (what can I say-she loves me!) and planted herbs. We went to Tomball-the fun stores, we went to Waller, and of course Sam Moon's and we watched lots of lots of Olympics. Two weeks sounds like a long time but it went by way too fast and it was very hard to let her go home. I miss you, Chris, and I am so very glad that you are my sister. Lets do it again!
PS Thank you, Lee. When you gave Chris her Christmas present, you gave me one too. Love you.

CONNECT-I-CUT (Thanks Haley-I'll remember)

We are home again after a wonderful five days in Connecticut with Clark, Emily and girls and even Paul who has the greatest understanding of the 'go to work, earn money, pay bills' concept, said "I don't want to go home!" The best part was being hugged and kissed and welcomed by all the Scharmans; except Hazel-she made sure we knew to 'back off' but we won her over evertually. The accomodations were first class, the food was amazing and the company was scintillating! Haley's baptism was a spiritual boost for me-very emotional as well. It is hard on Grandma to see her so grown up. We loved connecting with the Oscarsons again. We are so grateful for good friends. Besides family, friends and food-we spent time in Boston, Cape Cod, toured Clarks submarine, the Nautilus submarine, ate lunch at Mystic Pizza, and spent the afternoon at Mystic Seaport (the preserved version of 1900 seaport-with whale ships and stores and homes). Did I mention the ice cream-Scharmans can't gather without ice cream! If you ever get to Groton, Connecticut- visit Cows and Cones! We loved spending time with them and pray that it will happen again soon.

WE MADE IT! --I HOPE.

What is it with the first day of school? We made it through the shopping (in Idaho and Texas). We made it through the school supply list (almost-but not quite). We made it through book collection. (Stand in line----stand in line--stand in line---"Mom you can go. I found my friends." And I was OK with that.) We made it through orientation. We made it through the Seminary fireside. (Hey, I can do it. It has only been 5 years, but I still know how to drive! I just don't know how to get up!) We made it through, "I don't know what to wear the first day of school." I make a suggestion and- "That's not first day worthy." We made it through a wonderful father's blessing where a few tears were shed and reassurances were made that it is normal to be frightened and nervous-but you will be OK. We made it through the early morning getting ready stage. (She did ask me for a Valerian-a calming herb.) We took the pictures. Sadie left looking calm and collected-at least on the outside and her mother CRIES. I could have sworn I was so ready for her to go. This is an exciting time in her life and she is ready for it. But something about your baby leaving you behind and needing you a little less. Good luck, Sadie! I know you will have a great year. Love, MOM

WOMEN OF WORTH....BECOME

Well, I made it through camp. In spite of all the worrying and murmering (I really did not want to go) and in spite of the horrendous heat, the dirt and grime, sharing showers (a two by two foot space) with 35 girls, trying to sleep with those same 35 girls 'enjoying' their time together and being busy every minute of every day----It was AMAZING! The youth leaders that I worked with were wonderful. They worked hard and were so thoughtful of the 32-12 year olds we were in charge of. The stake leaders are women that I love to associate with and spend time with. The programs were like a "Women's Conference"; so uplifting and spiritually fulfilling. The theme was, "Women of Worth" and after this week, I feel like one. The Lord knew I needed to be there and would not let me say no-I tried!
Sadie was with me and even though we did not see much of each other; we were in the same place and experiencing the same things. Truth?!?!-I will go back if I can.
(Sorry, no pictures-I didn't have time or I was too tired!)

PAUL UNMANNED!

I can't tell you how proud I am of my husband. I really can't. I guess this is an example that he is such a good sport. I tried to invoke the "the church has asked us not to do this" rule. But the time was late and you have to work with what you have-or have not. Take a deep breath.

Yes, that is my husband. He was asked to participate in 'Mall madness' for a YW/YM activity. People from the ward are asked to go to the mall in disguise and see if the youth can fine them. It is their very favorite activity. They have used several themes over the years, like: Seek and ye shall find, Hiding in plain sight etc. Since Paul has participated several times, this time it was hard to come up with something and he didn't have much time. He has already been the rich Hispanic on vacation, the Columbian drug lord and the maintenance worker (see a theme). So all that was left was cross-dressing. (And yes, the YM's Pres did instruct the youth not to follow Bro. Scharman's example.) Alexa and I had a great time helping him get ready-tears were falling. Paul did comment, "I am one ugly lady!" And then he said, "I look like my sister!" He does not!

IT WORKS BETTER IF YOU LEAVE IT ALONE

In an interesting development has been happening in our yard. Months ago we started a compost pile. Very faithfully we have taken anything organic from our house and dumped it into the pile of dirt and leaves in the back yard. Paul will faithfully add a little fertilizer and water and take the shovel and turn it over and over so everything can have a chance to decompose. Well, our faithfulness is being blessed. Things are growing out of the compost pile.

When this started we thought it was origially cucumbers or maybe cantaloupe; but when 'fruit' developed we discovered we were growing spaghetti squash. Paul has since moved the compost so that we could plant our blueberries but we could not disturb our squash for obvious reasons.

Look closely and you can see the'fruits of all our labors'.

Of course. in the meantime (before we knew what we were growing), we actually went to a nursery and purchased a spaghetti squash seedling. You can see how well it is doing. Another thing that has been happening-as Paul has used this 'compost dirt' around the yard-we have tomatoes growing everywhere. In the front yard with the azaleas and in the back yard with the agapanthas. And they are doing well! So the moral of the story is-don't go to all the work of planting a garden; just throw away your garbage in the the yard!

PAUL IN CRISIS=JENNY IN CRISIS

I am convinced that Paul is having a mid-life crisis (and if this is mid-life;we are going to be here forever!) It is really a good thing. It is beneficial to me. And as hobbies go; this one is easy and fits in the budget. Needless to say---it is driving me crazy!!!!! My husband has fallen in love with the COOKING CHANNEL! Now, I like to watch the cooking channel too. But now we watch it together. That shouldn't be a bad thing-right? But now instead of being able to enjoy what is happening, I'm getting: 'Why is she doing that?', 'What is goat cheese?', 'What is ginger?', 'What is he grating into that?', 'Do you know you should heat a lemon before squeezing it?' and on and on and on. I know I am not being patient. I know that in the long run this could be extremely beneficial to me. I just don't know if I can make it from here to there.

The other day, he called me from work and asked me to pick up a 'flier'. I, of course, said: 'What do you need a flier for?' and he said, 'You know, a chicken.' I replied, 'Oh a fryer?' and he said, 'Whatever-a whole chicken.' He has also decided that to start with-he will stick with the grill. Now that is a great thing. He said that he is going to perfect hamburgers and grilled lamb chops. (He has seen way too much TV!) Consider that I have never fixed lamb or even purchased lamb or even truthfully tasted lamb. We ran into Wal Mart last week to pick up some cold medicine, (yes, we have all been sick but are doing much better) and spent thirty minutes, on Saturday, discussing herbal butter. You didn't know you should put herbal butter in your hamburgers and on your steak! You don't watch the food network.

Well, I have complained enough. I don't want to complain-the end result COULD BE great. Just say a prayer for me that we make it there!

Here is Paul's 'flier' and I have to say it was wonderful-just don't look at the bottom.

Ok, I'll stop. It could be worse-he could be watching 'What Not To Wear' with us but wait-Paul has been banned from that-he cries!