Hogle Zoo

The baby elephant had us all captivated as it pushed a huge plastic toy around the area.

If it were up to Bella, she would have her own carousel and she would ride it all day long. She whined and cried and kicked and screamed for more rides... Really, what is it about going in circles to Elvis music that gets them so excited?

My awesome friend Tami came up to visit and suggested this whole idea! And I'm glad she did. The overcast weather kept us all cool and happy, and it was so nice to see her again!

This sign made me laugh, because the indoor area had an echoing effect and with all the little kids, it seemed like an impossible feat.. Keeping voices down seemed more like a joke!

Bella was seriously a blur, just like this picture of her running. She couldn't wait to see the next thing. And this monkey really had me laughing. Just look at that hair-do!

Choo Choo rides are a must, even if you can barely understand the poor girl who has to repeat the same thing over and over, speed-talking into her microphone....and then puts the train in overdrive to get it over with. Thank goodness other people are willing to do that for a job!

Overall, a very fun day!

Or Not To Cook

I have lost all inspiration. To cook that is.

If canning pickles and salsa counts as cooking, then I guess I've cooked TWICE this week!

But really, I want more in my meals. More variety. More veggies. More satisfying goodness.

So I remembered this blog a friend told me about. Oh She Glows.

The girl who writes it used to have an eating disorder, but overcame and learned to love food. Read her "About" section.

Here are some I really want to try...

15 Minute Creamy Avacado Pasta

Curried Lentil Soup

Homemade Salt and Vinegar Chips

Lightened up Protein Power Goddess Bowl

Carrot Apple Ginger Soup

Gazpacho

Layered Eggplant and Zucchini Casserole

Spicy Rainbow Rice and Bean Salad

Vegetable and Edamame Pasta with Basil Cream Sauce

Carrot Raisin Spelt Berry Salad with Cumin and Cilantro

Spiced Apple Pie Chips

Sour Cream and Onion Kale Chips

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

If you try any of these before I do, please tell!

I'm feeling a bit more hopeful about meal time, to say the least. Happy cooking!

My Mary

Mary Beekman is my girl.

"My Girl" means I was once her young womens leader, making her 'mine'.

I feel this sort of possessive mother-like love for all my girls that I work with in young womens.

I think it just comes with the calling.

A little over a year ago, we talked about college as this distant, elusive thing.

Mary is the oldest of 6 kids, making her a huge help to her family.

How can she leave her large (supportive!) family behind in Florida?

Mary was encouraged by many to explore all options for college, but felt like going to a church-school would be her best option.

How would she pay for tuition, books, a flight?

I was determined to get this girl off to college! While living in Florida, I remember making a packet for Mary with every ounce of college information she'd need.

FAFSA was one of those things. Mary had never heard of it, but after qualifying she now has the opportunity of attending BYU-I! If you aren't aware of this federal student aid, check out their website now! http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/

So now she's here. A first-time flyer and the first to go to college in her family. I am so proud of her for chasing her dreams and for having the faith to just DO it!

She didn't have all of her questions answered and all of her concerns laid to rest when she wanted (especially with regards to her financial aid!), but she faithfully stuck to her plan and knew it would all work out!

They just left this morning and I can't help but feel so happy!

I am so proud of Mary and wish her the best in all she does!

The Nerve

PS.

Mr. Throb has taken a hike. Someone strike up the hallelujah chorus!

Root canals really aren't too bad. I tried to tune Dr. Harris out and just watch TV with my headphones on, but honestly I was way more interested in the long twig-like files he was digging in my roots with.

Actually, it's a really fascinating process...but I'll spare you the details.

After two days of flu-like symptoms, I think my body is finally accepting Mr. Crown and all the unexpected drilling, heating, blowing, numbing, whatever-else-ing that happened to it.

The nerve. It's gone. No, really. The nerve that once filled my tooth with life and mucho inflammation...it's gone.

And I've never been happier to drink a glass of water in big gulps instead of sips!!!!!!!

Do you think the "No Pain No Gain" statement applies to my tooth? Never thought of it that way before.

Must be getting late. Just thought I'd update. Happy slumber to all. Especially to me, without Mr. Throb on the loose!

Throb rhymes with knob

Getting my first root canal and crown tomorrow.

I'm thinking gold for my #13 tooth. Let my inner gangster shine through.

Can't wait for Mr. Throb to take a hike. He's been visiting for way too long and he makes me cranky.

Tomorrow I celebrate the departure of Mr. Throb. Please never come back.

Thanks.