Changes

I came across this quote that pretty much describes last week:


"As a mother, my job is to take care of the possible and trust God with the impossible."


Jessi is living back at home now. She's taking a semester off from school, broke up with her boyfriend, and is thrilled to have her life begin a new chapter.


I understand her need to begin anew. To replace the stress with calm. To be with people she trusts. To know that respect and kindness are unconditionally given.

I pray that she finds her path and that it leads to good things.

baby's profile

Angela sent this the other day after her second ultrasound.

Apparently there is some discussion as to the size of baby's nose.

I think baby is gorgeous!

Beginning of the 2007 birthdays

Fran -
Our best wishes for a HAPPY BIRTHDAY and many, many more!

long Christmas recap

We had our final Christmas celebration tonight with Greg's family. Since I was sick on Christmas Eve, and Jessica had to work, they graciously postponed our gathering until we could all be there. We enjoyed yummy pizza, even if Nick did pick off all the veggies. :o) Many thanks, not only for the gifts, but for gathering on a school night. This was yet another component of...

THE LEAST TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS EVER..

It begins with...

The Hanging of the Trim:
12/23/06

The festivities began on Saturday when Greg and I hung the interior trim that I made him take down, um, last July. Jessi and I painted it on Wednesday before, then Jessi finished painting (in a manner of speaking), and Greg began re-trimming the doors. Lots of the trim was marked as to where it came from, but lots of it was not. (Greg is SO GOOD at puzzles!)

I also began prepping food for the next couple of days, chopping veggies, mixing dips, and making breakfast casseroles to store in the frig in Ziplock bags. Good thing I did, too.

The "Festivities" begin:

4:22 a.m., Sunday, December 24 - I awoke with a start . Something wasn't right.

Oh.

I have the flu. I'll spare the details, but suffice to say I cried like a baby when Greg told me Jan had called the hospital about treatment, and they said just to rest. I didn't want to be sick anymore.

I didn't want to miss the weekend.

I missed singing in the choir for Sunday morning church.

I missed candlelight service in the evening and hearing Angela play her violin.

I missed supper with the Lott family.

What I did get to witness was my family stepping up and getting things ready for the big day. Nick peeled 5 pounds of potatoes, and Greg roasted garlic, and they made some of the tastiest garlic mashed potatoes ever.

My in-laws invited my siblings and family for supper so I could rest. They enjoyed ham and turkey and all the trimmings. They told me how good it was. I believed them.

Alan and Angela made cookies. Alan didn't hear my instructions, but the cookies were awesome nonetheless (Ziplock bag and rolling pin to crush the Oreos!). :o) They made Lemon snowflakes, Oreo truffles, and dipped pretzels and orange slices.

It took me 8 hours to sip about 6 ounces of Sprite. At 11 p.m. I enjoyed a piece of dry toast and a cup of hot tea (you know I was really sick if I drank hot tea!).

The Big Day:

I awoke feeling much better. Tired, but at least the smell of food wasn't revolting.

Jessi called to say she was out of the shower and ready to head home. Did I want her in her pajamas, or should she get dressed? I asked her why on earth would I want her in her pajamas? Her answer: "It's tradition!" My reply: "Honey, this is the least traditional Christmas we've ever had!" She came home fully clothed. :o)

Alan and Angela had made a baked French toast casserole the night before. They got that in the oven, along with the mushroom/spinach casserole, and the sausage/egg casserole.

Greg got the rib roast going in the roaster.

I started on the salmon. I'd made the salmon in phyllo recipe a few times, but this time it was the best ever. Alan made the creamy dill sauce (I think he's a closet gourmet cook!).

We warmed up the leftover garlic mashed potatoes, got out the muffins and breads I'd made a few days earlier, and Angela made up a fruit plate.

We had a feast.

Post-Feast:

Gifts for the kids. A teary moment for me when the boys gave Ben a shotgun that belonged to Dad. He'll be the "keeper" of that gun for the moment. It will stay in the family and be passed around to his younger cousins.

Fun with the little ones who enjoyed ripping the paper off the packages.

Grab-bag gift exchange for the grown-ups. Not much stealing, but that happens some years. Alan and Angela will choose the theme for next year.

Individual family photos are taken.

Twins go home with Mom for a nap; Tonita lays down for a nap; Ben and his uncles Greg, Randy, and Alan, Aunt Angela, and cousin Jessica go shooting bluerock. Gotta try out that shotgun! Nick and Caleb must get their technology fix.

Tammy does dishes. Tammy wishes she had a dollar for every load of dishes she runs over the next few days.

Abbie makes cornbread using corn she helped pick, shuck, process, and freeze last summer.

We feast again on finger foods and later there is turkey noodle soup. No one is hungry, but we eat anyway. (Okay, so that part is traditional!)

The Tournament:

We learned how to conduct a Blackjack tournament while we cruised last summer, so that was our evening's entertainment. Took turns being the dealer so everyone who wanted to could compete. Miss Abbie did quite well, and once Tonita learned to play, she was a formidable opponent. We did splits and double downs. FUN!

Winners of the white elephant prizes were the top four chip-holders: Caleb, Abbie, Alan, and Jessica. Alan took home the evil dancing Santa doll. I know we won't see that again at our house - ever.

Then we played for money! Alan gave away his winnings. Tonita did not give away hers. :o)

Lots of fun and laughing. But I sure was tired. And a little crabby. Time for bed.

More Regier Fun:

Tuesday morning we were able to gather with all of our Regier cousins at Bobbi and Kurt's house in Grand Island. More laughing and visiting and holding the newest cousin, 3 month-old Mason. (Mason got to play Baby Jesus at the Singing Christmas Tree in G.I. - his big brother Cullen wasn't sure that was a good idea and didn't want "those manger people" messing with his little brother.)

Wednesday was pretty quiet around here with all the visitors gone. I started reclaiming the house and planning my next interior decorating project (what? The trim is hung up again, I can start another project!). That's another blog post, though.

handwashing cat's paws

For those of you who see Greg on a regular basis, ask him about this. I know he'd love to tell you about it. Cats and water - nice mix.
Cats and paint - don't mix. :o)

The Eve of "The Eve"

I found this on another blog and thought it was amusing. I'm not feeling quite this bad, but must admit there have been years...

Enjoy!

Funny, Funny Mother!
See Mother.
See Mother laugh.
Mother is happy.
Mother is happy about Christmas.
Mother has many plans.
Mother has many plans for Christmas.
Mother is organized.
Mother smiles all the time.
Funny, funny Mother!

See Mother.
See Mother smile.
Mother is happy.
The shopping is all done.
See the children watch TV.
Watch children, watch.
See the children change their minds.
See them ask Santa for different toys.
Look! Look!
Mother is not smiling.
Funny, funny Mother!

See Mother.
See Mother sew.
Mother will make dresses.
Mother will make robes.
Mother will make shirts.
See Mother put the zipper in wrong.
See Mother sew the dress on the wrong side.
See Mother cut the skirt too short.
See Mother Put the materials away until January.
Look! Look!See Mother take a tranquilizer.
Funny, funny Mother!

See Mother.
See Mother buy raisins and nuts.
See Mother buy candied pineapple
And powdered sugar.
See Mother buy flour, dates, pecans,
Brown sugar, bananas and spices.
Look! Look!Mother is mixing everything together.
See the children press out cookies.
See the flour on their elbows.
See the cookies burn.
See the cake fall.
See the children pull taffy.
See Mother pull her hair.
See Mother clean the kitchen
With the garden hose.
Funny, funny Mother!

See Mother.
See Mother wrap presents.
See Mother look for the end
On the Scotch tape roll.
See Mother bite her fingernails.
See Mother go.
See Mother go to the store
Ten times in one hour.
Go Mother, go.
See Mother go faster.
Run, Mother, run!
See Mother trim the tree.
See Mother have a party.
See Mother make popcorn.
See Mother wash the walls.
See Mother scrub the rug.
See Mother tear up organized plan.
See Mother forget gift for Uncle Harold.
See Mother get hives.
Go, Mother, go!
See the faraway look in Mother's eyes.
Mother has become disorganized.
Mother has become disoriented.
Funny, funny Mother!

It is finally Christmas morning.
See the happy family.
See Father smile.
Father is happy.
Smile, Father, smile.
Father loves fruitcake.
Father loves Christmas pudding.
Father loves all his new neckties.
Look! Look!See the happy children.
See the children's new toys.
Santa was very good to the children.
The children will remember this Christmas.
See Mother.
Mother is slumped in a chair.
Mother is crying uncontrollably.
Mother does not look well.
Mother has ugly dark circles
Under her bloodshot eyes.
Everyone helps Mother to her bed.
See Mother sleep quietly
Under heavy sedation.
See Mother smile.
Funny, funny Mother!

Our winter, um,

iceland? This was the scene yesterday morning when I stepped out the front door. No snow yet, though they say maybe an inch tonight. It'll all be gone before The Big Day. At least everyone will have safe driving that way.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

The boy child turned 23 years old today. We had a nice brunch at Granite City Brewery to celebrate.
He was born on a Saturday, fifteen days overdue. (Never been one to be rushed into something!)

We took him home in a blizzard. Greg was so nervous, he put him into his carseat face-down, not knowing which side was up. :o)

I don't understand how 23 years went by so fast, but he's grown up into a funny, intelligent, kind, responsible, hardworking young man. We are very proud of him.

Happy Birthday, Nick!

A little sparkle

Started some decorating this weekend. Instead of the big tree, we put up three Alpine trees. That's all that's done inside...

Finito - for now

Took my last three tests last night.

Have until 4:00 Monday to mail my last few assignments for this semester.

Finished those tonight. The envelope is pictured here. It will be in the mail first thing tomorrow morning.

Now I can decorate for Chrismtas.

Now I can work on our Christmas letter and address cards.

Now I can make a recipe list for baking with Jessi next week.

Now I can shop and wrap and dance merrily around the house to jolly Christmas tunes! :o)

Did I mention we have tickets to see Eric Clapton in March?

Time to go to bed, I think.

Tomorrow my time is my own - yippee!

I'm SO EXCITED!

Intense research and creation of a fake in-service interuppted by this IMPORTANT BULLETIN:

Guess who we're going to see in concert?!!

Guess!

Look at the photo!

We're going to see ERIC CLAPTON!

Eric Clapton, people!

I can't contain my excitement, obviously.

Be happy for us - and if you're so inclined get some tickets and come along!

(March 31, Quest Center, Omaha)

He's a handy man

I'm always impressed with how Greg can do a little research, purchase some parts, and then repair whatever is broken around here. We save so much $$ because he likes to take things apart. :o) Here he's working on the dryer. It's close to 20 years old and died last weekend. For about $40 we'll probably get another 20 years out of it.

Yes, he's a handy guy to have around.

Edited 12/06: It's another week, $100 more dollars, and a new motor later, and I got to use my dryer this morning - Yea! He got pretty good at disassembling it and putting it back together. :o)

Edited 12/07: I told Greg last night that I used the dryer. He asked how it worked. I said it worked "alright" and shrugged. I was able to dry a load of towels in 50 minutes that used to take a 60 minute cycle and then another 30 or 40 minute cycle. He said, "Then I think that dryer worked DAMN GOOD!" :o)

New Heights

0f feline naughtiness. Tucker is pictured here on top of the very most top cabinet we have. It's higher even than the refrigerator! He knocks the baskets down, then looks at me like he's so innocent, those baskets just "jumped" down!

He's a bad boy.

It's the HOLIDAY SEASON!

Ushered in here with Kleenex, cough drops, and Sudafed. Ugh.

I put up a small tree in a corner to see what the cats will do. They pretty much ignore it unless I'm fussing with the branches or lights. I'm still not sure about putting up the big tree... Photo is of the tree last year. I LOVE my big tree... :o)

No "Black Friday" shopping for us today. I would have drug my sorry self out if there had been some burning need for something, but fortunately there was not. I have a couple of big things left to put together for a class, then I can concentrate on finishing my shopping. I'd say I'm about halfway done.

I also did not get to go to Lincoln to see Debbie and her family, which I was disappointed about. I thought if I slept awhile this morning, maybe I'd go this afternoon, but felt even worse when I woke up at 10:30, so I called her and cancelled. We'll get together next time. Or maybe I can talk Greg into a trip to Tennessee...

I did have Greg reach down my toter of Santa mugs, and I sorted through those and the ones I got from ebay this Fall. I have a pretty huge collection now, along with salt and pepper shakers. Wonder where I'll put all of them?

I did get to watch most of the second half of the Nebraska/Colorado football game. I came in just as CU scored their second touchdown to tie the game. I almost went back to the bedroom to watch HGTV, but I'm glad I didn't. Way to go HUSKERS!

Jessi should be back any minute with our Chinese takeout for supper, and Greg is watching "Titanic", so I'll join him and snuggle in for the evening. Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day.

Be Thankful

This was an email from Aunt Jan. I copied and pasted, so I don't have an author.

Have a wonderful Thanksgivng!
Much love,
Greg & Tammy



Be Thankful

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.
If you did, what would there be to look forward to?
Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.
Be thankful for your limitations,because they give you opportunities for improvement.
Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.
Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.
Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,and they can become your blessings.

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are all called to live in peace. And always be thankful.Colossians 3:15

Prayer request

Just got off the phone with my friend Cindy's mom. Cindy is in the hospital in Omaha and is scheduled for brain surgery later today. She had surgery for an aneurysm several weeks ago, and has now developed infection in her brain. Please keep her in your thoughts and say a prayer for her and her family. She's been down a long road that just got longer...

Thank you.

time keeps tickin', tickin' away

Nothing much to post about - I'm living at the library with my nose in a textbook. I'll be done in a couple of weeks, then I can concentrate on "the holidays".
So for now I just wanted to wish everyone the Happiest Thanksgiving!

Salmon for supper

Since we got back from Alaska, I've made a few different salmon recipes. Remember that Randy caught that 10-pounder? He made me responsible for cooking it. It's in a plastic bag in my freezer, waiting. I've been cooking those salmon fillets I buy at Sam's club. That way if the recipe bombs, I didn't ruin "the" fish. Well, and because there isn't that much of "the" fish, and we really shouldn't eat it without Randy.
Anyway, we had salmon again tonight and I used a recipe from Aunt Jan. She got it from a lady in Anchorage, and it is goo-ood! :o)

I'll post it here the way she gave it to me:

de-skin & cube salmon

de-seeded & diced jalapeño pepper

diced onion

fresh grated ginger root

equal parts sour cream & mayonnaise

sea salt

bake 375 degrees, 45 minutes

sprinkle fresh grated parmesan on top last 10 minutes

Here's last week's recipe:
Salmon with capers
1/2 - 3/4 lb salmon fillets
salt & pepper to taste
4 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tsp. capers
1/2 c white wine, divided
4 oz. Italian roasted red peppers, cut into pieces
6-8 small new potatoes
1 head broccoli, cut into florets (1 cup)

Preheat oven to 450. Spray inside of 2-quart Dutch oven and lid with olive oil.

Place salmon in bottom of pot (my fillets were frozen), skin side down if with skin. Spray fillets lightly with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with garlic and capers. Pour 1/4 C wine over the fish. Top with roasted red peppers.

Pierce each potato multiple times with fork and drop into pot. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Add broccoli and arrange to fit inside pot. Pour rest of wine over all. Cover and bake 45 minutes.
(I buy the 4-paks of small bottles of white wine to use for cooking. If you don't want to use wine, you could substitute vegetable stock.)

And one more. This is a little more work, but so worth it!
Salmon in Phyllo

2 lbs. Salmon fillet, skinned and boned and cut into 8 portions
Juice of one lemon
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
Salt and pepper to taste
8 sheets phyllo dough
4 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 egg yolk
1 tablespoon heavy cream
Fresh dill for garnish
Creamy Dill Sauce (recipe follows)

Marinate salmon in lemon juice and dill for about 20 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; rub the spices in well. This can be done several hours ahead of time.

Preheat oven to 375F. Take a sheet of phyllo dough. Combine melted butter and mustard and brush lightly over the phyllo. Put a strip of salmon at the long end of the dough. Fold phyllo over salmon and roll up. Two inches from the end of the sheet, tuck the sides in toward the middle. Finish rolling and place roll on buttered baking sheet, seam side down.

Repeat with remaining salmon strips. This step can be done and hour ahead and refrigerated. Combine egg yolk and heavy cream and brush pastry with this egg wash. Bake until phyllo is puffed and browned, about 5 to 7 minutes.

At serving time, put pastry on a heated plate, garnish with dill and serve.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Creamy Dill Sauce

2 T. dry white wine
Juice of 1/2 lemon
2/3 c. heavy cream
2 T. chopped fresh dill
1 T. Chopped fresh parsley
Salt and pepper to taste

Heat a medium saucepan over medium-high heat (or use the skillet in which the fish was cooked). Add the wine and lemon juice; bring to a boil. Add the cream. Simmer until well combined and cream has reduced slightly. Stir in the dill and parsley. Taste for seasoning.

This sauce is excellent with all sorts of fish, especially if you use the pan in which the fish was prepared and scrape up the bits to get extra flavor. Makes about 2/3 c. sauce.

Happy News!

We are very excited for them - they'll be great parents!

Quiet Halloween

It was a quiet evening with only about a dozen trick-or-treaters. Greg got to take a big bag of candy to work with him. We enjoyed having the kids visit later in the evening. :o)