Do you know the Muffin...MAN! 6/26/21

Last Saturday morning, I asked Callie if she'd like to make banana blueberry muffins while I worked on my Gospel Doctrine lesson. She was excited to use up the VERY ripe bananas, which had been sitting on the counter. As the muffins baked, I clicked away on the keyboard. When I smelled burning, I hopped up to find quite the scene inside the oven. 

These are not muffins, I thought to myself. 

Callie is not sure WHAT happened (perhaps the butter was too melted?) since she is confident that she followed the recipe exactly.

Surprisingly, they did not taste bad! They aren't burned—it's just the blueberries giving the offensive color. They tasted like warm banana pudding. We scraped the contents into a bowl. Then the bowl fell into the sink of water.

Soon after, I accidentally added two scoops of wheat flour instead of protein powder to my green smoothie.

We called it quits and drove to Dottie's for breakfast. 

We had quite the chuckle about those "muffins." Just picture if that was the photo in the cookbook!

BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA.

I texted the photo to the FoodNanny herself to let her know that the Kamut flour still made them taste good!

Her response was one of shock, as you can imagine.

I did notice, however,  that the very next week, she showed a video tutorial on what?

BANANA BLUEBERRY MUFFINS.

Naturally, I had to give them a try again today.

As I made them with Callie this time, she realized that she hadn't added the flour. So I take back what I said about the Kamut!

(Nor did Callie have the Dixie Chicks accompanying her as she baked;)

This experience turned into a metaphor for life.

Life is like the Muffin Man who either lives on Dreary Lane or Drury Lane.

Life Marches On

Binnie,

LIFE IS PRECIOUS

It has been a somber week in our valley. A 12-year-old girl, Brooklyn (student at TMS) died in a moving accident on June 3rd. On Monday, June 7th, two seniors, who just graduated, Emma Call and Payton Caldwell were on their way to the lake when they collided with Amy Nelson (mother of another WHS student), all three passed. Then on Thursday, June 11th, 20-year-old Michael Riviera-Vasquez died on Hwy 40 in a collision. His Aunt, Martha, lives next door to us. Emma was in our stake—I see her mom daily at the pool (she works at the front desk).

Since Payton and Amy also lived near us, there was a vigil on Tuesday that went to all three women's houses. I stood on the lawn with Callie as hundreds of WHS students passed by on foot. Martha came outside and watched with us. She stated that she was coming home from Sam's on Monday night (I had gone to Sam's that day as well) and she saw the burning cars. We spoke of how precious life is. Then yesterday, as I worked in the yard, she came to tell me that the Thursday wreck was a member of her family. I am just heartsick for all of them. She was bringing me plums.

In the photo, Payton and Emma are sitting next to each other—to the left of Principal Johnson at Graduation 2020.

Grayson was sustained as an Elder at Stake Conference today. Bishop Richards offered a moment of prayer on behalf of those who have experienced loss. There will also be a special fast on the 27th for the families. 

WE NEED MOISTURE, FAST

The fast will also be for moisture. It is the beginning of summer and we have already been asked by the Governor to ration watering our lawns. It just feels heavy here right now. 

The talks and messages this weekend were all beautiful and poignant. I figure that what the families need, is time. Something that no one can give.

(Note: I am loving the low-maintenance of my silk flowers in the window box;)

GOLLY

Grandma had surgery on Friday to have the gallstone removed that has been causing her constant nausea since coming back from Hawaii. The stone was the size of an avocado. They found more stones as well so she had a second surgery. Today she is running a fever, which signals an infection. She will stay in the hospital on antibiotics till she recovers more. Many people to pray for at this time! I took Callie to spend some time with her on Wednesday while I donated plasma. Grandma marveled at what a sweet, mature, girl Callie has grown into. 

BLOCK PARTY

We had a ward party with the newbies on Wednesday night. We picked up about 25 families—many of them came—as well as others from the neighborhood who just wanted a night out. Getting back to normal, little by little.

Note: Socializing seems to exhaust me though! I came home pooped. On Saturday night we were invited to a couple's home to watch the basketball game outside, which means they wouldn't be starting it till dark. I said, "I already did that this week!" We declined. I was in bed before ten.

MARCHING ON

Graham was busy this week with band camp from 8-5 Mon-Thurs. Loooong days. They have begun to learn the marching routine. It seems so hard but he enjoyed it. I am glad he will have a niche from the get-go.

BOUNCING BACK

Callie used her bounce back at Lagoon on Friday. Dad was a gem to drive her and three other friends there. Since we were also on the docket to pick up, I suggested we make a date of it at Lagoon that evening. Dad and I got there about 5 pm. It was weird pulling up and then just waltzing in. Usually, we are unloading chairs, coolers, etc. We got dinner in Pioneer village, people watched on the Midway, caught a show (with Dippin Dots, of course), and then rode the sky ride. Super low-key and delightful. We met up with the girls at sunset to make sure we all knew where to be at 10 pm when the park closed. Again, when it was time to leave, it was strange to just leave! No camp to clean up, no sore feet to baby. I didn't hate it.

 

THE PLAN

And so, life marches on. We are grateful for each day and the knowledge we have of THE PLAN. There was a lot of emphasis on standing in holy places (D&C 45:32). I also studied that section in my institute class this week. I love this quote by Ann Dibb,

“We might first consider the word place as a physical environment or geographic location. However, a place can be a distinct condition, position, or ‘state of mind’. This means holy places can also include moments in time—moments when the Holy Ghost testifies to us, moments when we receive an answer to our prayers (Ann M. Dibb “Your Holy Places,” Ensign, May 2013)

a holy place can be a moment in time. I love that.

ROUD OF IT

I began volunteering at JR Smith this week for summer school. There was a gal, Britney Burton, who asked, "Are you Mallerie and Ava's mom?" 

I am, and proud of it!

Love, your proud momma.

Now, let's just take one more look at that windowbox.

I think I'd Prefer Tarzan for the Weekend 6/6/21

Binnie, 

It was nice for Memorial Day to finally not fall on a school night. We gathered Sunday night at the Shafer's for dinner and visiting, then again on Monday at Provo Cemetery. Grandpa shared tales with the grandchildren. I loved that he did that. That morning, I made my Grandma Taylor's homemade vanilla ice cream, but it wasn't ready in time. At the park, Grandpa said, "Remember that one time you brought Grandma's ice cream?" I was bummed that I couldn't pull it out of my bag. Soooo, I will keep it frozen till the 4th and hope to see him again. Instead, we had our traditional baguette sandwiches. 

Eliza thought my homemade picnic all looked rather complicated. As we were leaving, she struggled to find a trashcan for their fast food waste. I pointed out that, though my meal was complicated, my trash was not.

Today a new stake was created in Heber! The Old Mill Stake. I always think it sounds strange when something new is called old. We are staying in the North Stake. However, we picked up some of the 7th ward, so this will be good.

While Callie and I were down the canyon on errands last weekend, Mallerie texted a picture that she had just made zoodles. We were able to text back that, we too, were enjoying zoodles at Noodles!

Graham started a job this week! He works for Rex hauling, sawing, cutting, drilling, and sweeping. Somedays he is in the shop, some days he's building decks and fences in Park City. It's good for him! He's got dollar signs in his eyes, as you can imagine.

 
As I bit into a S'more at Girl's Camp this week, I felt like I officially got my Summer on. Callie attended her first girl's camp Tuesday-Saturday. She bought some things for her Secret Sister, but she didn't know what to write on the notes. I asked what she bought. 

She said, "A scrunchie." 

I suggested, "Our tent might be scrunchie, but HAIR ya go!"

She liked that. She also bought some teal nail polish.

"This can tide you over TEAL you get home for a manicure."

I could have gone on all night.

After testimony meeting at camp, as we roasted Starbursts, one of the girls wondered, "What if a girl fell into the campfire...and died!" 

I said, "They would say about her, 'She had a burning testimony." I guess they weren't prepared for that kind of irreverence. Their eyes grew wide before they started laughing. 

The burning testimony line made its way quickly around camp, "Sister Bocanegra, I heard about the burning testimony!" 

All night folks.

Another girl, around the firepit, said to Callie, "I thought you would be stuck-up because you are the Bishop's daughter, but you are so nice."

I pointed out, "Gurl....we don't got nuthin to be stuck up about."

It was rather nice to get to drive home that evening and sleep in my own bed. I did feel a little stuck up, though.

Dad and I saw The Quiet Place 2. I enjoyed it. It's just nice to be back to life. Dinner and a new release—no complaints. I told Grayson he should see it with Grandma as he did for the first one. He called her up and asked her out for Thursday. He said she screamed at all the right places. She said that in the days leading up to it she told everyone about her big date night!

On Thursday, Grayson called to ask if he could bring home a baby kitten to babysit for the weekend. With how skitterish Poe is around other animals, I told him that it wouldn't work out. However, that night when he got back from the movie, he got the cage out of the truck and took it to his room, "Mom, you will never even know it is here." The next morning, when I got up to go to my class, the hallway smelled like Hogle zoo. Apparently, the kitten was allowed to roam around his room all night and it must have marked its territory. Poe was nowhere to be found. When she did come inside, she was hesitant and very nervous. She spent the entire day under the stairs in the storage room. When I opened the fridge, a waft of wet cat food met me—there a can sat, uncovered. Grayson's words, "Mom, you'll never even know it is here." were seeming like a joke! As he scrubbed his carpet, he realized what I meant about it not working out." Oh, man. 

Dad treated the four of us to the outdoor production of Tarzan at Scera. It was an absolutely perfect night for an outdoor production. A line that caught my attention, when Kala decides to keep baby Tarzan, "Kerchek, you won't even know he's here." 

It sounded oddly familiar.  

Second Chances—May 9, 2021

Having a son has been different in many aspects; there was no baby or baptism dress to sew. I enjoyed a little photo shoot with each of my girls in their new baptism dress before their special day. I enjoyed sending out announcements with their picture on them. As Grayson's baptism neared, I planned on still doing a photo shoot with him in his new dress shirt and tie. 

Reality. 

The day that I had planned on taking the photos was a mess. We were not getting along. We had some rough times! That evening, I told Matt that I wasn't going to do the pictures after all because I didn't want negative feelings whenever I looked at the pictures. Matt decided to take Grayson out for a photo shoot instead. The pictures turned out cute. We sent out the invitations.

 Now, fast forward a decade.

Grayson asked, "Am I going to send out graduation announcements?" 

Since he doesn't like getting his picture taken, I didn't think he'd want anything to do with any of it.

I replied, "Sure, we can if you want!" He did want. 

When I told Ava about this, she informed me, "The grad announcements are a big deal, Mom."

Grayson asked when we could take some pictures. I decided then and there, "Sunday at 6 pm."

That day (which was also Mother's Day and Grayson's birthday), Matt told us he had invited the missionaries to come over at 6 pm. I informed him, "That won't work because Grayson and I have an appointment."

Since Graham's suitcoat fits Grayson better than his own, he asked to borrow the coat for the pictures. I think it's so crazy that they are about the same size now! We headed to Midway at photography's golden hour—i-phone in hand!

The first couple of shots turned out so great that I figured we could stop there, but we kept wandering. As we did so, the shots kept getting better and better. This handsome guy could not take a bad shot.

We were having such a great time! I recognized this TENDER MERCY that made up for the shoot we missed those many years ago. When I look at these pictures, I feel nothing but love, happiness, and gratitude. Also, a reminder of the promise, "All your losses will be made up to you..."

Time. 

My best friend.

Grayson.

My other best friend.

 

Do you remember how someone forgot to put powder on Elder Uchtdorf before his last talk at General Conference? Grayson thought his face was dripping with oil! I told him it was just the lighting and not enough powder. Well, as the sun got lower in the sky, I said, "Now your face is looking a little like Uchtdorf."

Gray said, "I wanna see." 

Gray even got to make up for letting a bag blow into the wind by removing someone else's bag. 

The next day, I designed an invitation and sent it to Walmart's 1-hour photo. This was going to be perfect! They would be ready in time for him to pass out as his surprise party. 

UGH.

I was so disappointed when I picked them up! No disrespect, but total Uchtdorf going on. They were shiny, orange, and his shirt looked filthy. The backdrop looked like he was at a JCPenny's studio. What. to. do? I needed a second opinion. There was a guy behind me, so I asked what he thought. He used some colorful words. But he was right! They did look like horse poop (when did it become okay to curse in front of a lady?) Nonetheless, I thanked him profusely for being my sounding board.

I declined the purchase, came home, got online, and found a better company to go through. We waited with fingers crossed. A week later, they arrived. MUCH better. K—I may have lighted them a bit much, but I was nervous after how dark they turned out at Wally's.

Not as good as the original, but close enough!

When Mal received the announcement, she texted me, "Handsome! Who took the photos???"

Seminary

I failed to mention on the announcement that Grayson is also a Seminary Graduate. A four-year accomplishment—no small thing! He brought his non-member friend with him most of the year—she attended more than he did (she went with another friend on gold days). 

Grayson spoke in Sacrament Meeting on May 16th with the other graduating Seniors in our ward. Grandma Donna came to support him, then stayed for dinner, and our Sunday movie.

The night before, Matt and I drove to Provo to pick up Gavin from the train station (he had been at Powell, training for his upcoming HFY trip to Beliz). We got to enjoy breakfast with him the next morning before I drove him to the airport. I got out the chocolate milk, poured a glass, and he took a swig. He had a sour expression, "Maybe I should have shaken it first?" I looked at the date and smelled it. I had just served our guest curdled chocolate milk:/ I was teaching Gospel Doctrine that day (our first time back in person since the pandemic) so maybe my nerves were getting the best of me.

We absolutely loved our—short but sweet—visit with Gavin! When Callie looks at these pictures she says, "Gavin's smile is just so cute!"

Don't Hate the Playa'

As a side note: Grayson and some friends decided to treat themselves to Jazz tickets to game ONE of the NBA playoffs! Matt asked, "What if the game ends up being on a Sunday?" 

This hadn't occurred to Grayson. He said, "That wouldn't happen...would it?"
Well, game one DID fall on a Sunday.

The SAME Sunday as Seminary Graduation. Since Matt would be handing out the diplomas for our ward, I also was invited to sit on the stand.  I said, "Gray, even I have to go to Seminary Graduation."

We all got ready to go…

…our separate ways, that is.

Seems that in the end, we all had an enjoyable evening. The nice thing about having adult children is that they get to make their own decisions.

We have decided. 

Grayson is a good one.

The Nail That Sticks Up Gets Hammered Down, So…

Hey Binnie!

I'M FORTY-FIVE

In a group text with The Quad Tuesday, they asked what I was up to for my birthday. I told them, "I'm at a Concert!"

for...

Middle School, BAND!"

Mr. Siggard was explicit in the dress code for the students, Dress will be casual, but please look nice (no holey pants or shorts). Graham chose to wear his suit, which we all agreed are his HOLY pants.  

The evening was lovely for an outdoor concert. Hearing Graham play the theme song from Indiana Jones was such a treat that I decided to record it. Graham watched it later and said, "You recorded it in slow motion, mom." I did???? Callie played her violin on the other side of the school (the same songs she played the week before when Dad was out of town), so he walked over to watch her. It was a perfect night for the outdoor Arts Gala, hosted by the Middle School. However, it put us having dinner quite late. I wasn't sure where I wanted to eat, so I said, "Just start naming places, and I'll shoot ya' down." First, Dad suggested Don Pedro's. I didn't shoot it down, so there we went!

Grayson met us there. We were in a booth that sat four, so he scootched a chair at the end and shared our food. Callie and I were already sharing a plate, yet we all left so stuffed. Partly because of the desserts! When I overheard one of the waiters tell someone it was his birthday, I stopped him and said, "It's my birthday too!" At the end of our meal, fried ice cream was brought to the table–compliments of Ricardo. We had already ordered the churros, so…

There was a guy in a big truck right outside the window who was taking forever to leave. His lights were shining right on us. As he finally drove away, I waved excitedly out the window, "BUH-BYE!"

Dad couldn't wave as easily because earlier in the day, he was swatting at a bee so violently in his office that he whacked his finger against the wall. As the day progressed, so did the swelling and bruising of his finger:/

Dad's b-day gift to me was a gift card to Paradise Nails. I said, "You can give me this for every birthday, Christmas and Anniversary, and I'd be happy." 

He smiled, "So I nailed it?" He NAILED it, literally.

The two of us had also enjoyed lunch that afternoon. We tried to go to Fanny's, but it was under renovation. So…just like a couple of years ago, we ended up at Zermatt across the street. They had the most delicious lemon tart, so…

It was a lovely day with well-wishers stopping by, texts, phone calls, and family. When Janell brought a gift by, she said, "You look nice!" It was my birthday, so…

Let's do it all again in two days! 

BIG FIFTY!!!!!

Dad chose Chick's Cafe with his chick for lunch. I thought I saw Hazel's mom working there (it's hard to tell for sure with the mask). I looked at her and asked, "Antje?" 

She replied, "She's busy." 

Huh? Does that mean it was her, but she was telling me that she (herself) was busy? OR that someone else was? I don't. know.

Dad got himself his own gift; an apple watch. He's wanted one forever. He NAILED it again.

We picked up treats at Midway Bakery for our party that night. However, as we neared the three o'clock sugar rush, I suggested we eat the treats. Everyone is stuffed after dinner usually. So…

Dinner ended up being at NINE o'clock that night. Dad BBQed.  I got him a new stove-top popper. We wear those things out! He said, "If I didn't get one of these, I was going to go buy one TOMORROW." Guess I NAILED it.

GRADUATION!!!!

On Thursday, Grayson participated in The March of the Graduates at JR Smith. I wanted to see it, but I didn't want to go. So…I parked at the church and watched them as they walked into the school. The problem was that Grayson had spotted the van, so he kept waiting for me to pop out around the corner the whole time. I asked, "Were you glad that I didn't?" He was glad. I couldn't have gone in any way. After seeing them all in their caps and gowns, I was rather verklempt.

Once again, we enjoyed sharing Dad's birthday with the High School graduation. What are the odds that it would be on May 20th, two years in a row? 

When Mallerie saw the video, she said, "It's so weird to see everyone there, without masks!" What a difference a year makes. I once again fumbled my recording and missed them calling his name. BUT at least it wasn't in slow-mo (facepalm). 

Finding each other in the crowd afterward was no joke! Thinking ahead, I had Graham and Callie get the balloon out of the car, but it wouldn't stay up—due to the wind—so that didn't help us find each other. Eventually, we found Grayson's pack for pictures. I was picking up Graham from band practice when Grayson left. The whole evening seemed a lifetime in the making and then passed by in a blur. However, I was there, I saw it; Grayson graduated!

 

  

 

The weather held just until everyone had their fill of photos. Then the wind picked up with such gust that I was glad I had a mask! We hurried across the dirt parking lot as it whipped around us, pelting our skin. 

Re-cap

It was like we were playing gopher this week. We each took turns being the ones who popped up, whether through a concert, a birthday, or graduation. However, you couldn't stay up long, because soon it was someone else's turn. 

As the Asian proverb says, "The nail that sticks up gets hammered down."

Sending all my love, Mom