Remembering Justin...

A week from today will be the 5 year anniversary of when Justin was diagnosed with the astrocytoma brain tumor. Today he had a MRI scan. We hoped that today would be great news... that the tumor had shrunk (or disappeared). Neither has happened. I guess we are to be grateful that the tumor hasn't grown. He finished his last dose of chemo (round 2) in August. Now it is back to watchful waiting and regular MRI scans.

In some ways it has been a long five years. In other ways it seems like yesterday. I still remember how I felt that Sunday at my parents and the days that followed. Tears come to my eyes just thinking about it. I remember the moment I realized that I either had faith and believed God heard our prayers or he didn't. I have never prayed for anything so hard in my life, before or since.

I still pray for Justin every day. I love him with all my heart. And I do know that God know each of us individually. He knows our hopes, dreams, heartaches, sorrows, and joys. And whatever the future holds for Justin, I know that it is part of God's plan for his life.

Geranium Lime 'Pit Putty

Doesn't the title "Geranium Lime 'Pit Putty" just make you wonder what this post could possibly be about?

Well, This week I got an email from my dear friend Rhonda. Her daughter's business Bubble and Bee Organic just introduced this new product. Wow.

If you read the Bubble and Bee Organic website you can learn about how Stephanie got into this business. Given my own constant coughing as a reaction to something in the air (like perfume, hair spray, smelly candles), I am tempted to try some organic products myself.

I remember when Stephanie was just a little girl and she came to "take your daughter to work day" at the DOH. Now she is all grown up and a successful business woman. The options open to women today are amazing! Congrats Stephanie!

Six Semi-Interesting Things...

My cousin Jessica has tagged me. (Ally I haven't forgotten about your tag!)
Anyway, I am supposed to share six semi-interesting things about myself. If I was like Heidi, I'd do this to the tune of "My Favorite Things." But I am not that creative, so here goes...


1. I am terrified of chickens. Growing up we raised chickens and my least favorite chore was gathering eggs. I would stand in the doorway until I mustered up the courage to go in. I usually took a stick with me to nudge them out of their nest so I could pick up the eggs.


2. My dream job would be to travel the world visiting interesting places and eating at fabulous restaurants and then writing reviews of each. Maybe when I retire..."Rosie's Roamings and Reviews"


3. I have never been to Disneyland. No I do not feel like I had a deprived childhood. Besides, I get motion sickness easy, so roller coasters and amusement park rides are not a good time to me.


4. I have never broken a bone or sprained a muscle.


5. I still believe in Santa Claus. Afterall, if you believe, you still get presents. Have you seen the Polar Express?


6. I'd much rather do my shopping on-line than going to the store. However, when I need some down-time I enjoy walking to Riverwoods and daydreaming at Williams-Sonoma and scanning the magazines and new-release books at Borders.

Million Dollar Question

Last winter I started a research project with students here at BYU. We interviewed freshmen women about what in the university environment influenced how they feel about their bodies (body image). I am reading through hundreds of pages of transcript. A major theme is that women compare themselves to other women-- from looks, to clothing, to smartness, to dating opportunities, etc.

So, to those few loyal blog readers my question to you is this.... why do we as women compare ourselves to other women? Why do we wish we were like someone else? Why do we covet the qualities other people have? Any ideas????

Preserving Peaches

This is a photo of the peaches that I bottled this weekend. :)

When I was young, my parents grew a very large garden. Our summers were spent weeding the garden (at least a half-hour each morning) and the early fall harvesting fruits and vegetables. I spent hours snipping beans on the back patio, scrubbing beats under the outside faucet, cutting corn off the cob and putting it in freezer bags, picking blackberries, and so much more.

Because my mom made us help with all the tasks (we didn't have an "option"as my nephew would say) I learned how to do a lot of domestic things. At the time I didn't appreciate having to do this work, but years later I do. This is the first year that I have bottled peaches on my own. I told my mom that now I understood why she made us help-- because it takes FOREVER when you do it alone!

I must confess that despite my training, I've called my sister a few times and mom at least once for advice or to ask "what do I do if." My sister's best advice was to buy a serrated peeler. This works great for peaches or other soft fruits. I stopped at Williams-Sonoma after work and bought a 3-pack for only $15. One peeler is regular, one julienne, and the other the serrated. I haven't tried the other two, but the serrated one works great on peaches.

Here's to another fabulous thing about fall-- eating fresh peaches!

Fall is Fabulous

There is a feeling in the air that indicates fall is just around the corner. Fall is one of my favorite seasons. Here are a few reasons:


1. I love the changing leaves. Looking at some photos of fall foliage made me homesick for the north Georgia mountains and the south where there are so many trees you can't see across the road. The year I lived in ATL the fall colors were beautiful. I went hiking in Dahlonega with friends over labor day weekend and it was spectacular. I also enjoyed a trip to the Biltmore Estate and drove the Blue Ridge Parkway.


2. I love to each fresh peaches and crisp new apples! Yum. Just today my friend Kaylene gave me some peaches off her tree.


3. The arrival of fall means that my favorite holidays are just around the corner-- Thanksgiving and Christmas.


4. The temperature is just right-- no need for a coat quite yet. And...we don't have to endure 100 degree temperatures for at least another year.


5. The frequency of lawn mowing decreases.


6. You can open the windows at night and in the early morning and get nice cool breezes.


7. There is an excitement in the air with the start of college football (though admittedly, I've only been to one BYU football game in 8 years-- now basketball is another story).


8. Life just seems more peaceful. Perhaps the pace of summer has slowed and everything is getting ready for a long winter.


9. I can decorate my house with festive fall decorations.


10. I get to enjoy seeing my mums bloom.

The Last Lecture

This week I read the book, "The Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch. You may have heard of him or the book, as it is on the best seller list. The author recently died from pancreatic cancer.
Overall, I give this book 5 stars. If you a need a good, easy, inspirational read, this is the book.
From a professor perspective, I really liked his ideas for teaching and mentoring students (he was a professor at Carnegie Mellon). From a personal perspective, I was reminded that what really matters in life are the things that money can't buy-- family and relationships. That's what life is all about.
In Randy Pausch's actual "Last Lecture" he talked about achieving childhood dreams. It made me think about my own childhood dreams. I never dreamed of being a professor at BYU. In fact, my life hasn't turned out like I thought it would at all. But I have been blessed with opportunities and experiences beyond what I would have ever imagined. Life is Good.