My favorite Valentine's story:
Not a One!
by: Dale Galloway
Little Chad was a shy, quiet young man. One day he came home and told his mother that he'd like to make a valentine for everyone in his class. Her heart sank. She thought, "I wish he wouldn't do that!" because she had watched the children when they walked home from school. Her Chad was always behind them. They laughed and hung on to each other and talked to each other. But Chad was never included. Nevertheless, she decided she would go along with her son. So she purchased the paper and glue and crayons. For three weeks, night after night, Chad painstakingly made 35 valentines.
Valentine's Day dawned, and Chad was beside himself with excitement. He carefully stacked them up, put them in a bag, and bolted out the door. His mother decided to bake him his favorite cookies and serve them nice and warm with a cool glass of milk when he came home from school. She just knew he would be disappointed and maybe that would ease the pain a little. It hurt her to think that he wouldn't get many valentines - maybe none at all.
That afternoon she had the cookies and milk on the table. When she heard the children outside, she looked out the window. Sure enough, there they came, laughing and having the best time. And, as always, there was Chad in the rear. He walked a little faster than usual. She fully expected him to burst into tears as soon as he got inside. His arms were empty, she noticed, and when the door opened she choked back the tears.
"Mommy has some cookies and milk for you," she said.
But he hardly heard her words. He just marched right on by, his face aglow, and all he could say was: "Not a one. Not a one."
Her heart sank.
And then he added, "I didn't forget a one, not a single one!"
It just makes me think . . .
Friday, February 11, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Cherry Dream Squares
Back in the early 80's, we were settling into a new home at 329 E. Juniper St. in Mesa. We hadn't been married that long. (I was either expecting Julianne or she was a baby.) I was just getting to know the ward and the people in it - kind of a new experience, being "grown-up" now, trying to live like you knew what to do!
But my new visiting teachers came by one day, as planned. It was a nice visit. They were young and new, too, and anxious to know me. As we visited in the front room next to the window, one of them handed me a plate of beautiful cherry bars. Her name was Marsha Payne. The bars were delicious! I was sure to ask her for the recipe on their next visit.
It took a minute to remember, but luckily it came to her. It was from a Woman's Day magazine from a couple of weeks before.
The minute I waved them off at the front door, I headed out the back. Car keys and purse in hand (Julianne too, I'm sure, if she was born!). I had to find that recipe! I was relieved to find of, in the exact same issue she told me. There it was, "Cherry Dream Squares".
I had no idea then, how priceless this recipe would become. I'm sure I have made it a hundred times since then. I copy the recipe again and again when the card gets ratty. Or I give it out gladly, just like Marsha did for me. I don't ever make them, that I don't think of Marsha, my first visiting teacher, that taught me how to share something really yummy.
It has become a part of me, so here it is for you. In this Valentine's Day Season, where red and cherries belong:
With Love
Cherry Dream Squares
1 pkg. white cake mix
1 1/4 cups rolled oats *
1/2 c margarine / butter (room temp.) *
1 egg
21 oz. can cherry pie filling
1/2 c chopped nuts
1/4 firmly packed brown sugar
* divided - read below
Heat oven to 350o. Grease 13 x 9 pan. In large bowl, combine cake mix, 6 TB butter*, and 1 cup rolled oats*. Mix with a fork until crumbly.
(Reserve 1 cup "crumbly" for topping.)
To remaining crumbs, still in bowl, add 1 egg. Mix until well blended. Press into prepared pan.
Pour cherry pie filling over pressed crust; spread to cover.
To reserved crumbs, in large bowl (I usually use the same bowl again), add remaining 1/4 cup rolled oats, 2 TB butter, nuts, and brown sugar. Beat until thoroughly mixed (or by hand).
Sprinkle over cherry mixture. Bake at 350 for 30 - 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely. If desired, serve with whipped or vanilla ice cream.
But my new visiting teachers came by one day, as planned. It was a nice visit. They were young and new, too, and anxious to know me. As we visited in the front room next to the window, one of them handed me a plate of beautiful cherry bars. Her name was Marsha Payne. The bars were delicious! I was sure to ask her for the recipe on their next visit.
It took a minute to remember, but luckily it came to her. It was from a Woman's Day magazine from a couple of weeks before.
The minute I waved them off at the front door, I headed out the back. Car keys and purse in hand (Julianne too, I'm sure, if she was born!). I had to find that recipe! I was relieved to find of, in the exact same issue she told me. There it was, "Cherry Dream Squares".
I had no idea then, how priceless this recipe would become. I'm sure I have made it a hundred times since then. I copy the recipe again and again when the card gets ratty. Or I give it out gladly, just like Marsha did for me. I don't ever make them, that I don't think of Marsha, my first visiting teacher, that taught me how to share something really yummy.
It has become a part of me, so here it is for you. In this Valentine's Day Season, where red and cherries belong:
With Love
Cherry Dream Squares
1 pkg. white cake mix
1 1/4 cups rolled oats *
1/2 c margarine / butter (room temp.) *
1 egg
21 oz. can cherry pie filling
1/2 c chopped nuts
1/4 firmly packed brown sugar
* divided - read below
Heat oven to 350o. Grease 13 x 9 pan. In large bowl, combine cake mix, 6 TB butter*, and 1 cup rolled oats*. Mix with a fork until crumbly.
(Reserve 1 cup "crumbly" for topping.)
To remaining crumbs, still in bowl, add 1 egg. Mix until well blended. Press into prepared pan.
Pour cherry pie filling over pressed crust; spread to cover.
To reserved crumbs, in large bowl (I usually use the same bowl again), add remaining 1/4 cup rolled oats, 2 TB butter, nuts, and brown sugar. Beat until thoroughly mixed (or by hand).
Sprinkle over cherry mixture. Bake at 350 for 30 - 40 minutes, or until golden brown. Cool completely. If desired, serve with whipped or vanilla ice cream.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
If You Give Your Child Piano Lessons
If you give your child piano lessons
He's going to want to play music
With rhythms.
When you compliment him,
He'll want to play more.
When he's finished, he'll smile.
Then he'll remember
How his Grandpa plays the ukulele,
And how his family
Likes to sing in the car.
And he'll feel good inside.
He'll become proud of his hard work
And confident to share his talent
At recitals or on talent day at school.
His Mom will have
Lots of pictures to show.
When he gets older,
Maybe he'll join the orchestra
And play the violin, viola,
Cello, or string bass.
Whenever he can . . . or even for a living!
Maybe he'll join the steel drum band,
Play the clarinet, the french horn,
Or play duets with his sister (or his wife).
Maybe taking dancing lessons,
Singing with a choir,
Or being a conductor would sound fun.
He might even collect vinyl records.
No matter what,
Music will make him happy -
Whether he hears, dances,
Sings,or plays.
If you give your child piano lessons
It will give him all kinds of
Happy memories.
Then when he grows up
And has children of his own,
He's going to want to give them . . .
Piano lessons!
He's going to want to play music
With rhythms.
When you compliment him,
He'll want to play more.
When he's finished, he'll smile.
Then he'll remember
How his Grandpa plays the ukulele,
And how his family
Likes to sing in the car.
And he'll feel good inside.
He'll become proud of his hard work
And confident to share his talent
At recitals or on talent day at school.
His Mom will have
Lots of pictures to show.
When he gets older,
Maybe he'll join the orchestra
And play the violin, viola,
Cello, or string bass.
Whenever he can . . . or even for a living!
Maybe he'll join the steel drum band,
Play the clarinet, the french horn,
Or play duets with his sister (or his wife).
Maybe taking dancing lessons,
Singing with a choir,
Or being a conductor would sound fun.
He might even collect vinyl records.
No matter what,
Music will make him happy -
Whether he hears, dances,
Sings,or plays.
If you give your child piano lessons
It will give him all kinds of
Happy memories.
Then when he grows up
And has children of his own,
He's going to want to give them . . .
Piano lessons!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Friday, December 17, 2010
Jeff
This has been a wonderful day! Jeff graduated from ASU. He worked hard and has a degree now to prove it. There is something about that "Pomp and Circumstance" that makes you realize what a feat this is. Being in December, the class was small. Perfect for a guy that would just as soon get it done (when thinking of all the pre plans)) and kind of sad when it's finally here (because deep down, he really was proud of himself!).
We wanted to host a Mexican dinner and invite anyone he wanted. But after some careful thought (for a few days, trying to figure out how he was going to break it to us) he decided that Peter Piper Pizza was more up his alley. So, thanks to sweet Vita, friends, parents, Grandparents, sisters, brother in laws, nieces, uncles, aunts, and cousins were there with flying colors. The pizza was great and the cake and goodies were awesome, but those tokens were the highlight! Every size relative and friend disappeared into game land and played their hearts out. I don't think any one will forget Jeff's graduation party. Jeff knew that even though Mexican food sounded good, he needed a PARTY. That's just the kind of guy Jeff is. This was his party and he wanted everyone to come and have fun.
So, this morning, a happy grown man in a cap and gown with a diploma . . ..tonight, a happy grown kid in a T shirt and hoodie with a pocket full of tokens.
It makes a mother proud!
We wanted to host a Mexican dinner and invite anyone he wanted. But after some careful thought (for a few days, trying to figure out how he was going to break it to us) he decided that Peter Piper Pizza was more up his alley. So, thanks to sweet Vita, friends, parents, Grandparents, sisters, brother in laws, nieces, uncles, aunts, and cousins were there with flying colors. The pizza was great and the cake and goodies were awesome, but those tokens were the highlight! Every size relative and friend disappeared into game land and played their hearts out. I don't think any one will forget Jeff's graduation party. Jeff knew that even though Mexican food sounded good, he needed a PARTY. That's just the kind of guy Jeff is. This was his party and he wanted everyone to come and have fun.
So, this morning, a happy grown man in a cap and gown with a diploma . . ..tonight, a happy grown kid in a T shirt and hoodie with a pocket full of tokens.
It makes a mother proud!
Monday, September 27, 2010
D.I.
It was a beautiful Friday morning. We got up early in order to be at DI by 8:00 AM. for a service assignment. Neither Randy or I had ever done this before and we anticipated learning the "inside" of how DI functions.
When we walked in through the VIP door, it was obviously the vacuum hour. We found ourselves yelling to communicate. We were led to an office door and presented to the secretary. We signed in, were given an official DI apron and color code chart to fit in the pocket. Another couple from our ward joined us. (This would be fun. We could work with our partners. . . NOT!) One by one we were separated and ushered to deep unknowns of this huge facility. Luckily, being the only one left, they found a place for me in the woman's department. (Yesss!) I felt safe there, unlike Randy, who they took deep inside a maze to the "used toy never, never land". (This wasn't a good experience for him!)
I was introduced to the department manager, who had to think hard for something for me to do. Finally, after slowly scanning the place and scratching his chin, he said, "Come 'ere", and motioned to follow him to the "back". Past a huge dry cleaning room that took my breath away because of the humidity, we ended up at a maintenance room. Vacuums, duster sticks, etc. He pushed a vacuum towards me to grab and thankfully led me back out - or I would still be lost in there! I was to join in the chorus of vacuums running. He pointed to a big area of floor. I could handle that.
Carefully I suctioned up every little piece of lint,(surprisingly it was already very well kept). But in my serious cleaning quest, I became aware of another vacuum girl. She was unstoppable as she rounded the corner and kept on rolling, right over the carpet I had just finished. I was confused. Finally I said, "I think we're vacuuming the same areas." I was surprised when she mumbled something inaudible and kept vacuuming. She made no eye contact. No "oh, sorry." With her head down, she just continued to vacuum as if on auto pilot. I actually had to stand back to study her vacuum compared to mine. Did mine only picked up certain kinds of dirt? Was hers a specialized DI vacuum? No. The same vacuum. I was puzzled.
So, I wrapped up my cord and rolled the vacuum back to the manager, explaining the situation. He said, "Don't mind her, she does whatever she wants." I wasn't about to ask questions as I followed him back to the cleaning room again and we traded the vacuum in for a big handled duster on a stick. As we were exiting the double doors, I was surprised to see"vacuum girl", entering. Again, no eye contact was made on her part. No speaking. Just autopilot. I didn't know what to think.
I was to dust off the glass rounders, starting from a certain area in the mens department. I could handle that.
Minding my own "no dust" business, I couldn't help but notice "vacuum girl" coming back out those doors. She seemed to flaunt proudly as she walked by with her own . . . big handled duster on a stick! My reaction? I'm embarrassed to confess. I'm afraid my rusty attitude showed as I felt my nose turn up and my eyes look away. That's when it hit me. I was treating her like I had been treated. It didn't feel right. So I kept my eye on her and at least made sure we didn't over lap. I made my section shine.
Finishing that job, I was escorted back to the womans department. The department manager introduced me to Cindy - "vacuum girl"! She appeared from behind a stack of clothes in the dressing room. I hardly think she saw me. "If there are any questions, Cindy will know the answers", he said. Up until now, I didn't think she even had a voice. I wasn't sure about the situation at all. I was still trying to figure her out. But I was pleasantly surprised when she spoke clearly and helpfully. I had questions from time to time, but at least she acknowledged me. We worked hard. The time went by fast. We organized clothes off of many racks brought out from the back by Cindy. Soon it was 12:00. I was finished with my shift.
It's funny when I first met her she was so unfriendly. But after the vacuum and long handled dusting stick episodes, she didn't seem so bad. Now that I was leaving I didn't feel like just sneaking away. Something in me made me want to thank her and let her know it was good working with her. So I called her attention to the time and made sure she knew I was leaving. In a way, I felt like I would miss her. She looked up and actually looked at me back. I think her eyes sparkled a little. She also was surprised the time had flown by. And she thanked me, too.
I felt better. I still wasn't proud of my reaction to her coldness that morning. but I did learn a valuable lesson.
I don't want to be a "vacuum girl".
When we walked in through the VIP door, it was obviously the vacuum hour. We found ourselves yelling to communicate. We were led to an office door and presented to the secretary. We signed in, were given an official DI apron and color code chart to fit in the pocket. Another couple from our ward joined us. (This would be fun. We could work with our partners. . . NOT!) One by one we were separated and ushered to deep unknowns of this huge facility. Luckily, being the only one left, they found a place for me in the woman's department. (Yesss!) I felt safe there, unlike Randy, who they took deep inside a maze to the "used toy never, never land". (This wasn't a good experience for him!)
I was introduced to the department manager, who had to think hard for something for me to do. Finally, after slowly scanning the place and scratching his chin, he said, "Come 'ere", and motioned to follow him to the "back". Past a huge dry cleaning room that took my breath away because of the humidity, we ended up at a maintenance room. Vacuums, duster sticks, etc. He pushed a vacuum towards me to grab and thankfully led me back out - or I would still be lost in there! I was to join in the chorus of vacuums running. He pointed to a big area of floor. I could handle that.
Carefully I suctioned up every little piece of lint,(surprisingly it was already very well kept). But in my serious cleaning quest, I became aware of another vacuum girl. She was unstoppable as she rounded the corner and kept on rolling, right over the carpet I had just finished. I was confused. Finally I said, "I think we're vacuuming the same areas." I was surprised when she mumbled something inaudible and kept vacuuming. She made no eye contact. No "oh, sorry." With her head down, she just continued to vacuum as if on auto pilot. I actually had to stand back to study her vacuum compared to mine. Did mine only picked up certain kinds of dirt? Was hers a specialized DI vacuum? No. The same vacuum. I was puzzled.
So, I wrapped up my cord and rolled the vacuum back to the manager, explaining the situation. He said, "Don't mind her, she does whatever she wants." I wasn't about to ask questions as I followed him back to the cleaning room again and we traded the vacuum in for a big handled duster on a stick. As we were exiting the double doors, I was surprised to see"vacuum girl", entering. Again, no eye contact was made on her part. No speaking. Just autopilot. I didn't know what to think.
I was to dust off the glass rounders, starting from a certain area in the mens department. I could handle that.
Minding my own "no dust" business, I couldn't help but notice "vacuum girl" coming back out those doors. She seemed to flaunt proudly as she walked by with her own . . . big handled duster on a stick! My reaction? I'm embarrassed to confess. I'm afraid my rusty attitude showed as I felt my nose turn up and my eyes look away. That's when it hit me. I was treating her like I had been treated. It didn't feel right. So I kept my eye on her and at least made sure we didn't over lap. I made my section shine.
Finishing that job, I was escorted back to the womans department. The department manager introduced me to Cindy - "vacuum girl"! She appeared from behind a stack of clothes in the dressing room. I hardly think she saw me. "If there are any questions, Cindy will know the answers", he said. Up until now, I didn't think she even had a voice. I wasn't sure about the situation at all. I was still trying to figure her out. But I was pleasantly surprised when she spoke clearly and helpfully. I had questions from time to time, but at least she acknowledged me. We worked hard. The time went by fast. We organized clothes off of many racks brought out from the back by Cindy. Soon it was 12:00. I was finished with my shift.
It's funny when I first met her she was so unfriendly. But after the vacuum and long handled dusting stick episodes, she didn't seem so bad. Now that I was leaving I didn't feel like just sneaking away. Something in me made me want to thank her and let her know it was good working with her. So I called her attention to the time and made sure she knew I was leaving. In a way, I felt like I would miss her. She looked up and actually looked at me back. I think her eyes sparkled a little. She also was surprised the time had flown by. And she thanked me, too.
I felt better. I still wasn't proud of my reaction to her coldness that morning. but I did learn a valuable lesson.
I don't want to be a "vacuum girl".
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Blessings . . .
Good week-ends consist of:
Fulfilling a DI assignment on Friday. . . even though Randy and I, both have interesting stories to tell! (Stay tuned:)
Enjoying the Relief Society broadcast Saturday evening, knowing all the girls I love (mothers and daughters, wherever they live) were each listening to the same broadcast at the same time.
Enjoying good kids who took a chance to go see Train, because of a fundraiser Randy was involved in Saturday night. They were good sports. (At least it wasn't Hall and Oats, like last year!) It's always nice to have them around.
Enjoying our Primary Sacrament program today.
Envisioning Jeff on the stand, strategically placed between "lively" boys during their Primary program, as he represented his and Vita's "class" (one last 11 year old boy). Those kids love Jeff and Vita!
Envisioning Rachael's preparation and performance as their ward's Primary chorister, in their wards program. She did great!
Envisioning Carianne observing their ward's program today, knowing that next week she will step into the Primary 1st Counselor position, in a new Presidency.
Envisioning Rusty on the stand, learning that he was able to extend that call to Carianne one morning this past week.
Learning of Gregg's new calling as assistant ward clerk.
Picturing Brenden, Julianne, and Emmie getting to know a family ward again, giving Emmie a chance to experience a "real" nursery. Knowing they served so well in the singles ward.
Learning of Grandma and Grandpa Buehner's great Primary program today.
Having Carianne, potty trained Kate, Jeff, Vita, Grandma, and Grandpa Buehner over for Sunday dinner.
All gathering around the web cam (Grandma Buehner, risking her bad knees to come down stairs) to oooooo and aawwwww over Emmie, Julianne, and Brenden.
Randy calling to talk to Grandma Clawson, and learning from Jean that he'd have to wait, since she was saying her prayers.
"Called to serve Him . . ."
Blessings
Fulfilling a DI assignment on Friday. . . even though Randy and I, both have interesting stories to tell! (Stay tuned:)
Enjoying the Relief Society broadcast Saturday evening, knowing all the girls I love (mothers and daughters, wherever they live) were each listening to the same broadcast at the same time.
Enjoying good kids who took a chance to go see Train, because of a fundraiser Randy was involved in Saturday night. They were good sports. (At least it wasn't Hall and Oats, like last year!) It's always nice to have them around.
Enjoying our Primary Sacrament program today.
Envisioning Jeff on the stand, strategically placed between "lively" boys during their Primary program, as he represented his and Vita's "class" (one last 11 year old boy). Those kids love Jeff and Vita!
Envisioning Rachael's preparation and performance as their ward's Primary chorister, in their wards program. She did great!
Envisioning Carianne observing their ward's program today, knowing that next week she will step into the Primary 1st Counselor position, in a new Presidency.
Envisioning Rusty on the stand, learning that he was able to extend that call to Carianne one morning this past week.
Learning of Gregg's new calling as assistant ward clerk.
Picturing Brenden, Julianne, and Emmie getting to know a family ward again, giving Emmie a chance to experience a "real" nursery. Knowing they served so well in the singles ward.
Learning of Grandma and Grandpa Buehner's great Primary program today.
Having Carianne, potty trained Kate, Jeff, Vita, Grandma, and Grandpa Buehner over for Sunday dinner.
All gathering around the web cam (Grandma Buehner, risking her bad knees to come down stairs) to oooooo and aawwwww over Emmie, Julianne, and Brenden.
Randy calling to talk to Grandma Clawson, and learning from Jean that he'd have to wait, since she was saying her prayers.
"Called to serve Him . . ."
Blessings
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