SISTERS ARE THE BEST

Sisters, you really cannot say too much about sisters. How I loved having my sister here for two whole weeks. It was like getting a great big present that I got to open again and again. She came in spite of being very sick and within hours of arriving-she colored my hair. (I sure know how to make people feel welcome!) We had to get her rested up and better first-after the hair emergency- and believe me I only stayed in my pajamas until noon so she wouldn't feel uncomfortable.
We didn't do a whole lot but we loved being together. We went to lunch, we went shopping, tried on clothes, got depressed and didn't buy anything. We babysat, went to Home Depot (only 2 or 3 times because I wanted her to feel at home), she and Sadie painted Sadie's dresser and Chris contributed a beautiful mirror to Sadie's room that now makes the room. We painted closets (what can I say-she loves me!) and planted herbs. We went to Tomball-the fun stores, we went to Waller, and of course Sam Moon's and we watched lots of lots of Olympics. Two weeks sounds like a long time but it went by way too fast and it was very hard to let her go home. I miss you, Chris, and I am so very glad that you are my sister. Lets do it again!
PS Thank you, Lee. When you gave Chris her Christmas present, you gave me one too. Love you.

CONNECT-I-CUT (Thanks Haley-I'll remember)

We are home again after a wonderful five days in Connecticut with Clark, Emily and girls and even Paul who has the greatest understanding of the 'go to work, earn money, pay bills' concept, said "I don't want to go home!" The best part was being hugged and kissed and welcomed by all the Scharmans; except Hazel-she made sure we knew to 'back off' but we won her over evertually. The accomodations were first class, the food was amazing and the company was scintillating! Haley's baptism was a spiritual boost for me-very emotional as well. It is hard on Grandma to see her so grown up. We loved connecting with the Oscarsons again. We are so grateful for good friends. Besides family, friends and food-we spent time in Boston, Cape Cod, toured Clarks submarine, the Nautilus submarine, ate lunch at Mystic Pizza, and spent the afternoon at Mystic Seaport (the preserved version of 1900 seaport-with whale ships and stores and homes). Did I mention the ice cream-Scharmans can't gather without ice cream! If you ever get to Groton, Connecticut- visit Cows and Cones! We loved spending time with them and pray that it will happen again soon.

WE MADE IT! --I HOPE.

What is it with the first day of school? We made it through the shopping (in Idaho and Texas). We made it through the school supply list (almost-but not quite). We made it through book collection. (Stand in line----stand in line--stand in line---"Mom you can go. I found my friends." And I was OK with that.) We made it through orientation. We made it through the Seminary fireside. (Hey, I can do it. It has only been 5 years, but I still know how to drive! I just don't know how to get up!) We made it through, "I don't know what to wear the first day of school." I make a suggestion and- "That's not first day worthy." We made it through a wonderful father's blessing where a few tears were shed and reassurances were made that it is normal to be frightened and nervous-but you will be OK. We made it through the early morning getting ready stage. (She did ask me for a Valerian-a calming herb.) We took the pictures. Sadie left looking calm and collected-at least on the outside and her mother CRIES. I could have sworn I was so ready for her to go. This is an exciting time in her life and she is ready for it. But something about your baby leaving you behind and needing you a little less. Good luck, Sadie! I know you will have a great year. Love, MOM

WOMEN OF WORTH....BECOME

Well, I made it through camp. In spite of all the worrying and murmering (I really did not want to go) and in spite of the horrendous heat, the dirt and grime, sharing showers (a two by two foot space) with 35 girls, trying to sleep with those same 35 girls 'enjoying' their time together and being busy every minute of every day----It was AMAZING! The youth leaders that I worked with were wonderful. They worked hard and were so thoughtful of the 32-12 year olds we were in charge of. The stake leaders are women that I love to associate with and spend time with. The programs were like a "Women's Conference"; so uplifting and spiritually fulfilling. The theme was, "Women of Worth" and after this week, I feel like one. The Lord knew I needed to be there and would not let me say no-I tried!
Sadie was with me and even though we did not see much of each other; we were in the same place and experiencing the same things. Truth?!?!-I will go back if I can.
(Sorry, no pictures-I didn't have time or I was too tired!)

PAUL UNMANNED!

I can't tell you how proud I am of my husband. I really can't. I guess this is an example that he is such a good sport. I tried to invoke the "the church has asked us not to do this" rule. But the time was late and you have to work with what you have-or have not. Take a deep breath.

Yes, that is my husband. He was asked to participate in 'Mall madness' for a YW/YM activity. People from the ward are asked to go to the mall in disguise and see if the youth can fine them. It is their very favorite activity. They have used several themes over the years, like: Seek and ye shall find, Hiding in plain sight etc. Since Paul has participated several times, this time it was hard to come up with something and he didn't have much time. He has already been the rich Hispanic on vacation, the Columbian drug lord and the maintenance worker (see a theme). So all that was left was cross-dressing. (And yes, the YM's Pres did instruct the youth not to follow Bro. Scharman's example.) Alexa and I had a great time helping him get ready-tears were falling. Paul did comment, "I am one ugly lady!" And then he said, "I look like my sister!" He does not!

IT WORKS BETTER IF YOU LEAVE IT ALONE

In an interesting development has been happening in our yard. Months ago we started a compost pile. Very faithfully we have taken anything organic from our house and dumped it into the pile of dirt and leaves in the back yard. Paul will faithfully add a little fertilizer and water and take the shovel and turn it over and over so everything can have a chance to decompose. Well, our faithfulness is being blessed. Things are growing out of the compost pile.

When this started we thought it was origially cucumbers or maybe cantaloupe; but when 'fruit' developed we discovered we were growing spaghetti squash. Paul has since moved the compost so that we could plant our blueberries but we could not disturb our squash for obvious reasons.

Look closely and you can see the'fruits of all our labors'.

Of course. in the meantime (before we knew what we were growing), we actually went to a nursery and purchased a spaghetti squash seedling. You can see how well it is doing. Another thing that has been happening-as Paul has used this 'compost dirt' around the yard-we have tomatoes growing everywhere. In the front yard with the azaleas and in the back yard with the agapanthas. And they are doing well! So the moral of the story is-don't go to all the work of planting a garden; just throw away your garbage in the the yard!

PAUL IN CRISIS=JENNY IN CRISIS

I am convinced that Paul is having a mid-life crisis (and if this is mid-life;we are going to be here forever!) It is really a good thing. It is beneficial to me. And as hobbies go; this one is easy and fits in the budget. Needless to say---it is driving me crazy!!!!! My husband has fallen in love with the COOKING CHANNEL! Now, I like to watch the cooking channel too. But now we watch it together. That shouldn't be a bad thing-right? But now instead of being able to enjoy what is happening, I'm getting: 'Why is she doing that?', 'What is goat cheese?', 'What is ginger?', 'What is he grating into that?', 'Do you know you should heat a lemon before squeezing it?' and on and on and on. I know I am not being patient. I know that in the long run this could be extremely beneficial to me. I just don't know if I can make it from here to there.

The other day, he called me from work and asked me to pick up a 'flier'. I, of course, said: 'What do you need a flier for?' and he said, 'You know, a chicken.' I replied, 'Oh a fryer?' and he said, 'Whatever-a whole chicken.' He has also decided that to start with-he will stick with the grill. Now that is a great thing. He said that he is going to perfect hamburgers and grilled lamb chops. (He has seen way too much TV!) Consider that I have never fixed lamb or even purchased lamb or even truthfully tasted lamb. We ran into Wal Mart last week to pick up some cold medicine, (yes, we have all been sick but are doing much better) and spent thirty minutes, on Saturday, discussing herbal butter. You didn't know you should put herbal butter in your hamburgers and on your steak! You don't watch the food network.

Well, I have complained enough. I don't want to complain-the end result COULD BE great. Just say a prayer for me that we make it there!

Here is Paul's 'flier' and I have to say it was wonderful-just don't look at the bottom.

Ok, I'll stop. It could be worse-he could be watching 'What Not To Wear' with us but wait-Paul has been banned from that-he cries!

WOW! LOOK AT US NOW!

I know in the past I have complained that I have nothing to blog about and now the news is overflowing. Ethan is a married man! AND----Nolan is engaged!!!

Ethan and Marisa had a beautiful wedding. The whole family was able to be here-so we had a wonderful experience. There is nothing better than sitting in the temple with your children and their spouses (whom I consider my children too!). It was a very emotional and personal ceremony-performed by a dear friend. Marisa's mom did an amazing job on the reception. It was truly beautiful. Sadie even said that she wanted her to do her reception when the time comes and I think that is a great idea. It was the best to be with our family and to see the grandchildren in all their wedding finery made me so proud and rang all my emotional bells. It really shook me to see Ethan wearing a wedding band but I guess that I will get used to it sooner or later.

Nolan became engaged to Caroline Smith on Christmas Eve. We are so excited for them. They have a few obstacles to overcome to even set a date. Nolan lives in Connecticut and Caroline is working in Orlando. She grew up in Boston and they met in South Carolina-so who knows where they will be married! Nolan also has a 6 month deployment coming up in April but I am sure that they will work everything out. When Nolan left Florida and came to the wedding, Caroline gave him instructions to take pictures for her. It was funny to watch Nolan taking pictures of the cake, table decorations, food and even Marisa's shoes yet when she asked No if the wedding dress was long sleeved-Nolan didn't know and this was after the wedding and reception. Good Luck you guys!

Our family is changing and growing and we love it. Oh, more good news----Alexa and Shane are expecting a little girl in April! That makes 10 girls and 3 boys-I guess we do girls better.

Thansgiving-a 'win/win' for everyone!

What is not to like about Thanksgiving. You have your family and you have lots and lots of good food. Its a 'win-win' situation. Thanksgiving gets better too because as your kids get older they do a lot of the cooking. Here are a few pictures of our great day.

Thanks Marisa for joining us. We love having you with us.

PS HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TRACIE! I HOPE THAT THIS ONE IS A GOOD ONE. LOVE YOU!

Paul wanted me to include his plate to show how good he was and careful with 'portion control'. I am not sure that is what the picture shows and dessert is conspicuously absent!

ANGELS AMOUNG US

The other day, I was leaving WalMart after doing some shopping. I was parked kind of far from the store on one side but you know WalMart-it was still crowded. I stopped at the back of the car to open the trunk and put in my bags. In the middle of putting in my bags, I suddenly reached from one end of the cart to the other and grabbed my purse. There was no thought or prompting that came to me-I just did it. I looked up and saw a young man walking in my direction. I proceeded to finish my loading and get into my car. He proceeded to walk past me. It wasn't until I got into my car (and locked it!) that I was promted that he was going to take my purse. The Lord had not prompted me in what to do; He moved my body to take action. I sat in my car for awhile, saying a prayer of gratitude and realizing that as often as I pray for safety and protection-that I take it for granted. I think that when the time comes and we are made aware of the many times the Lord took care of us-we will be amazed and humbled. I am much more careful now to thoughtfully ask for safety and protection and to say 'thank you' even when I didn't see it happen right before my eyes.

OK! OK! OK!

OK!!!!!!! I know that I don't "blog " very often but guess what? It is not because I don't have anything to say----it is because I have too much to say. Admittedly, I am older than most of the blogs I read and you really don't need to hear "been there, done that and it doesn't get better". But since I do enjoy reading all the blogs and I really appreciate the way that it ties us together and gets us involved in each others lives-I WILL DO BETTER! Thanks, Tracie for giving me a kick in the pants and since I have given a few kick in the pants lately, I decided to take this one with grace and actually take the advice given.

I will start out by saying the other thing I need to do better at is picture taking. I took my camera to Utah and Idaho this last trip. We visited Ethan and Marisa, Bill and Mary and family, Scharman's family, Mom Scharman and spent almost a whole week with Mom, Chris and Lee, Richard and Verlinda, Jeff and Bonnie, Greg and Aunt Kathleen and do I have a single picture? The answer is an obvious-NO! Thank heavens, Verlinda's camera was near by to document the purging of Mom's house. I also had my camera in my purse this Sunday as we visited Lexa and Megan's wards for the Sacrament Mtg. program and then all had dinner together. Do you see any pictures?

Part of my problem could be that I have hundres of picture that have not found a place and the project seems overwhelming to me. (Thanks, Megan for giving me a push and a shove.) Progress will show when you see the next blog and if it has a picture with it.

OUR BOY IS GETTING MARRIED!

The blessings are pouring out upon us! Ethan is engaged to Marisa Speers as of yesterday. Marisa is the daughter of our Bishop and is going to BYU where she studies Special Ed. She is a wonderful person. We have come to quickly love her and the nice thing is we really like her. Paul and I have to take a little credit for this whole thing. Marisa was in Houston when Ethan first came home from his mission and we stongly encouraged him to ask her out-which he did. They are so happy together and are looking forward to a Christmas wedding. The wedding will be, of course, here in Houston, and we couldn't be happier!

DECLARING INDEPENDENCE!

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! The fourth of July is all about independence-right? Well, we have declared our independence and we are no longer dependent on running water in the house! I suppose that is not really true because Paul is filling the toilets from our water barrels so they will flush (and of course, he says, "What a good experience this is for us." Good experience for the boy in the family-the 'girls' in the family don't agree.) We are also carrying around bottled water to take care of simple things like washing your hands and face. (I want to see you wash your face with bottled water-the logistics are tricky.)
We started out with a simple problem. The washer on the kitchen faucet needed to be replaced. Paul says, 'no problem', I have an extra and can take care of it. Because it was so easy to do-it didn't get done, until we were getting sprayed every time you turned on the water. Then when Paul went to change it---it broke in half. Half stayed in the faucet and half fell into his hand. What to do? What to do? Those experts at Home Depot (Paul's personal shrine!) promised it could still be fixed without replacing the whole faucet. Well, he started last night, faithfully following his guru's directions but needless to say it got complicated and another little pipe broke. But now, of course, the 'shrine' has closed its doors for the night. Sadie and I begged him to try Wal Mart, but 'they wouldn't have it' and 'it's too late' came up. Keep in mind this means we don't have running water in the house; no washing, no showers, no toilets. We make it through the night and to give Paul credit he is goes to worship at 7am and comes home with a beautiful new faucet-only it doesn't fit. Our house is so old that they don't carry our 'style' (thats how I feel too!) So what does he do-tries Wal Mart! Wallyworld comes through for us and he brings it home to put in only to find out that it is missing a vital part. He goes back to Wal Mart and is now solving the problem. I made him a deal to tell me first, so I can beat Sadie to the shower!
PS I'm rethinking the independence thing-I'd rather be dependent!
PPS I need to say how grateful I am for a husband who is always willing to repair things. He always figures it out and I know that he has saved us thousands of dollars over the years. Thank you, Hon!

Randy Retired?-Surely he's too young!

Well, it is official and it is happening faster than we would like. Janet and Randy (Paul's sister and husband) are retiring!!!! Or should I say retired! Randy's last day at the office was last Thursday and last night we went to a retirement party. They are selling their house and moving up to Utah. I know that we are family and we will always be close but now they won't be 'close by'. After all these years-25-it seems like we didn't do enough, didn't call enough, didn't see each other enough; but I don't know if that is possible. I am very happy for them-Scharman and Kevin and their families both live in Alpine (where Janet and Randy already own a home!). Randy's mom and Janet's mom both live there. And this has been the plan for a long time. I'm just a little sad for me. I will miss their closeness. Change is good--right? That doesn't mean I have to like it!

SURVIVING!

We have survived! We survived my trip to Utah and Connecticut (I can even spell Connecticut without thinking--now). We survived the end of the school year and we survived Ethan leaving for Utah. I am here to tell you that families can adjust when they have too. Sadie, Ethan, and Paul can cook-if they have too! (I won't mention the half hour cell phone call from Paul; complaining that, "They don't come when you call for dinner!" "I worked so hard to get it all ready-at the same time! And then they don't come!" Needless to say, he apologized for his tradition of coming to dinner after we have given up on him and said prayer!) My worries were lightened-not eradicated, just lightened-that Ethan can follow a recipe and sustain himself. (I still think he will depend on the relatives in Utah to do a lot of his--sustaining.) They can do laundry, they can get where they need to be, they can keep the house clean and they can take care of each other. Things never go the way I plan them to go when I'm gone. And that's OK! As long as they just go-I'm alright with it. It is kind of nice to see the relief on their faces when you do come back and they know that they don't have to do Mom's job any more.

I had a wonderful time with Clark, Emily, Nolan and the girls. I felt quite torn to have to come home and leave them behind. Yes, I am one of those people who would like my family all in one place-just because I like them.

Oh, and Ethan, I know you will do well in Utah. We will miss you dearly but it is hard to be too sad when your face if full of excitement and possibilities. Our house is much quieter and I have to admit, selfishly, I will miss: "Ethan, would you pick up Sadie? (Of course, he had my car!) or "Stop by the store..." or "Can Sadie go with you?" We will try to fill your shoes with Sadie-she loves going to the grocery store! But regardless---WE WILL SURVIVE!

FLEXIBLY RIGID!

I've always thought I was flexible and to an extent, I am-when it involves someone elses plans and not my own. When Clark asked me a month ago, "How much do you miss us?" I did hesitate because you never know what Clark is thinking. But the truth is-I really miss them! He asked me to fly to Utah and then drive with him and the three girls to Connecticut while Emily flies home with the baby. (Which I totally support!) I agreed; I REALLY do miss them and I would love to spend time with them and as a bonus get to see Nolan and meet the girlfriend when we get to Connecticut. Plans were made-Utah on the 21st, start driving on the 25th, Connecticut on the 28th and them home again 4 or 5 days later. I called my sister and she graciously said she would drive to Utah and bring my mother so I could spend a few days with them. I called my neice, Tracie, to ask if mom, Chris and I could stay at her house for a few days. She also graciously accepted us. Then, poor Clark, called and said that we would have to postpone the trip because his schedule was so crazy-it could be June before he could get away. Okay-no problem! He called again today and said his commander said to just go now and get it done. So as of now, I fly into Utah on Wed the14, bless Hazel on the 18th and then leave on the 18th to drive to Connecticut and who knows when I will come home! I guess I have to call my sister and Tracie. Here goes! I 'm flexible-I REALLY am!

WOOHOO! SCHARMANS ARE ONE UP!

She is here! Hazel Christina Scharman arrived on Saturday, April 5 at 9:22 pm. After a long day of complications and problems, Hazel joined her family, weighing 8 pounds and was 21 inches long. You can see she does have a little hair and fits right in with her beautiful sisters. Mother and baby are both doing fine. Even though Dad has to leaves today, they will get through this too and hopefully by the end of the month will be a whole family, living in Connecticut. Thank you, Emily. I know you think that you just did what you needed to do but my heart swells with pride and love for you. How grateful I am for you. (Tears are falling) The next time I am in Salt Lake, I think I will go to the 'The This is the Place Monument' and add your name. What a pioneer you have been. (Surely they wouldn't mind. I promise, I would do a good job!) Hang in, Clark, your married bachelorhood will soon end and when the girls are running through the house, screaming at each other, slamming doors and a baby is crying in the background-you will take a deep breath and say "Thank you!"

HERE WE GO AGAIN

My lemon tree is blooming-last year it didn't!

I know that it is one of the 'lesser' commandments (is there such a thing as 'lesser' commandments; I like to think so); but surely we get credit for trying. Anyone who know us, should know that we have tried year after year to follow the prophet and "plant a garden". Some years we have been moderately successful and some years we have been dismally unsuccessful. Our most beautiful and successful garden was devastated when a tornado managed to lay the top half of a pine tree all the way across it one spring. (Paul and I both slept through that one.) Last year we produced 3 peapods-each worth about $1.79 each so believe me they were premium. But we are eternally optimistic. This year we have planted tomatoes, green beans, green onions, brussel sprouts, peppers, yellow squash, and an herb garden. Frankly, if we get a dozen tomatoes out of it, it will be worth it. I would encourage everyone to plant something. There is something about watching it grow, taking care of it and eating what you produce that gives you a great feeling. Good Luck! HERE WE GO AGAIN!

TOMATOES

CHERRY TOMATOES

GREEN BEANS

YELLOW SQUASH, PEPPERS, BRUSSEL SPROUTS

GREEN ONIONS

ITALIAN PARSLEY, PARSLEY, CHIVES, LIME BASIL, BASIL AND OREGANO

"Sisters, Sisters, never were there such devoted sisters!"

I have been thinking how lucky we are to have big sisters. I know that I have the best and now that she is gone, I think I am going through Chris withdrawal. I think of all the big sisters I know and what good sisters they are. Meg, Lex, and Emilyare wonderful big sisters. They are so good to Sadie, trying to include her and offer her advice on everything from fashion to relationships. Then there is Verlinda, Janet, Jerianne, Janae (Jacqui-you are wonderful too!), Tracie (Nic-you too!) and Scharman.

Take a minute and think what your big sister means to you. We don't always need to agree but you can always be yourself-better or worse. And you can always count on your sister to be on your side-no matter what. I don't see my sister enough and even though she has been gone not even 12 hours-I miss her!

RODEO TREK

Well, we have made our springtime pilgrimage to the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. It was especially fun this year to have Chris with us. We somewhat tried to dress appropriately but our stock of western wear is lacking. Paul wanted to wear shorts but Sadie insisted he wear his "cool" jeans so , of course, he wore his boots. (They deserve to be worn once a year!) and off we went.
There are some down sides to going to the rodeo. The hordes of people. The masses of people. Did I mention the thousands of people? As we entered the stadium, for the concert, we also entered with thousands of people. I felt like we were cows being herded along. But even worse was the maze to get back on the bus to take you back to the parking lot. Thousands of people pressed into a maze and waiting and waiting. I truly expected to receive a nice big piece of cheese when we successfully made it through.
Hooray! for the up side of the rodeo. Brad Paisley gave an amazing concert-he is one of my personal favorites-it was wonderful. The actual rodeo is very entertaining. You laugh in the calf scramble, gasp at the bull riding and cheer for the barrel racers. The shopping opportunites are varied and vast, and of course, the FOOD! I really need to write an ode to the food. Yes, we ate funnel cakes, cookies and creams in a waffle cone, peanuts and the beloved dippin dots. We couldn't eat it all, so we missed the sausage on a stick, cheesecake on a stick, the barbecue and the turkey legs. I looked for the okra but couldn't find it-maybe next year. All in all it was great. We came home satisfied and the pilgrimage was a happy one.