Another cougar? Not quite.

I love to use the cougar reference any time I can because I love his face. However, this is not about a cougar but a bobcat. Drew was out at Porcupine Dam when he overheard some gentlemen talking about bobcats in the area. They were disappointed that they hadn't spotted any and that it's the right time of the year.

What does any real boy do when he hears something like this, he searches for the bobcat. Sure enough Drew came face to face with a bobcat and came home to tell me about it. Not even a week later when we had some free time, what does my real boy want to do? He took me to search for the bobcat.

It wasn't hiding in the same place and the ground was muddy so I hung back a little ways while Drew pressed on hoping to spot it again. As I was lingering halfway between Drew and The Hulk I watched Drew quickly draw his knife from its sheath and take a cautious stance. He stood there, wide eyed and searching for a few more minutes and then turned to walk back to me.

When we were both safely in The Hulk he said to me, "Did you hear it growl?" My response, "Yes, I didn't want to say it first because I didn't want you to tease me that I mistook one of your farts as big cat growl." Of course there was some laughter but we then were excited that both of us heard the growl.

I'm not saying this is the bobcat print but it was one of interest from our adventure.

Roska's Pottery is Back

Drew has been working very hard on his pottery this Fall. He will be selling most items and you will be able to view them at roskaspottery.blogspot.com starting sometime this weekend. I hope you'll take a moment to look over what he's made. Maybe you'll find a holiday gift for yourself or a loved one.

Updated Family Photo

It has been years since Drew and I have had an official "family photo" taken. If we're both in a photo it's most likely taken by one of us with an arm outstretched hoping both of our faces will be in the frame. Some photos turn out and others just don't. This weekend we took an opportunity to have someone else behind the camera and get all of us in the picture.

Our family: Hama, Drew, and Goliath

Happy Halloween Everyone!

LXD

I'm a bit speechless. This is incredible. I love the music and the movements. I love that people share their talents.



This is not the appearance they made on Wednesday but still super cool. Check it out.

The Coolest Amputee

In the category of "Prosthetics under $10" this tortoise wins first prize.

I saw this young man in the news today and had to chuckle. It's probably a great conversation starter for him to pick up on the lady tortoises. The news piece calls him an ATT All Terrain Tortoise and mention now that he can get around he's eating like a pig. How funny?!

Introducing Discovering Delicious

This is a small snippet to let you know about my new blog "Discovering Delicious".

I have always enjoyed food but I haven't always been open to new flavors like I am now. A few years ago I started watching food shows on local public television and found that I really enjoyed seeing what new things they were creating and how I wish I had smellivision. (Someone can start working on that for me.)

I've made a lot of new recipes and am adding to the "keeper" file that started with childhood favorites from my mother and neighbors. I often think, "You know who would like this..." or "I should share this with..." This is a way for me to share my bounty and help keep me organized. So, if you are interested in seeing what new flavors are being produced in the Roska home, check out Discovering Delicious.

Denver, CO

Imagine the following scene playing out in our living room after work and before scouts one evening.
Hama: "Hey Drew, would you like to go see a soccer game? Mexico vs. New Zealand."
Drew: "That'd be cool."
H: "I found discount tickets online and they are playing in Denver next week. Let me know if this is something you would seriously want to do."
D: "K"

The next morning at work I receive a text message, "Let's go."

So we told our bosses, booked the flight, hotel, car, and bought soccer tickets. The next week we headed to the airport, flew to Denver, stayed a couple of nights, and enjoyed our time away from the norm.

In the short time we had to prepare and plan everything I found a "Real Pirates" exhibit by National Geographic about the Wyhdah, an honest to goodness pirate ship. The wreckage was discovered off the coast of Cape Cod and pieces were going to be on display in Denver. It did not disappoint. The only complaint I have is that we couldn't take photos inside the exhibit.

They had some really cool pieces on display for us to view. The Wyhdah's bell, cannons, guns, sword handles, socks, dishes, human remains, and of course pirate treasure. There were a few pieces on a table covered with glass and holes for your fingers to touch the treasure.

After exploring the Nature and Science Museum we ate a delicious lunch at a restaurant recommended by the gift shop cashier. Thank you locals who know good food!

And afterwords walked it off at the Art Museum. There was almost too much to handle - two buildings, a total of 8 floors, and SO much to see. I'll pick 3 that I liked: American landscapes (no surprise), the wild west of horses, cowboys, broncos, and buffalo, and the woven bamboo baskets.

Drew liked the totem poles and the one in the above photo was unique, just like my Drew. I was really impressed with the places we visited, there were several activities throughout to help children learn and play. There was a spot to dress like the old west, so minus the flip flops and glitter toes I was stylin' - old school.

If that wasn't enough for one day, we finished it off with an epic soccer game. Let's just say we were not disappointed. The skill level of Mexico's players was amazing, the game was intense and we won, and the crowd surrounding us was boisterous and fun-loving.

The fella sitting next to Drew didn't even hesitate and started up a conversation in Spanish. Yep, he's my Mexican lover and it's more pronounced with his summer tan.

The photo of the two of us is blurry but I love it anyway.

That's right we won 3-0! Awesome game from start to finish.

The next morning we woke up and got ready and checked out. We were able to participate in a session at the Denver temple and feel of the loving spirit that resides in the house of The Lord.

It was windy but the warmth felt good compared to the 60 degree highs in Utah. We ate lunch at Maggiano's and we've already planned a stop in Vegas this winter to enjoy some more of their delicious food. It may be a good thing that it's not in Utah because I may want to visit too often... one more is never enough...

After a little shopping we were on our way to the airport to return again to good ol' Utah. Would I go back? Yes, there were a lot of things that we didn't have a chance to enjoy. Driving through downtown was beautiful. They have so much architectural interest and good food and we didn't have a chance to visit the U.S. Mint. It was booked 2 months out. Would I vacation again that quickly? Maybe not. I really enjoy the anticipation factor of vacation. I like planning where we'll go and what we'll see and getting excited for it almost as much as actually vacationing.

!Fiesta Pinata!

Thank you to all who were able to make it to Fiesta de Mayo 2011. It was fun to see you and eat with you and laugh with you. Many distances were crossed so you could come and we appreciate your support in our fun. So here are a few snapshots of the pinata.

(Warning: I have imagined thoughts to go along with some of the youngest faces.)

Logan looks a little hesitant in the first photo. "How is hitting a dinosaur going to get me candy?"

Alden: Gotcha!
Oh you want to see that again?
I'll go Jedi on ya!

Tyler and Ethan going at it.

*I laugh at the Ethan photo because my dad is a photographer but has no camera. However, BOTH of my brothers are caught with a camera in their hands...and...who is on the other side of this photo? Oh yep, that's Hama. Chuckle*

Drew certainly likes to tease. I think with Anna and James getting older they'll get more and more of his tricks.

Maybe next year Mason will take a whack at it. For now he'll just stick out his tongue.

The aftermath!

The hunters become the gatherers!

It's raining candy from the dino's leg. I imagine Logan is saying, "Look Mom, CANDY!" Logan tends to take after Kristi in the candy excitement.

Does this look familiar to anyone else? What is it with the head of the pinata?

If grandpas can't stuff your pockets full of candy or quarters what are they for?

Sure I believe it's for Brynner...

The real explanation of the dinosaurs' extinction.

Next year's invitation, perhaps??? (As read by Frau Blucher)

I'd love to hear some caption ideas for this one.

New Yummy

A while ago I was reading my friend's blog about stir-fry and keeper recipes. I share her excitement about a new recipe that is not only delicious but worthy of making it into the rotation. She was right about the Sweet & Nutty Stir-Fry from the American Heart Association. It tastes so good, is made of many staples of our pantry/refrigerator, AND lead me to try another new keeper recipe.

Because I made the Stir-Fry I had leftover red cabbage and with some cooked chicken I already had in the fridge I whipped up an Asian Chicken Salad Sandwich (I opted for poblano pepper instead of jalapeno but that's an individual call). Super easy and tasted great! When I do it again, I would wrap it in a wheat tortilla or a pita. Oh and I don't layer things all pretty, I mix it all together cause it tastes just as good. :)

So thanks to Melanie for the heart-healthy, vegetarian delight and the motivation to try another keeper.

Drewimony

In a previous religious congregation there was a young lady, newly married, who would often volunteer to speak about her husband and what a good influence he had been in her life and lovingly brag about him. We kindly called them a Jake-a-mony. Today it is my turn to bloggingly brag about my Drew. I brag about him at home all the time. He may be sick of hearing it.

Yesterday Drew had his final observation for the semester. His supervisor came to the classroom where he was teaching Algebra and graded his performance and gave him a 97%. That is out of this world good!! All of his sane professors love him and have great things to say about him. I love hearing the praise of those who teach him and those who he interacts with at the valley schools.

It's been a wonderful experience for the both of us. He is finally learning that he can attend college, do well in college, and graduate from college. He should know after this semester he can do ANYTHING. As for me, I am learning to hear, "Hama, you were right." :) Heavenly Father and I always knew he could do it. That's why I filled out his application for USU.

Mom's granola and more

For work today I decided to make and share some of Mom's granola. I don't know how many of my family enjoyed it growing up but I have always, and still do, LOVE cereal and milk. I enjoyed warm granola out of the oven last night and will enjoy granola and peaches for a treat this evening. (And thanks to Drew for telling me how yummy it is. Love you!)

The "and more" part of this blog relates to candy. I have always, and still do, LOVE chocolate. With Spring around the corner and candy on sale I bought a few varieties to put in Grandma's candy dish on my desk. I chose Reese's Peanut Butter Cups for Drew, Hershey's miniatures for the co-workers, and Kisses with Almonds for me. (Not to say that I'm going to eat a whole bag of candy myself but that I prefer to have the Kisses in the mix.)

So my friend Julie was saying how delicious the Kisses with Almonds are and I started to tell her that they remind me of St. Patrick's Day. When we were younger my mom would celebrate the holidays and for St. Patrick's Day the "leprechauns" would bring us candy in gold wrappers or dye our sugar green, etc. Well, most recently I remember waking up to the leprechauns gift of Kisses with Almonds. No matter what time of the year it is the with almonds version is wrapped in gold and easily attainable by the mom leprechauns.

Recipe for Granola:

4 Cups rolled grain (this includes any mixture of oats, barley, wheat and rye)

1 Cup coconut (I don't add this because of my family but it is delicious if you like coconut)

1 Cup toasted wheat germ

¼ C butter or margarine

¾ C honey (you can also use molasses or karo syrup)

1 teaspoon vanilla

Thoroughly mix together; spread on a rimmed cookie sheet and bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes. Stir occasionally while baking. After cooking add any or all of the following:

· Sunflower seeds

· Almonds or pecans

· Sesame seeds

· Raisins or dried currants or other dried fruit of your choice

My blue shoes.

I realized today that my shoes are approaching 7 years of service. I rarely think of the age of my clothes because...well...because I don't like to. If I looked long and hard I could find the oldest piece of clothing I have and still wear and I imagine it would be 12 years old or so. This approximation does not include my party sweater with whimsical dog and cat image that I wore in 6^th grade. With anything that has been serving for so many years, my shoes have a story.

I owe these shoes to my dear, sweet, burly husband. He is, and always has been, a fan of shoes. He appreciates a good pair for himself but rarely ventures to purchase them. For me, on the other hand, he will drive an hour away, in a car with no air conditioning, and a lousy starter for one pair of cute, pale blue shoes. He will buy those shoes and an unexpected red pair and then push-start the aforementioned car with no air conditioning out of the store parking lot, just so my feet will be adorned with springtime color and style.

Drew, thank you. Thanks for the shoes, for the memories, for the laughs, and for making me feel special in my assortment of footwear.

Caption Contest!

I found this picture while ordering prints and I think it needs a good caption. Bring out your best material and let the captions begin!

Let this day be marked...by dirt , two hairs, and a nickname.

This day I feel gratitude marred with some sadness. I am grateful that my headlights showed the path ahead, I am grateful that the brakes worked as needed, I am grateful that there was no harm to me, the car, or...Bambi. I have never struck an animal in my 10+ driving years, even with my late night drives through the canyons and my summer job of driving 8 hours each day. Never, until today.I had dropped Drew off at work this morning about 6am and was on my way home when there was a deer in my headlights. In about 3 seconds I slammed on the brakes, thought back to my driver's ed course where they tell you to brake until you're going to hit the animal and then let off the brake so your car will not (this is my phrasing) scoop up the animal and throw it through the windshield, disregarded this thought thinking I'm not that close or going that fast, and then...bump.

The doe did not fall, it did not limp, there was no blood, but yes there were tears. I watched her finish crossing the street and wait on the grass, I saw headlights a mile behind me and turned on my hazard lights to warn this new driver that there was a deer in the area, watched the doe cross the street back to where they came from, and let the car pass me while I slowly moved forward.

As soon as I bumped the poor thing I immediately started to tear up. I've always had a tender heart and tears come easily but I had hurt (Drew says bruised, if anything) this creature and I couldn't do anything to console it. So today will move forward like any other day but let it be marked that today is the day that I hit a deer.

Heidi, this one is for you...

Today I clocked out of my workplace for the final time. How did it feel?
1. Normal.
The time clock read "Have a good day!"

2. Really exciting.
People ask me if I am nervous because I don't have another job lined up yet. Last night there were multiple stories on the news about how hard the job search is. For a moment I thought, maybe I should stick it out for a little longer. Then I remembered the words confirming that this is an act of faith. I know that this is right for me and for my family and I've had peace about my decision from the beginning. So no, I'm not nervous. I am really excited to see what life will bring.

3. Slightly frustrating.
I quickly realized the people that I didn't get to say goodbye to today that I really wanted to visit with for a few minutes. My last day was a lot more hectic than I thought it would be and I didn't have nearly enough time to say thank you to everyone I wanted. So even though I clocked out for the last time, I know it won't be the last time I ever step foot on the soil.