Please Press Pause on Summer

Because of recent life events I am beginning to realize that 100 books in 100 days is somewhat out of reach. June 27th marked 50 days of reading and at the time I had finished 43 books. I am proud of this accomplishment and I'm happy to report that not all of the books read are for the youngest age groups. Here is the breakdown:

• Ages 0-3: 12 Books
• Ages 4-7: 15 Books
• Ages 8-10: 7 Books
• Ages 11+: 9 Books

Although I am no longer shooting for 100 books in 100 days I am going to continue to update my list of books as I complete more and more and I hope that it is within reason beyond the original August 16th target date that I can report reading all 100 books.

The Big News

For anyone who hasn't heard...Drew accepted a job teaching in Green River, Wyoming. He'll be working with 3rd and 4th grade Dragons at a local elementary and he's thrilled for the opportunity. This past weekend we visited Green River to meet with some people at the school as well as hunt for a place to live. We both feel really good about what we saw and are holding onto hope that all will move forward smoothly. We'll be moving at the end of July and we're really looking forward to the adventure this is going to be for the both of us.

Here are a few pictures from the area. It was a little windy when we took the photos so they aren't the best but what's a big news post without photos?!

The First 25

On Sunday I completed book number 25. Currently, I am on track to complete the challenge but I am noticing that I haven't been as thrilled with the last few books that I've read. I started to wonder, "Did I really love Bud, Not Buddy as much as I had originally thought?" (It was one of the first) After a few moments of thought I realized that I really did like it. I loved that the writing offered the accent of the south, I loved Bud's thoughts on how to be more successful in life, and I love that it made me laugh out loud.

So, here are a few of my favorites so far, in no particular order:

• Bud, Not Buddy - for reasons already noted
• The Dot - the illustrations, the repeated theme, the positive outlook
• Frog and Toad Are Friends - a reminder of good friends and the joy associated
• Joyful Noise - it was surprisingly fun to read the poetry and hear two voices work together
• Owl Moon - story of traditions and beautiful illustrations

Along with the good, there are some that end up at the bottom of the list:

• Knuffle Bunny - whiny story
• Are You There God? It's Me Margaret. - I may have expected too much because I've enjoyed other titles by Judy Blume

If anyone is reading the books or my comments, I'd love to hear your thoughts. I'm really enjoying the sense of accomplishment felt with each book, even if it was written for babies. It's one item I get to mark off in my journey to a larger goal. I'm glad for the opportunity to read books I never would have known about or would have left on the shelf. I'm also enjoying a chance to visit our library more often. A friend from my childhood neighborhood is working there and it's nice to catch her at work once in a while and catch up.

I hope I can keep up with my own challenge while life moves forward. There are big changes coming. :)

100 Books in 100 Days

Recently I picked up a copy of Scholastic's Parent and Child to thumb through. I was excited by the headline of "100 Greatest Books for Kids" and immediately found the listing to see what made the top ranks. I loved that most of the titles were familiar to me and even better that I have previously read at least a quarter of those listed.

Today I was thinking, "Would it be possible for me to read all 100 this summer?" The answer is no, simply because Harry Potter is on the list. (A topic for another day) But besides that one book, why not? Wouldn't it be fun to accomplish this? The list is already generated and to make it even more achievable 25 of the 100 are written for those 0-3 years of age and could easily be read in one or two days.

Even if I'm not able to read all 99 books by the end of the summer, I could put a large dent in the list. It would be fun if anyone else wants to read some (or all) of the books with me and we can discuss what we like and would they belong in your top 100.

Here's a link to the list I'm referring to: http://www.scholastic.com/100books/

Even if you don't plan on reading them this summer, it's worth a glance.

In an effort to update readers on my progress, but not overwhelm anyone with multiple posts I have created a new tab on our blog. You can click on the tab at the top of our blog roll or you can use this link to read my reviews: http://roskasinlogan.blogspot.com/p/100-books-in-100-days.html.

A picture is worth a thousand words...

It was a big weekend for the Roska family. Drew graduated from USU and Brad from the U of U.

Way to go!!!

Did I mention....

Commence congratulations, etc.

The Countdown

Old Time, that greatest and longest established spinner of all!.... his factory is a secret place, his work is noiseless, and his hands are mutes. ~Charles Dickens

It used to be that each year we'd tell inquisitive minds, "We'll be done with school in about 2 years." We must have said that phrase for about 3 years in a row. On paper it looked like 2 years of school but life doesn't happen in a certain way just because it's on paper that way.

I think I got so used to the thought of 2 years, that I'm having a hard time grasping that it is now less than a month to graduation. Some might ask, "where did the time go?" Time is noiseless and will pass when you're not looking.

Drew has done a fantastic job and has persevered to the end. I'm so proud of him. Way to go Lover Boy!

STILL a topic of conversation

It's taken me a long time to get these up and my brother really has better pictures than I do but I have to write about it because it is STILL a topic of conversation at their house.

A few years ago the Roska boys and wifes risked our lives to ice fish at Fish Lake. It was a wonderful trip and we were dieing to go again. So the boys planned another trip but in the end half of them weren't able to get away from work so we had an opening. We were lucky to have Andrew and Ethan join us on the ice.

Brad and Drew were able to drown some worms on Saturday afternoon and caught our dinner. Mmmm.... By the time the Clarks were able to get out on the ice there was time enough for only Ethan to catch one. And his dad, zero.

Sunday it was cold and windy and snowing. We waited for the storm to part and got our gear on but then, wouldn't you know it, the snow came back in full force. As much as the adults wanted to brave it, the most time any of us spent out there was an hour at best. No fish.

Then Monday came and we loaded up the cars and hit the lake again. The fish were well fed over the weekend and weren't biting as hard. I missed a few really good bites. These would have been fish so large they wouldn't have fit through the hole in the ice, but alas, I did not catch any. Ethan did catch one more fish and his dad did not.

So, I've been told that Ethan will still bring it up in random conversation that he caught 2 fish and his dad didn't catch any. He was born to be a fisherman. Now we need to do some summer fishing so that we can share in the bragging rights.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood...

*Please note that this is written simply as something to think about concerning interactions with others. It is not written as a personal response to any one person’s actions or to attack anyone. If nothing else, it is important for me to write as a reminder to myself as to how I would like to improve my relationships/communications with others.

I thought this was a fitting quote. Sometimes I think people view me as "lost." “People take different roads seeking fulfillment and happiness. Just because they’re not on your road doesn’t mean they’ve gotten lost.”
-- Dalai Lama

I’ve been thinking about this for a long time and today I feel it is important for me to write. Drew and I would like to have children. Anyone who really knows us knows this much. Some people don’t know that we are currently unable to have children of our own. Please don’t confuse this with we will never have any of our own but currently it is not easily achieved. We have not used contraception for five years.

The next question that usually follows this tidbit of news is “How much testing have you done?” Honestly, not much. The first round of blood tests showed everything was normal. That should be a positive thing but instead it was frustrating. So, unlike many, we have not pursued medical testing. I admire those who have. I recognize them as some of the strongest people I know. There is a lot of heartache and not a lot of privacy in the manner. I’m not up for that. Instead, we have patiently waited for the right time to adopt.We continue to wait but in the mean time we do recognize the Lord’s hand in our lives. I know that He is aware of our situation and the only one who fully understands our hearts.

Here is the part I most want to share. In a quiet moment with myself I thought about what I wish someone would say when they learn of our situation. So many women I talk to have plenty of stories to tell about what was said to them, “Oh I know so and so that went through that,” “Here’s how you get pregnant…” or “Well, I have a 2 year old that you can have.” I understand you want to sympathize but right now that so and so that you know and has children now, does not pertain to me. I don’t need your advice on how to conceive, frankly it’s not happening. And realistically I would love to take your rowdy child home with me right now but you’d miss them within a few hours, you know you would.

So what would be a better response? I came to the conclusion that the best thing to say to someone in this type of situation is, “How are you holding up? How are you doing today?” I think it would go a long way to find out if they have a good support system, if they feel like they matter, if they feel like there is someone willing to lend a listening ear.

Some days, including today, I don’t mind our current family status. I love that I spend every day with my best friend and I understand that our demands from school, work, and church callings are taking up enough of our time together. I love that we’ve had time to work on our friendship and “grow up” together and decide on what it is we really want out of life. But of course given the chance I'd still take the additional responsibility/distraction/joy of a child any day.

Other days, it is THE MOST devastating feeling to know that another day, week, month, year has gone by that we have been unable to welcome someone new to our family. That it is more time spent without the joys (and sorrows) that accompany parenthood. That there is an empty void in life that cannot be filled and there is no telling when it will be. Times when I cannot avoid the feelings of longing and heartache because I cannot fulfill my divine mission. Knowing that I may never see the sweet combination of our cutest and quirkiest features. Other days, it's harder than anything I ever imagined in ways I never previously considered.

To sum it up I feel like the reply of “How are you holding up? How are you doing today?” could be applied to many difficult situations. If you hear of someone who is unemployed, diagnosed with illness, facing financial hardship, recently moved away from home, been hurt by someone, potty training a defiant toddler, etc. listen to their story, and then let that be your guide whether to offer sympathy, advice, or nothing more than a listening ear.

A follow up for Heidi

For whatever reason I feel that I should put this out there.

This day marks 1 year since I ended my "unemployment". I put it in quotations because although I had no gainful employment, I don't feel that I was without work long enough to truly consider it a traditional stint of unemployment. I had quit my previous job in the middle of January. It seemed odd to a lot of people because there weren't a lot of jobs advertised and I didn't have anything lined up. My husband was in school and transitioning from an hourly to a contract position. This meant that after my last paycheck we would be without a sizable deposit for about 6 weeks.

Of course it was a little nerve racking. Stepping into the unknown is always a little frightening. But as hard as it was to say "I'll see you later" to some really good friends I'd made along the way, I was beaming to know that I was no longer...trapped, for lack of a better word. The experience I gained was tremendous and I made dear friends, I was grateful to have the job security we needed when things got hard but beyond that, I was unhappy.

I am grateful to Drew for pushing me to choose something else. I'm grateful to him for working hard so that I didn't need to worry much. I'm grateful that he let me be without a job for a time. It was really nice to stay at home and have dinner prepped when he got home in the evening. It was nice to remember who I am and what I enjoy when I have time to myself. I finished some sewing projects, spent time with some family members, I'm pretty sure I read a book too.

I was surprised and blessed to find a new job in a small amount of time. I am lucky to be where I am and to be surrounded by wonderful people. It has been a joy getting to know them and work with them and talk with them. It surprised me how quickly a year can pass. As in all things it is another manifestation that the Lord loves us and knows His children as individuals.

Red Lobster vs. The Spaghetti Factory

One of the local students wrote a compare and contrast paper so that Drew and I could decide where to celebrate our anniversary. We celebrated 8 years this week and based on what the student wrote we chose to have dinner at Red Lobster.

Coke products, sweet lemonades, and water are options at both locations.

You know bread is a big selling point for me and these cheddar biscuits were yummy!

I think this should have been a selling point mentioned in the paper. How many places offer fresh pepper AND sea salt?

My Webelo Cub Scouts - (H-Man)

As part of the Communicator Badge the Webelos are asked to write about one of their den meetings for a newsletter, website, or newspaper. Today we are publishing the writings of one we will call H-Man. Enjoy!

"Dear Sister roska,

the den meeting were we did different kinds of codes was very fun. we talked about different kinds of codes and how you can make different kinds of codes. Brother roska was there and he told us a story from his mission. He was with his companyin at a restaurant. They were finished there diner and the people working there said hand me your plate so i can clean it. But in a different language that meant hand me your butt so i can clean it. And that is what we did."

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.