Smurfs

On Saturday we went to see Beezus and Ramona. It was wonderful. Everyone should go see it. Just be warned that there is a bad word in it.
The previews made me think about my nieces and I decided to blog about it. There is actually a movie about Smurfs!!! I have to wonder why, because they weren't popular for very long and there can't be that many people nostalgic enough about them to want to go see a movie about them. I wonder if Pam even has much memory of when they were popular. My girls don't.
Sometime in the very early 1980's I flew with Popi and Grandma in Popi's little plane to visit the Bailey's in North Carolina. I got really sick and I threw up in front of Carianne-something that happened quite often when she was little. She admired me, so she thought throwing up was really cool.
One of my memories from that trip is the little Bailey girls begging Popi to buy them some Smurfberry cereal. Popi kept telling them no because he said they wouldn't like the way it tasted. They kept begging and finally he gave in and bought them some. I think it was supposed to be blueberry flavored, but I think it just tasted like dark blue food coloring. It was awful. I think the girls ate it anyway, because it was supposed to be smurfalicious or something. Marketing worked again.
I do remember that Beckie had decorated the girls room with a Smurf theme-complete with Smurf sheets and curtains. Charming.

Fabulous New Kitchen

The new kitchen is finally done and I have time to blog about it. It was finished Tues afternoon. It took them 7 days, rather than 5, but it is beautiful. I don't have a camera, so I can't post a picture, but trust me.
I guess there is one way to tell you how great it is. I don't have to have anything on the counters except the toaster, breadmaker and paper towel holder. I could actually store them, but it is easier to have them on the counter.
The men who worked on the kitchen were great. It amused me that they would listen to Sean Hannity on the radio and talk about things like missions and being Bishop.
So now everyone has to come visit me and see my perfect new kitchen.

A New Kitchen

Today we are moving everything out of our kitchen because on Monday we will start getting a new one. Everything is being replaced. (Except, we will reuse the refrigerator and dishwasher.) New flooring, cabinets, lights, sink, wiring, etc. The old kitchen is hard to work in and hard to clean. The new kitchen will have granite counters, high end laminate flooring, and much more space. The new stove will have a convection oven. We are using 3 Day Kitchen and Baths again, so the new kitchen should be finished by Friday. (Since it is such a big remodel it will take 4-5 days rather than 3) We are all SO excited.

Viscious Virus

I seem to have a viscious virus in my hotmail account. Twice this week I have gone into my account and ended up with a virus that completely took over my computer. The second time all I did was delete a few emails. Fortunately, I have a husband who can fix stuff like that, but he doesn't want me to use my hotmail account anymore.

Therefore, I have a new email address. It is dittmarmarianne@gmail.com. You might ask why I didn't choose dittmarmb or mariannedittmar. Those were already taken. Anyway please send me a short email so that I can have your adresses in my new account. I must admit that my old email was so full of junk mail that I am glad to start a fresh, clean one.

Sara took this fabulous picture of the Nauvoo temple.

Low Country Boil

Last week during the trip to Nauvoo we ate at Cracker Barrell. Tina and I ordered something called "low country boil." It was so delicious. I googled the recipe and made it for dinner tonight.
The recipe is simple. Boil water with crab boil seasoning and lots of salt in a large pot. Add potatoes and kiolbasa sausage. 10 minutes later add corn on the cob. Shortly before serving add shrimp. I also added carrots and celery. You can also add onion. Healthy and delicious. Mine tasted just as good as cracker barrell.

Nauvoo

Happy Mothers Day to all.
Sherri Dew spoke at Relief Society this morning. She said that she felt impressed to tell us that "your mother loves you." When she said that I felt my own mothers love so powerfully-as if she was right next to me. It was so special and wonderful.

I need to say that there is a way to travel with your kids without having them quarrell, whine, cry, complain, etc. Just wait for them all to become adults. Imagine a trip where everyone got along!!!

This picture is inside Patty Sessions log cabin. It is very small and not open to to public. I was content to just see the outside of it, but we were visiting the restored drug store next door. A missionary asked us if we were related to anyone who had lived in Nauvoo. When I said Patty Sessions, she said "Then you need to see the inside." She got the key and we were able to go in and take this picture. I loved it.
I really doubt that Patty Sessions actually lived in this cabin much because it is so small. I suspect it was just where she lived when she first arrived in Nauvoo. Norma thinks she actually lived in another settlement. I will research it more.

Annie got very sick on Thursday. I was sad she was so sick, but I felt like the Lord really blessed us because we were through with our sightseeing and she didn't get sick until we got to the hotel. Tender mercies. We called a doctor friend who called in a prescription that would help her make it home. It was a wonderful trip, but it is good to be home.

Reconnecting

On Thursday I noticed a sister whose name tag said Sora Puckett. (Sora is Romanian for sister.) My trainer was Sister Puckett so I asked this sister if she was related. My Sister Puckett is her aunt. I got the phone number and called. It was so wonderful to talk to her again. I love her so much.
I love Alma 17 where it talks about Alma and the sons of Mosiah meeting as they returned from their mission. It was such a joyful reunion. My favorite phrase says that what added to their joy is they were still brethren in the Lord. It is always wonderful to reconnect with loved ones, but there is greater joy when you all still love the Lord.

Speaking of reconnecting. I still have a nice guest bedroom and and a downstairs that can be turned over to a family with kids, so if possible include us in your summer plans.