Highs and Lows

This week had several highs and lows. Our storage unit was broken into and most of our camping gear was stolen. We had a pretty good stash that we've collected over the years and from wedding gifts, so we're bummed to have to replace so much. The biggest bummer was a stolen bin that contained Trent's childhood momentos. It included his baseball card collection, concert ticket stubs, and possibly some of his mission stuff. Other than the baseball collection which was worth something, the rest would have meant nothing to the thief. It was such a sad day. We're not sure what else is missing just yet, but we're slowly taking inventory. On the bright side, they didn't take everything. So I will have some Christmas decor this year. I just don't understand things like this. As the week progressed, however, I had a huge dose of perspective. Mesa High is having a benefit concert next week for the Nielson's. I hadn't read much about the story until this week when I stumbled onto this blog and I found myself overwhelmed with gratitude for the health and safety of my little family.
Random picture of the monkey. He has been such a picky eater lately - it's driving me nuts!

On a positive note, the nesting has continued. My parents came home from Utah this week bearing gifts of fresh Utah produce. Heaven! We got a box of peaches, pears, corn on the cob, squash, tomatoes and cucumbers. The pears were already ripe and there was no way we could eat them all before they'd go bad. My sister decided to make some pear butter and I followed suit. I was skeptical that I'd like it, but it is divine! I made a second batch last night and the whole house smelled like fall. I also tried my hand at honey wheat bread this week. I haven't baked bread in years. I must be turning into my mother, because indulging in a thick slice of homemade bread smeared in pear butter every day has brought me much joy.



I made this ruffle apron out of scraps after cutting out some other projects this week. It didn't have a home awaiting it, so I threw it in with the other Bunko prizes at last nights festivities. Notice the bulging belly. I forget that it's so big until I park too close to the pole by our reserved spot and can't get out. (I even attempted to "suck in", but to no avail.) I also ruined a shirt cleaning because I got bleach on the underside of the belly - but didn't discover it until the end of the day when I was undressing. Sheesh...you'd think I'd learn.