Lots to talk about - nothing important

The laundry is going, the bed made, I have a few minutes before I have to pick up Tawny to jot down a few things about this week:

Board meeeting on Sunday - It was great to have so many sisters attend. Our lesson was on obedience and my dad inspired me by sharing with me a great quote from President Ezra Taft Benson "When obedience ceases to be an irritant and becomes our quest, in that moment God will endow us with power." Words to live by...

Sickness - How come mom doesn't have time to be sick? Everyone else was sick the last week or so. Ben had it the worst. He even went to urgent care on Sunday because we thought he had an ear infection. No such luck, but a lot of fluid behind his eardrum, the Dr. couldn't believe he could still hear. He got antibiotics for impending infection and prescription decongestant. The sore throat virus is always at our house and I can't believe Marly hasn't gotten it yet, or better yet started it. I started Wednesday, Ben stayed home Thursday and Friday. We all stayed home from church on Sunday (except Marly) and the two little boys stayed home from school on Monday. I'm sick of everyone sick so I sent them all to school today, complaining or not. I finally feel better today if anyone cares.

I did get a lot of time to read on Sunday since I bagged my church duties (I really was sick, even though my activity level didn't seem affected by it). El Medico: My life as a country doctor in Mexico. Such a fabulous read. The author is really my great Uncle Roy Hatch and he lived most of his life in the mormon colonies in Mexico. I laughed, I cried, I knew the places that were talked about, but most of all, I felt the Spirit. He was a great leader and missionary and a great example to my family. I wish my kids could know all the people I knew and loved from the colonies. It made me miss my Grandma Whetten this week. She was his brother. I hope I can be such an example to my family now and in the future. "I hope they call me on a mission."

Pears - I had a nightmare on Sunday night that because I didn't bottle those pears that have been sitting in the kitchen for 10 days, that they turned to water and ants invaded my home. I check them everyday and they have been ripe for a few days but sickness kept me from getting to it. They were still wonderful today and I only threw away 2 pears. I bottled 11 pints and 3 quarts. They are so delicious and sweet that I used a very light sugar water mix. We had peaches and cream (from the peaches I bottled a few weeks ago) and it reminded me of the peaches and cream we used to eat at our Whetten family reunions in Mexico. Yummy!! I'm becoming quite proficient at this bottling thing. Pressure canning next. Of course, I'll need a pressure canner, hint hint, Christmas is coming. (Big enough for quart jars, please.)