Bits 'n Pieces

Happy Thursday to all! Are you as stunned as I am that we are already into August? I feel like I am continuously shocked by things that shouldn’t shock me; namely the calendar month and the ever-changing Ioweather.

***

Let’s start with some sense and logic from Bethlehem Lutheran Church’s Pastor Mark with his Coffee Shop Wisdom. First, he quotes, “The answers make us wise, but it’s the questions that make us human.” His next quote is one I love, “Faith is what makes life bearable.” Thank you to Pastor Mark for always helping start this column off on the right foot!

***

My girls have been a bit emotional this week for a few different reasons.

First my stepchildren, Livon and Liam, flew back home to Florida last Tuesday. The girls will miss their older siblings something fierce and are already counting down the days until their return over Christmas break. Obviously, Josh and I will be feeling the void and missing our big kiddos too, but that sibling connection and the fun they have together is such a beautiful thing. We will be missing them dearly and cherish the fun summer we had.

On a more somber note, our house cat, Poppy, has been missing since Tuesday afternoon. She seemingly has vanished into thin air with no trace of her at all. Very unlikely for this smart indoor/outdoor pet of ours. She is largely an indoor cat and has only been outside overnight once, which she quickly scolded us for upon waking the next morning to find her on the bay windowsill meowing incessantly for us to “open the darn door!” Otherwise, she just moseys along outside, keeping to our front porch, front or backyard. She will sometimes be brave enough to venture to our neighbors’ yards, but she is quick to return and doesn’t like the heat. Needless to say, we have been on the lookout for our sweet pet for almost a week now with no avail.

The mom and hopeless optimist in me continues to keep hope alive. We continue to drive around town nightly to call her name and see if she’s “done adventuring” and ready to return home. We know that she is an animal and she may just be roaming around and enjoying the wilderness for a while.

The farm girl in me realizes that I need to prepare my children for the worst. I have been through much loss in regards to loss of pets and livestock, which doesn’t necessarily mean I’m desensitized to the subject; however, it does help when you are honest and can see things for the reality that is (while keeping that spark of hope, of course.) I have told the girls that she may not return and God will be sure she is safe one way or the other. These smart little believers understand that she may be in Heaven or she may be on the hunt here in Iowa. Either way, it’s a sad realization for all and we welcome some positive thoughts and prayers in the Poppy search.

***

In much more exciting news, the girls and I had a “Yes Day!” last Tuesday. If you haven’t heard of this, it is a day in which the girls get to choose what we do and Mommy has to say “yes.” I know what you’re thinking, but bear with me here because it’s actually fabulous!

We set rules upon waking up. Our rules included some foundational basics. Nothing illegal or dangerous. Budget of $45. Must stay in Clay County. Nothing for the future. No screen-time. No fighting or arguing with anyone or two “yesses” would be removed from the to-do list. And of course, Mommy has final say. Once the rules were in place, they got out their list and we set to work.

First on their list was “Makeovers.” They chose Mommy’s outfit and did my hair and makeup, and I got to return the favor and do theirs.

Next was their request to head to the Southpark Mall and go pet all of the animals that we could at the pet shop. Upon arrival they quickly changed that and just wanted to pet the hamsters and bunnies. We all liked this stop!

We then headed to Claire’s and the girls each picked out blue light glasses for their school bags before we headed to the mall fountain to throw in pennies and make wishes.

We then headed to Dollar Tree for some “blind shopping” where the girls had to close their eyes in the craft aisle and choose a craft to do later in the day. They both lucked out with some nice wooden items to paint that afternoon.

They then requested McDonald’s, which we ordered and took with us to East Leach Park for a little picnic before playing on the playground a bit.

We decided we needed a rest time and headed home for a snooze. We had a little bit of jet-lag from our Black Hills vacation still, so rest was a good idea.

After some rest, the girls painted their Dollar Tree crafts and we went outside to make our gnome/fairy garden. We then got ourselves ready and headed to the movie theatre to watch the new Minions movie. The girls loved it and we ended the movie as we always do, by heading to the movie theatre floor in front of the first row, to dance to the music played during ending credits. It was so much fun!

I highly recommend doing this “Yes Day!” with your children or grandchildren. As long as key rules are set in place, you will find that it is a joy to watch the children take the reigns and to see their faces light up upon each “yes” checked off the list. It was a joy and something I am grateful the girls suggested. We will definitely be doing this annually. I look forward to the next “Yes Day!” making memories with my sweet girls. They are only little once and I plan to relish every second.

***

I will leave you with this delicious recipe that is one of our family favorites from the Hope Lutheran Church cookbook. I pray your week is blessed and full of joy, friends. Stay hopeful, optimistic and relishing this beautiful life. Until next week!

Pretzel Surprise Salad

By Susie Hartmann

Ingredients:

2 2/3 cup pretzels, crushed

1 ½ stick margarine

8 oz. cream cheese

1 pkg Dream Whip (our family uses 8 oz. of cool whip)

2-10 oz. packages of frozen strawberries

1 large can crushed pineapple

1 package strawberry jello

Directions: Combine pretzels and margarine. Put in 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes and cool. Cream the cream cheese and sugar. Prepare Dream Whip (or cool whip) and combine with cheese mixture. Spread over pretzels. Refrigerate. Drain strawberries and pineapple. Measure juice and add enough to make 2 cups. Cool until set; then add strawberries and pineapple. Pour over rest. Serves 12-16.

Sentinel-News contributor Iesha Toft lives in Royal.