I Got on My Snuggie!

After this Christmas, six people in my family now own these remarkable blankets with sleeves.




Thanks, Heather! (She wanted this Snuggie for her birthday, and started the whole trend).

Do you see Virginia?

It's all white. Our yard has 24 inches of snow atop the grassy lawn.

Church today was canceled. Considering the fact that all our beasts of burden were in the mire, we shoveled our driveway and our cars out today. Remember our long driveway? We did some math. We figured out that, since the average cubit foot of snow weighs about 15 pounds, we (Aaron, Katy, Heather, Trina, Sarah, Joel, and even Mom and Dad) shoveled 80 tons of snow.

That's about 3-9 tons each....depending on age and work ethic.

I am mightily grateful that school is closed for our county tomorrow and Tuesday. The only downside to this gorgeous snow storm is the fact that Dan and Melinda were stuck for a day in San Fran trying to get home. We hope to see them within the hour, though.

Christmas is in sight!

Did I ever tell you that I love 4th grade?

Because I do.

Friday morning. Elementary School. Here's the story:

I walk into a 4th grade teacher's classroom. I had spent the morning in the Resource Room helping a few students with their morning work. As I came to the classroom, the teacher saw me, paused what she was doing, and came over. She whispered: "Did you hear what William called you this morning?" I shook my head. Teacher continues, "William came up to me and said, "Excuse me. Could I go to Ms. Homecoming's room to do my morning work?"

My day was officially made.

In honor of the current weather in VA

It's Christmastime!

This is perhaps my favorite month in the entire year. Especially when, as is today's case, some white precipitation covers the ground. Leaves who have lost their trees become closet hangers for a snowy wardrobe. I LOVE snow.

I also love December. The talks in church focus on the Savior, people are more open to serving others, and even to accepting service themselves. People start to think about helping others. I am reminded of how much I appreciate my Savior and Redeemer.

Christmas music (ever the listening tradition on my birthday) can be played 24/7, people in stores can wish you not just a good day but a happy season as well, Marie helps us make and hand-dip chocolates, I get to learn how to play the Nutcracker music for an orchestra concert, the woodstove is stocked and burning fragrant hardwood logs, and we make some delicious food.

I can't believe it is only days until Christmas! But that means it's only 19 days until Chimichangas.

It IS the most wonderful time of the year.

Three words that make me happy:

I am blessed in that I am currently working in a long-term substitute position with a great fourth-grade team and wonderful administration! I am teaching and learning from students with various needs in the 4th grade. Walking into the hallways of an elementary school feels like coming home.

Here's another three words that make me happy:

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends!

And:

Merry Christmas, soon! (Speaking of which, have you seen this? I think it's amazing)

This is not my driveway

But this Trina quote is about my driveway.

"Celeste, my favorite thing about our driveway is that it doesn't have a speed limit."


(Said as Mom left to pick up Joel. Followed by:)

"You can put that on your blog."

To quote Abi, "done and done."

The Lost Generation

This afternoon I came downstairs to a rather interesting scene. It took me a while to understand what was going on, but this is what it came to:

Mom: Well, I am just surprised by that grade. It seems like you need to study.
Joel: What exactly does that email say again?
Mom: Look, right here: "Your child will be receiving an interim report. Please look over the grade and review missing materials or the assigned work and discuss how you can do better. There's always room for improvement : D." (read, "colon, D!")
Celeste: Joel has a D? In what class?
Mom: Spanish. I told Dad, and we both agree that he really should be studying more.
Heather: wait a second. Isn't that just a smiley face?
Joel: Yeah! Mom, that's just a smiley face. Marie uses those like, all the time!
Celeste: She does? Really?
Joel: Oh, well, sometimes.
Mom: What do you mean it's a smiley face?
Celeste: An emoticon
Heather: Look: :P :D ;) :-)
Mom: No way. So if you do a ... : l it's a straight line face? Like...I'm mad?
Celeste: or like I'm mad at your grade.
Mom: If you do it with a c, does it.... :C a frowny face! Oh, I get it!
Heather: Yeah, look at this one! >:/
Mom: That looks really scary. OH! All this time I was thinking it said, "Colon, D.... that's his grade." I'd better call Dad.


The thing I love most about this entire ordeal is that my Mom was totally right, and Heather and Joel are technically correct as well. So to speak. I'll leave you to figure out which of these generations is lost.

But, to paraphrase Gertrude Stein again, "A colon is no longer a colon, is no longer a colon, is no longer a colon."

Halloween spirit!

Katy's blog has me excited for this weekend. I always associate Halloween with THIS:

Nathan, Nathan!

Happy Birthday, Nathan dear! You will always find me near..... (ask Jenny the origin of that special bday tune).

Nathan, on this historic day, I thought I would google your name and find out the secrets you've been keeping.

You should have told us.

Congratulations on getting your 8th level yellow Tai Kwon Do belt. Oh, and on passing the Bar. I always knew you and Chuck Norris had something in common.

Stranger than Opera

I found this trailer as I was looking up something else related Kenneth Branaugh..... and wow. I just don't even know what to say.



I first became endeared to The Magic Flute when a child visiting Grandma and Grandpa's house. We watched an old version of the Opera that for a great fraction of the film, concentrates on the facial reactions of--perhaps the director's niece--as she watches the film.

Later I had a roommate at BYU who was Vocal Performance Major. Though only 5'4, she made quite a Queen of the Night.

Considering myself to be fairly well-versed in the music and story, I am really having trouble figuring out why this preview has big red lips in it.

I didn't know opera could get much more eccentric.

A La Kim

Ode to Kim

Of finest breeding, this lady

moving towards intelligence

emulating light--

though circumstances disallow

I'll see her yet.

Even if her Birthday, I did forget.

Columbus Sailed the Ocean Blue in 1492

But I do admit, I never imagined that the operatic sailors would be so musical in their

mutiny.

I am grateful for the man, though...and very grateful for the Holiday. We get the day off in Virginia!

I had a good weekend

October is always a cause for celebration; family birthdays to commemorate, holidays, and most especially the LDS General Conference which starts the month off in the most positive, influential way I can think of.

Before watching the broadcast of four sessions of Conference, however, I watched part of another presentation that also moved me. Friday was Ghandi's birthday, and while the rest of the family was off at Dad's company picnic --I was too old to attend, apparently ;-)-- I took the opportunity to watch the first half of the film based on this man's powerful life and example.

Then the family came home and we went from serious to silly in watching Disney's "Summer Magic."



It was decidedly less profound, but I did enjoy watching "The Ugly Bug Ball" in context.


The highlight of the media-ridden weekend, however, was really General Conference.

It was wonderful to spend time with my family listening to men who serve the Lord and lead His church. This conference, I don't know if I have a favorite talk, but I can certainly say that my favorite theme was the powerful influence of Love. I am more determined to serve, to show love, and to make my heart increasingly pure.

Remember reading Jane Eyre?

Well, I know cousin Dave would have far preferred PG Woodehouse to Bronte in high school... and I concur in that Jeeves and Wooster would have delighted be as a teenager, even as it did when Carrie and Kim asked me if I'd ever heard of Elorea Glossap. I came to know Woodehouse in this past 2 years alone! All that aside, though, I actually like Jane Eyre. The passionate morality is hard to resist; how do these Brontenian women survive their ordeals and still constantly speak of faith, temperance, and heavenly hopes?

This week I read a third Bronte novel (finally coming to know the third sister) and thoroughly enjoyed The Tennant of Wildfell Hall. I most enjoyed Helen "Graham's" discussion of how we do not become strong in being beset with temptations, but rather through avoidance of Satan's lures.
Behold the conversation between her and Gilbert: CH 3
"G:Yes, but the surest means will be to endeavour to fortify him against temptation, not to remove it out of his way.'

'H:I will do both, Mr. Markham. God knows he will have temptations enough to assail him, both from within and without, when I have done all I can to render vice as uninviting to him, as it is abominable in its own nature - I myself have had, indeed, but few incentives to what the world calls vice, but yet I have experienced temptations and trials of another kind, that have required, on many occasions, more watchfulness and firmness to resist than I have hitherto been able to muster against them. And this, I believe, is what most others would acknowledge who are accustomed to reflection, and wishful to strive against their natural corruptions.'

I hope you all have a day free from your natural corruptions... If you're in for a nearly 400-page novel with more of the like quotes, then you'll love this book.

Seventeen and beautiful

Happy Birthday to dearest, loveliest Heather Jean Bean!


Today two plants and a sister celebrate their 17th anniversary...and our house does too. Heather has been a really special part of the memories I have in this household. She has always been beautiful, tender-hearted, and passionate. She's moved from a screaming toddler to a gorgeous teen. She has a lovely voice, lush brown hair (which she even let me cut. It's to her credit that she still looks awesome) and a friendly smile and welcoming manner. Heather is PATIENT. Since coming home I have discovered a whole new side to her. Granted, none of us are perfect, but I think it's Heather that is most tolerant of that fact.

I love being home with her. She's fun to talk to. She really cares about people. She deserves the best year of life.

In May, Heather deserved an ode. Now she deserves a novel.

I guess cake, ice cream, and presents will have to be the substitute for now.

Too bad SHE didn't get the car she now drives to seminary. Like her birthday month of September, Heather now shares that with Trina.

All credit should go to Aaron who not only had the car first, but the birthday month first as well. I am remiss in my blog-less beginning of this month. He's 30 and greater than ever.

Happy Day to TRNA Charlene

The day before Norwegian Independence Day, I wrote this about Trina.

Today is--if possible-- an even more momentous occasion.

Happy Birthday, Trina Charlene! I remember when you used to say, "Hey-- I'm not Trina. I'm TRNA Charlene!" I love how close you and Michelle were from the day you were born. I love memories of Aaron holding you and sometimes throwing you up into the air. I remember going to high school that day and proudly announcing to my teacher's that I had a brand-new sister, the 11th kid, who was beautiful. Treebalee, you still are. You give great hugs and are a good artist. You let me cut your hair, and you sure are fun to clean with. You are a fantastic sister and a great aunt. Or as Emma might say, "Uncle Trchrina?"

Trina is a lady of some distinction. Many of you know of her wonderfully imaginative interactions with Melinda. There's always that story of when Trina played Doctor with Dad's old laptop.

But, most recently and for your pleasure, I would like to present:

Trina's Present

Cummings family sits around the kitchen table in the evening. Heather and Dad walk in. (They has just brought a silver car back from the car shop. This car will soon be dubbed "Trofast", Norwegian for "faithful.")

Celeste: Hey, is the car ready?
Heather: Yeah, but I can't drive it to Seminary until we get the plates put on and the emissions test.
Celeste: Yes! You don't have to drive the van to seminary this year!
Dad: Hold on. Everybody listen up. I've already told this to Heather. This car is not mine. This car is not Heather's. This car is not--"
Joel: Celeste's?
Celeste: Yeah...I already paid for my car. This one's not mine...
Dad: No, It's not Celeste's. This car isn't Heather's, or Joel's, or Sarah's either. (Significantly). This car is Trina's. It's lasting until then.
Trina: (eyes glowing) Yes! (jumps up and does a cheerleader arm-thingy) I have a car! I have a car! Is this for my birthday?
Mom: Trina, I think you're the only 9-year old with her own car.
Joel: So this means I have to take care of it?

What are you doing on the 27th?

I'm playing this with an orchestra.... click here to listen. It is by far the fastest, hardest piece I've ever played. Four sharps at tempo 170 is just not in my prior schema.



The highlight of the concert, however, will be the fact that Jenny Oaks Baker will be playing with us. Click here for the website of the orchestra I belong to.

If you can make it out the the Washington D.C. Temple visitor's center, then you'll be in for a treat!

The S Files, episode 5

Spinach-Stuffed Calzone (Adapted from Jamie at Home's Recipe)

· 1 pound mushrooms

· 4 cloves garlic, peeled and finely sliced

· 4 sprigs fresh thyme, leaves only

· 1/4 cup butter

· Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

· 1 cup tomato sauce

· 11 ounces spinach leaves, washed and spun dry

Saute mushrooms in butter, then add garlic. Add thyme, salt, and pepper ( I also added some crushed red pepper and leftover grilled chicken). Add tomato sauce (increase amount if you add chicken) and spinach leaves. Cook over medium-low heat until sauce is very thick. If you have Mozerella, stir in just before you stuff the calzones.

Need a great Calzone dough recipe? I used Jamie's... (adapted) but just mixed it by activating the yeast (water, yeast, sugar), adding oil and salt, then mixing flour in by the cupfull.I let it rise about 40 minutes.

• 7 cups white flour
• 1 level tablespoon fine sea salt
• 2 (1/4-ounce) packets active dried yeast
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 4 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 1/2 cups lukewarm water

Assembly and baking:

Roll a fist-sized ball of dough out to about 1/4 inch on well-floured surface. Place a large spoonful of filling in center of the circle of dought, fold into a half-circle, and twist edges together. Place calzone on a greased cookie sheet, then bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes.

The S Files, episode 4

Rachel Ray's Bacon, Spinach, and Cream Potatoes

· 3 pounds Idaho potatoes, peeled and sliced

· Salt

· Extra-virgin olive oil

· 4 strips center cut bacon, chopped

· 1 medium onion, quartered and thinly sliced

· 1 cup cream

· 2 boxes frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and wrung out in a kitchen towel (or fresh and steamed, drained)

· Salt and pepper

· 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg

Peel, cube, and boil potatoes (about 15 minutes). While they are boiling, put olive oil in a pan, then add bacon. Brown bacon, then add onions and cook until they are soft.
Drain potatoes. Add bacon and onions (with oil) and begin to mash. Add spinach and mash. Add cream, mash. Season with salt and pepper.

I served this for Sunday dinner with chicken that was marinated and grilled according to the following recipe:

· 4 shallots, quartered ( A carry-over ingredient from the salad!)

· 1 large onion, cut into large dice

· 3 garlic cloves, roughly chopped

· 1 bunch cilantro, leaves picked

· 1 bunch parsley, leaves picked

· 6 bay leaves

· 12 black peppercorns (or just a bunch of ground black pepper)

· 1 tablespoon dry oregano

· 1 cup white vinegar

· 1 cup salad oil

· Salt

Whirl everything in a food processor, then pour it over your chicken breasts. Grill 4 minutes on each side (for small chicken breasts) or until no longer pink in center.

The S Files, episode 3

I don't know what happened to my actual picture of these, but here are two adorable girls enjoying:

Spinach- Stuffed Shells
• 16 extra large shells
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
• 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 egg white

about 1 jar of pasta sauce

Boil and drain large shells. In a medium bowl, mix parmesan, ricotta, nutmeg, and egg. Add spinach. Get some kids to help you spoon the filling into the shells. Lay shells in 9x13 glass baking dish (with sauce lining the bottom). Once dish is full, and all pasta is in place, pour additional sauce on top. Bake for 25 minutes at 375 degrees.

This was certainly a delicious dish! You can put mozerella on top, but if you're like me, you might have just run out of that when you made pizza with fresh spinach and tomato on top the night before. (That was delicious, by the way. We added the extra grilled chicken from the salad beneath the layer of cheese, and it was really good. Marie took a picture, as she helped make it, but I don't have the image. You'll just have to salivate according to your own imagination).

This also makes for great left-overs...it's easy to get your veggies in with your lunch the next day!

The S Files, episode 2

The second recipe I tried was supposed to look like this:

Paula Deen's Gruyere Puff Pastry



• 1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed (Or a ton of fresh
spinach, steamed and drained)
• 4 tablespoons butter, divided
• 1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
• 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
• 1 (17 1/2-ounce) package frozen puff pastry sheets, thawed


Saute the mushrooms in butter, then add spinach. Stir in cheese. Set aside. Roll out the puff pastry into two 9x13 sized sheets. Spread half of the spinach mixture onto the puff pastry. Roll up like a cinnamon roll, then do the step I forgot: cut into 1/4 inch slices. Place on greased cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes.

Sounds easy and delicious, right?

Well, stick to the recipe then. When I couldn't find Gruyere cheese at the store, I decided that I would just use what we had.... cream cheese! Doesn't a creamy, spinach-filled puff pastry sound delicious?

Well, I'll tell you one thing. The filling would make for a killer Creamed Spinach. I loved it. I almost didn't want to put it into a puff pastry. I think I shouldn't have.

Here's what it looked like:
Look good? Not so fast. This is after an extra ten minutes of baking. Here's the inside view:


That's right. Doughy. With a capitol D. The spinach was still delicious, but it was hard to eat with the dough pastry around it. The kids were good sports, but in retrospect, here's what I should have done:

1. Found Gruyere cheese.
2. Cut it into 1/4 inch slices.
3. Sticking with the spinach and cream cheese addendum, I would love to have baked the puff pastry separately, and made incredible creamy-spinach sandwiches.

I'm the wiser now...and I hope you enjoyed the journey. Moral of the story: read and follow directions!

By the way...this is my 100th post. I'm glad I could commemorate it with a learning experience.

The S Files, episode 1

Spinach Recipe #1: And actually, this was BY FAR my favorite.

Grilled Chicken with Brie and Baby Spinach Salad

• Olive oil, to cook chicken in
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, about 5 ounces each
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Salt-free garlic and herb seasoning ( like Mrs. Dash)
• 4 to 8 slices Brie cheese, about 1/2-inch thick
• 1 TB olive oil
• 2 shallots, chopped
• 2 TB vinegar
• 2 TB honey
• 4 cups fresh baby spinach leaves THAT NEED to be eaten!
• 4 slices bacon, cooked

Season chicken with herb seasoning, salt, and pepper. Grill about 4 minutes on each side, until done. Place Brie cheese on hot chicken, allowing it to melt.

Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan, use olive oil to saute the shallots. Add white vinegar, and honey. Cook over medium heat until sauce thickens and becomes incredibly delicious.

When ready to plate, pour the shallot dressing over the fresh spinach and toss. Place a bed of the seasoned spinach on your plate, put the Brie-chicken over it, and spread bacon strips on top.

Serves four. SOOO delicious. I could eat that Shallot dressing every day, on all kinds of spinach. After two weeks of spinach, that tells you something!

Got Spinach?

Because my family does. I decided that a great adventure lay before me when I considered the following question: What on earth do you do with over nine pounds of fresh spinach?

Enter the following opportunity: Mom and Dad are out of town and Celeste is in charge of making dinner for the next several days.

Immediate web-check of foodnetwork.com/recipes. Plan menu. Shop.

Stay tuned for what we made...and what actually worked.

Reason for the teardrops on my guitar...

OH wait. I don't actually own a guitar.

How about reason for the Mellow in my cello?

Melinda and Dan leave today.

Watch out. I'm the oldest kid at home.

This is MY niece

My Week End

It was a beautiful week, but it was kind of nice to see it END. After a summer of work and prep, here's a "smidge" of what happened.

Some red-headeds were wedded

I saw all of my sisters, including amazing new mom, Jenny

Jenny and THREE DAY OLD niece lily

I learned how to make a cake...and who ever came up with the phrase "easy as cake" has obviously never done a wedding. Thanks for the help, Mom!

I spent time with this sharp man in a yellow tie

I met the wonderful Teicherts. They are simply a delight!

I had some great hiking pictures, but I couldn't get them to load. We went to Bear's Den today before seeing those Teicherts off.

What was your week like?

If you know me...

Then listen to Christmas Music tomorrow.

I hope you enjoy this video-- I admit, like the song...I stopped watching about 2/3 through. This was the first 80s song I knew all the words to. I think any child could learn this one.

Ima Sorely Tempted

Being back East is wonderful--yet in the last week, I have been contemplating changing my sleeping arrangement to include something along the lines of this baby's sweet set-up. Here's why: the bugs are out.
It tends to get a little warm at night up in Sarah's old room, despite relative A.C. and fan, so I often sleep with my feet uncovered. This morning I woke up with itchy ankles. Nothing too new, as VA is home to many misquito fiends. Well, apparently Sarah's room is host to at least one of these vampiric insects; I have no less than six bites under my right ankle... tic tac toe, all in a row.
It reminds me of the summer I came home from girls' camp with 43 bug bites on my legs. That was my first year, when I was 12, foolish, and forgot my bug spray.

Looks like more blueberries are in order for my daily diet. Until then, it's hard to resist itching. I don't even realize I am doing it half the time. It makes me wonder how parents ever get their kids through Chicken Pox.

Tongue-tied

When: Today. About three minutes ago.
Where: Kitchen counter.
Who: Sarah and I, chatting over some cold, freshly-cubed watermelon.
What: Best conversation of the afternoon.

Sarah: So I was just talking to Michelle. She said that she just picked up Isaa-- I mean Nath-- I mean. Greg! Yeah, she just picked up Greg's tongue ring. Wait. What's that called?

Me: Tunsten?

Sarah, blushing. Um....yeah. That ring thing. Anways, she sounded really happy, and....

(ensuing giggles)

I think Sarah's mind is still on vacation in Williamsburg.

What do they think, I wonder?

Pioneer Day!

Guess what I found? Doesn't it make you proud to celebrate July 24th?

I thought that in light of all the commemorations ,

this one was quite appropriate.

A return to Virtue

This morning I was reading in Preach My Gospel and the Conference edition of the Ensign with Mary N. Cook's talk. Both resources were used in enlightening me on the topic of Virtue.

I was really impressed about this topic, which is found in the Christlike Attributes section of PMG. Virtue, like Charity, has kind of always alluded me. I know it's really important, and that it is perfectly embodied by our Savior, but I had no idea how I was supposed to acquire this to the extent that seems so necessary. In studying this, I read things about virtue being holiness, perfect cleanliness, acting independent of other ideals and holding fast to high standards. Virtue is power. So how do I acquire that?

I actually found a great deal of comfort in just the study of this topic. The ideal is becoming less nebulous for me-- losing none of it's luster, to be sure. That's where Mary Cook's talk helped me a great deal. While it's geared towards the Young Women, I found the counsel to be especially timely for me. Sister Cook encouraged daily habits that would invite the companionship of the Holy Ghost, noting scripture study, fervent prayer, and the invitation to smile. That, coupled with scriptures that illustrated the perfect Example of Virtue, Jesus Christ, made me want to work harder and be a little better.

With thousands of Young Women this year, I want to concentrate more on Virtue. Here I go... smiling all the way....

This image is by James C. Christensen, entitled "Virtue."

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.picturethisgallery.com/Artists/Christensen,%2520James/Virtue.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.picturethisgallery.com/Artists/james__christensen.htm&usg=__CfPDpo2scIACB3NWffzc2ciH0ZQ=&h=474&w=300&sz=27&hl=en&start=2&sig2=DiRvwCP_Nc4Nis5dFwzfiw&tbnid=BQq_psZFT60yRM:&tbnh=129&tbnw=82&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dvirtue%26gbv%3D2%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DG&ei=kzJmStqNF4mllAfX6cGDBA

Bonafide Luau

Tonight Melinda and I went with my friend Sarah H. to the Mt. Vernon Stake center and we saw one of these lying roasted on a table. It was a young single adult's gathering unlike any other; hula dancers, pit pork, and plenty of misquitos.

The funniest thing I saw? My friend Cody has an iPhone with high-frequency bug repellent signal. And I think it worked....

As promised...Leesburg!

When Ashley was here, we visited: Leesburg!

Dadona Manor

South Street Under

Mom's Apple Pie

Black Shutter Antiques

Plus, she saw, with her very own eyes, my very favorite sign of life.

Apply Now!

Time is ticking as I now approach teaching applications with full momentum. I have spent the better part of this afternoon amidst four district's webpages, applications, online portals, and general information. It is somewhat disconcerting to realize that I am one of many applicants, and I hope my documents have enough in them to make me stand out.

Maybe I'll go listen to that song right now...it was always a perker at BYU.

What, you don't know which one I'm talking about? Well, ready yourself, and click here.

We made it!

Through Utah, Colorado, Kansas (who knew THAT state was so wide?), Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and finally, BAM! I'm in Virginia! With help of former roommate Ashley, we made it through wind, rain, and two nights of hotels. I went through about a quart of oil, plenty of gas gallons, and lots of cds on tape.

It's great to be back with family. Jenny and Isaac were in town visiting, so 'Shley and I got to spend some fun times with them.

Our first day home, we toured Leesburg. More on that later.

Then, yesterday, we went to DC. Pictures on that to come.

Today, we finished the BBC mini series "Little Dorrit," and then I took 'Shley to the airport. It was fun, though hard to say goodbye. It means that I really am far away from those friends I have in Provo. I am grateful for technology which enhances keeping in touch... and I don't even have facebook. Just email and phone is great for me.

It's good to be home!

PG Cemetery, June 13th

We love you, Kristan.

Ode to Kristan

Kristan
Warm, glowing
fire within

family and heart
rich in light
treasured cousin

forever loved.

Trina Speaks

What's another word for Volcano?


ASHLEY!!!!

I love Water

Here's a picture that probably should be entitled "Ode to Water." I would have to think up some profoundly turned phrases to describe how much I enjoy those two hydrogen particles linked to one oxygen particle.

This picture was taken at a recent campout I had with three old roommates and fellow members of ye olde Profundity Club. It was fun to get together with them...though for several reasons, we actually didn't get much sleep.

Additionally, now that school is over and my "summer" has started, I actually am not getting any more sleep...or free time...than I did when I was teaching. Summer is busy! I looked at my calendar this morning, and I have 3-4 events pencilled in for every day last week. When I woke up today, I had two events on my calendar for Monday. Now I have five.

I like being busy, especially because much of the calendar was filled with painting Grandpa Bezzant's playhouse... but I am realizing that maybe I need to schedule in a "Free Day." Eventually I need to start packing because I drive out of Provo in 12 days.

The huge positive of my schedule is that I have been spending some really great time with the dear friends I have in Provo. It sure has been a fantastic five years here for me. I will miss these people dearly.

Virginia, here I come. With gold friends already acquired, I'm ready to make some silver ones as well (You know the old children's song?).

This is where I'll be...

In approximately 20 days. Yes!

Teacher's tip

My students LOVE Dum Dum pops. Especially since they've come out with flavors like Mango and Banana Split, they prefer it over most treats (including when someone has s birthday and brings in treats. Case and point: today, a student brings in chocolate peanut-butter cookies. I have a boy who hates chocolate and one who is allergic to peanuts. So, I pull out a dum-dum pop for each of these boys. Suddenly about seven more of my students are miraculously "allergic to peanuts." I think it's interesting that they never mentioned that before......

In any case, it's been a fun and cheap way to treat my kids. Also--today they earned watching an episode of planet earth, and I gave them apples and bananas as treats. They looked at the apples a little hestitantly at first, until I mentioned that I'd put Sprite on them so they wouldn't brown. They went pretty quickly after that.

Ode to Joel

Sticks and stones
make castles, pathways
leading to adventures

brother of eight sisters
Boy--oh, boy
growing in wisdom
cellist at heart

my Buddy.

Cummings' Beach Vacation Weekend!

Beach, 2oo6




Beach, 2007




Beach, 2008






Beach 2009?

I'm not sure. I am not there to take pictures of it. To the privileged family in NC this weekend, your duty is laid out; I am expecting multiple blog posts. Soon.

I dare you to try this

Lime Mousse

I recently went to a Raw Foods class with a friend, and they gave us the recipe for this. I have tried it several times since, and you have GOT to give it a whirl! You might be surprised at the ingredients, but you'll be even more shocked with how good it is.


Ingredients for Lime Mousse:

2 1/2 avacados
3/4 C agave nectar or honey (I actually only use 1/2 c because I like the zing to really come through)
1/2 cup lime juice (FRESH)
zest of 2 limes
1/2 tsp salt

Process in food processor or blender until whipped. Serve immediately (though I like mine slightly chilled)