Two perks for Wednesday's hump.

Today, I got to work again at Hancock Fabrics, my part-time job in town. I enjoy working there because the people are nice and the store is full of color, crafts, and even beads.

The other huge plus for today?

I went in a grocery store where my old Spanish teacher, Señor Wright, still works as a grocer. He was at the check-out line talking with an assistant manager in Spanish. I greeted him en español, and then the store manager turned to me. He looked at me with surprise. It was the same look I got on the mission which I loved; "you speak my language? A gringa?" We talked for a little bit, and then he asked me where I learned my Spanish. I said that I learned it thanks to Señor Wright, and especially because I served as a missionary in Colorado.

Then he said the best thing I have been told; "How is it that you speak with a Mexican accent?"

For Real? I speak well enough to have a localized accent? Yes!

Viva Mexico!

The Hill Cumorah Pageant 2011

With this, I think I have finally caught up on the goings on of this summer. One of the most significant things we did as a family was the Hill Cumorah Pageant in Palmyra, NY. We spent 17 days camping, acting, getting into costumes, meeting people, sharing our beliefs and inviting them to learn more--and most importantly, feeling the Spirit. I will never forget how I felt as I participated in the scene of Christ's Descending to the Americas.

Mom, Trina and I were all Wicked Noah Citizens

Heather was a spoil of war slave, Melinda was Mary in Nephi's Vision

Some of the girls in my cast team

My whole cast team, minus the DeLaMare's.

By the way, the DeLaMare's own a candy factory in Utah. Look at some of this work!

Niagara Falls.

While at the Hill Cumorah Pageant, we had time the second week to take a day trip. My first time at Niagara Falls was everything I hoped for and more. What an amazing place
!

quilting? close to it.

I needed a temple bag, and I had purchased some fabric (jelly rolls, or whatever you call it: scraps of fabric)

And so it began. Do not look closely at the stitches... but I do love the colors.

Tada! Many pockets on the inside, including a hook for two hangers. Mom let me use a vinyl cutting board to make the bottom of the bag structurally secure.

Cookie Crazy!

I went over to Jenny's in NJ, and we made some of the hugest cookies I have ever made in my life, short of a bar cookie. It's the LeVain Cookie, and I am so impressed by this bakery; on its website, it even thanks the fans and quotes "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."

Here's Sarah's head next to some we recreated at home:

Copycat recipe for chocolate chip cookies (We added about 3/4 cup cocoa and 1/2 cup sugar to the recipe to make it double chocolate.

Summer Projects, continued

I've been doing some embroidery. If I have already posted these, I apologize, but here they are: my tortilla towels.

Summer Discovery

I was once in Fairfax for a dr. appointment, and I saw a sign that said, "Fluffy Thoughts, this way." Curious, I stopped in.

$1 each day old cupcakes? Done and done. We liked the Smore's and the Peanut Butter Mouse best.