With Words Unsaid and Thoughts Allowed

Tardiness, BEWARE.

2012-02-07T16:29:00.001-08:00

My TA sent me this article. We have a mom who doesn't like the school calling her when her daughters come to school late. So tempting to send this home.... but I won't. Not my job, and I am glad of it.

On a separate note, I very much am endeared to today's Google-face.

Happy Birthday, Tulkinghorn, Nickleby, Ebineezer, Dorrits, Oliver, Fagin, Dodger, Bitzer, Havisham, M'Choakumchild, Dedlock, Cratchit, Jellyby, Honeythunder, Skimpole, Nemo, Snodgrass, Tattycoram, Tiny Tim, and Woodcourt alike! You live because so did Charles.

January

2012-02-03T19:09:00.000-08:00

In January, I continued to teach my Kindergarteners, I certified to administer their ELL testing, I went back to the Shenandoah Ward, I switched to working in the Temple Saturday afternoons, and my life is getting busier and busier and busier.

Today, being sick, I updated this blog. Now I'm pretty tired.

The only thing I can promise is that February will be much better and more photographic.

Que disfrute!

December

2012-02-03T19:05:00.000-08:00

In December, I found that my teaching job would teach me a great deal, I got my VA teaching license, the house was officially finished, we invited people over, had Christmas, enjoyed Grandpa Bezzant's company, and then tried to recover a little from the holidays. We enjoyed some choice films; Nacho Libre, Downton Abbey, Hugo, etc... (if that isn't a multi-genre list, I don't know what is...). I gave the nieces and nephews some vests and dresses, and all-in-all, it was a great month.

Oh, and I got a serger!

I'm tired of posting....sorry. Go to my Facebook page for photos!

November

2012-02-03T19:00:00.000-08:00

In the month of November, a whole set of life events were set in motion. The house progressed, ready by Thanksgiving, I got to be a Nanny-aunt to Reuben and Miriam (which is one of the most meaningful times I have ever had. I love those kids, and I am the better for the time I lived in Aaron and Katy's basement). I made Thanksgiving Dinner, I started a teaching job with Kindergarten ELL, Jenny and Nathan visited, and enjoyed being a ward missionary. FULL month.

The Quintessential gift: thanks, Jen and Nathan!

October Videos

2012-02-03T18:58:00.000-08:00

October

2012-02-03T18:43:00.000-08:00

This month is perhaps the most documented month since I have come home from the mission; mostly because I dug my camera out and took it with me on my Utah trip. I had a delightful time visiting... I saw Melinda, Lived for a few weeks Teichert-style (which was absolutely delightful and included one or two Star Trek movies from the library-- Shelly and I showed our true secret Trekkiness. I watched conference with the Bezzant clan, had a mission reunion, drove to Idaho with cousin Marshall and Heather (+Amy, roommie), and ate ice cream at Sammy's. Spent three days in Idaho (which included a date!) and came back for a roommate reunion, lunch with a friend, breakfast with another friend, and before heading to the airport, I went to the Church History Museum and found Norway there. It was a good month.

(By the way, these are not in specific order. Too tired to fix that....)

Melinda in the BYU Spelling Bee

Profundi Reunion!

N311 Reunion

Michelle and Greg's Creative Musicality

This might be my new favorite picture of Melinda. Ever.

Melinda and I at B-Stokes' concert. Oh my! It was stellar.

September

2012-02-03T18:38:00.000-08:00

I think that monthly updates will be most appropriate to get me up to date.

Accordingly: September!

Celebrating Aaron, Heather, and Trina's birthdays, Heather leaving for BYU-I, school starting (which meant an influx of teachers coming into the fabric store), and a house renovation beginning--this was quite the month! I continued to work in the Temple on the Friday morning shift, and I loved each minute of it.

A few pictures to illustrate the month :

Aunt Julie also came to visit, and she helped us with an organization project for our family photos. As we sifted through boxes and boxes, I came upon this trove. I can't believe it was 14 years ago, but we all went through a Poetry project, and helped by neighbor Annie Brockmeir (sp?) they were framed. I remember being so proud of my poems.

Summer Remains

2012-02-03T17:40:00.000-08:00

Woa....to catch up (if that's possible) here is an end-of-summer glance:

Family Harper's Ferry Trip:

Last picture of Heather I have before she went off to school!

This was in July (I think). We saw "Liberty Smith" at Ford's Theatre, and it was absolutely fantastic. Family friend Millie joined us on Joel's first date.

Two perks for Wednesday's hump.

2011-08-31T19:04:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-17T16:17:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-08-17T13:38:00.000-07:00

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.

2011-08-17T13:29:00.000-07:00

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!

2011-08-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

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

2011-08-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

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

Summer Discovery

2011-08-17T13:07:00.001-07:00

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.

Another Summer Adventure

2011-07-26T18:13:00.000-07:00

I got to visit Jenny, Nathan and their cute family in New Jersey. I am enamored.

Hair-be-gone!

2011-07-26T17:14:00.001-07:00

Another summer pastime: Cutting Trina's hair.

Before:

and after:

August 2011 update: Even more after:

A new hobby!

2011-07-26T16:41:00.000-07:00

Some people have said, "So, what have you been up to?" I am never quite sure how to answer that question. Um...getting healthy? Tons of family vacations? Organizing things?

Well, amongst those busy and fun things, I've also picked up a few new hobbies. Added to jewelry-making, baking, reading, writing real letters, etc, I can now add: embroidery. Lest I sound like a grandma, let me tell you: my greatest aspiration is to be a grandma. And to sing like a black woman. And to be Hispanic. But those things aside, I have found this particular pastime to be very stress-relieving. I highly recommend it.

I picked up an iron-on pattern and am making myself some towels to hold my tortillas in.

Here's another view of a towel that's already finished:

And of course, some frogs to throw in as well. They were too cute to pass up.

Hello Again! Salsa para Huevos Rancheros.

2011-07-26T16:25:00.000-07:00

I am sorry to have been so blog-less recently. I will thus post a few things that have been happening recently.

First, the recipe for Salsa de Huevos Rancheros

1 large onion, chopped finely

2-4 jalapeño chiles, diced

2 cloves garlic

(Sautee these in a bit of oil until softened. Then add:)

2 large tomatoes, chopped (or a can of diced tomatoes)

1 can tomato paste

1/2-1 cup water

bullion powder

Boil ingredients until they become thick and saucy. Serve with Huevos Rancheros.

Huevos Rancheros:

stack of six-inch corn tortillas

eggs

Heat some oil. Dip the tortillas in the oil to soften them. (Alternatively, you can also fry them a little, but only until just golden.) Place tortilla on a plate.

Cook your egg to taste. Authentically, you would crack it into a pan with plenty of oil and "flick" the oil over the egg to help cook it. Fry your egg for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then remove egg and place on the tortilla.

Ladle plenty of sauce onto your plate. Enjoy!

(You may top with cheese; preferably mozzarella, or crumbled Queso Fresco).

Project Preach My Gospel

2011-05-18T09:50:00.000-07:00

This week for Family Home Evening, we set about assembling some study kits so that our family could become more involved in using Preach My Gospel , so that we might be able to follow prophetic counsel , prepare our family for the Hill Cumorah Pageant, and...maybe just because as a missionary, I came to love and cherish this inspired resource for all Latter-day Saints. I truly feel that one of the things I learned most poignantly on the mission was how to become a better member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Okay. As for the Project, this is geared towards involving all the members of our family at home. That means age ranges from ten to...how old are you, Dad? Fifty-something. Teenagers in the mix, and a good family with a desire to get into this book.

So, we made study kits with stickers (for labeling and using as a study key), highlighters, a mechanical pencil, a four-color pen , and sticky tabs.

Here's an example of a key that could be made with the stickers.

Then, we went on into creating our journals. With the help of some spiral-bound notebooks, glue sticks, pictures from the Ensign (thanks for helping me cut those out, Heather!), and some packing tape to "laminate" it, each person made his or her own Study Journal. (The Tabs you see are just some post-it removable label tabs. Quite useful! My favorite part of this was seeing everyone get so involved in the project, and you can really see their personalities come through, as Melinda pointed out.

Melinda

Trina

Joel

Sarah

Dan (poor guy...at the mercy of us all. It's definitely a collage)

Dad

Detail of Dad's Cover

Mom

Detail of Mom's Cover

Heather

Mine

Detail of my cover

Our Study Journals are made, our kits are assembled, we've made some Journal Prompts on mailing labels that can be stuck at the top of each page (has the date, a PMG page reference, and a question or prompt), and once our copies of PMG arrive from the distribution center, we're going to be good to go! I am excited about this project. I love this book. I love my family. Putting the two together seems so natural and right.

Happy reading.

Of Peppers and Pimpernels

2011-05-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

This weekend was wonderful; full of good food and fine art.

Below you will find a detail of the closing week of Pickwick's

The Scarlet Pimpernel

as well as a recipe for salsa verde

Joel, audience member. "I like the view better from the back."

Hey! These girls look familiar! I think they're here to see the prince.

Trina: Pickwick's official program passer-outer.

I got called on last minute to do some stage make-up for one of the stars.

Melinda: light queen. She even made it possible for the

show to go on when, overnight, all the programmed cues were erased.

Hard at work, following scripts and getting ready for some lightening.

Look at that hand in the corner, ready to strike.

Sarah, in the eerie blue light and black clothes of the stage crew.

She represents Heather and herself on this one. I probably wasn't

supposed to be backstage taking this picture at all.

Who's that fine violinist? Single-handedly representing the

string section? Marie, that's who.

Dad as a fop, and Mom getting ready for Madame la Guillotine

Mom and Dad, getting ready for the play, listening to the

cast notes right before the matinee.

A shot from the ball scene where you can see how, literally,

Marie played in every single number and transition.

Look at the high violin bow!

Dad and Mom dancing at the ball (sorry it's so blurry).

Mom got voted prettiest in a wig.

A bit of reminiscing for me: 1 year ago....

And now, for the recipe! Salsa Verde.

Please note that there is a great deal

of difference between American Salsa

and Mexican salsa. American salsa really

is more of a Pico de Gallo. Salsa is just that; a sauce.

You'll need a list of vegetables, a blender, and a bit of salt. And something delicious to put it on.

Ingredients: 1 large onion, peeled and roughly cubed

5-7 tomatillos (green tomatoes in a husk; peeled, washed, cubed)

1-3 Jalepeno Peppers, stems removed, chopped in thirds

2 cloves of garlic, peeled and cut in half

hot water

2-4 tsp salt

* Cube all vegetables and put in a pan; boil until soft. Drain water (setting aside about a cup) and place all vegetables in a blender. Add water to cover vegetables 1/3 of the way in the blender (about a cup, really no more than 12 oz). Blend until mixture is smooth (no chunks). Add salt to taste, but at least 2 tsp is recommended. Store in the refrigerator.

We served this with toquitos, I ate it with guerritos and later quesadillas, and it can be used for green enchiladas or as a base for the filling of tomales with chicken. Very delicious.

el tomatillo

las verduras necesarias
la obra rica: salsa verde

A friend in need got home indeed!

2011-04-29T19:05:00.000-07:00

Thank you so much for the great welcome home, family! You're just what the doctor ordered.

I love you all. I'm glad to be home.

Soon to come...some choice aspects of the CDN Mission...with a few recipes, espero....

Adios until we meet again!

2010-06-13T15:52:00.001-07:00

A lovely shot of some ward friends of mine, who I will dearly miss...

Thus begins a great new adventure! This is to be my last post until 2012. If you would like to hear news or write to me while I serve a mission, then please contact a family member and they will help you to get my information.

I love you...thanks for reading the blog, and we'll see you on the other side!

(Note...I will be disabling the comment function, so if you love me and want to show it after reading this post, then in honor of me, listen to Christmas music on my B-day).

Lovingly,

Celeste

P&P Meets Trina

2010-06-12T19:10:00.000-07:00

Me: Hey, Girls, you want to watch Pride and Prejudice with me tonight?

Sarah: Yeah! Sounds great!

Trina: Um...I don't think so. Don't you want to watch anything else?

Me: You don't like that movie?

Trina: Well, there's just too much pride, and way too much prejudice in that movie.

Remembering Kristan

2010-06-09T08:15:00.000-07:00

Kinesthetic energy!

Reached out in love

International Pro

Sweet, pure heart

Tender loyalty to family

Awesome cousin

Needed and missed

Kristan Ruby L. We love you.

Look here at Loran's Beautiful Tribute Video

Active Learning

2010-05-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Today I had fun in school, and that's saying something. Everyone in the building is completely counting on this 3-day weekend coming up. But during math today, when I was demonstrating how 2 cups fit into a pint, 4 cups in a quart, etc (we're measuring liquids right now), I demonstrated, taught, had them practice, and then reviewed the lesson with the students. During the review, one of my students forgot how many ounces were in a cup. I coached him until he got it right, then I did the first thing that came to mind. When he finally said, "Eight!" I wet the top of the "cup" measuring canister, and I sprinkled his face with water droplets.

"How many cups in a pint?" I asked. Suddenly, every hand went up.

TWO!!! (I shot some water at them, ensuing screaming as the first graders acted like they were playing in the sprinklers).

"How many cups in a quart?"

Every hand went up. I felt like I might as well reinforce the measurements, so every student was given the chance to answer.

I don't think they were expecting that one, but it was sure fun to see their wet faces.

Smiling, of course.

Because she is just that awesome

2010-05-16T18:13:00.000-07:00

Trina drew a picture this afternoon for Spencer, and on it, it has this instrument, with the following caption: Spencer and his Magnifine glass. Brilliant!

What a week!

2010-05-16T18:00:00.000-07:00

My dear friend and old roommate, Kim, came to visit. She and I did/went to the following:

* Went to school with me one day and helped teach my first-graders

*Washington D.C. Temple (Probably the highlight of the trip, on my part)

*National Gallery of Art

*Dinner at Kobe's Japanese Restaurant (One of the most entertaining dinners of my memory! I'll never forget how well that chef at our table flipped the shrimp piece into my mouth!)

*I went to rehearsals and Kim survived Sarah's questions and Trina's affections. She loved it, too.

*Oatland's Plantation

*Downtown Leesburg

*Lightfoot Restaurant

*Can't forget Joel's b-day at Not Your Average Joe's

* 3 performances of the show, Kiss Me Kate (you missed it? Not true! You can still come this weekend!)

* Watching part of Rear Window

*Getting some sleep...with two spidery visitors. This part was not so fun, but certainly memorable.

Thanks for coming, Kim! This was such a great week!

Economics and Magic Trash

2010-04-28T12:30:00.001-07:00

It's about time I added some record of teaching to this here blog. It's been a while!

Today my students and I had our "ecomonics day." First-grader style. First, we had a class lesson in changing money. Everyone was given a fake dollar, and then they had to change it into coins. By the end of the time frame, they needed to have 1 Quarter, 1 Dime, 1 Nickel, and 1 Penny, at least. Good example of something getting lost in translation: most students ended up with only 41 cents. If that. The "bankers" didn't really get the whole conservation of value thing either, but we definitely worked on pairing, cooperation, and communication skills. And some of them know how many dimes make up a dollar. Success! I'll take it!

After our money changing, I fixed the amounts so everyone had 3 quarters, a dime, two nickels, and 5 pennies. Then, later in the day, we had a lesson on supply and demand. I had brought in things like regular pencils, and super-sparkly pencils; glue sticks; craft kits (with popsicle sticks, pipe cleaners, etc); personal packs of tissues; a bag of jolly ranchers; pencil erasers, etc. Each student HAD to buy a glue stick ($2), 2 erasers ($1) and a pencil (plain, $1; sparkly, $2). Then, they had to plan out what they would spend the rest of their money on. Would they buy their own tissues? ($2) Which three people would get the packs of colored pencils? ($4). Each student had between 5-10 bucks to buy with. They had earned the money throughout the week for good behavior in the hallway, at the end of the day, etc.
I don't know how much they would have understood this graph:
But they certainly understood the unfairness of how there were only 3 boxes of colored pencils, and 10 people had enough money and desire to pay the EXPENSIVE $4 for it. We ended up having to do an elimination game (bubble-gum, bubble-gum, in a dish...) to figure out how to keep our classroom environment safe and positive.

Management-wise, it was a zoo. Kid-involvement was 100%: they even got to be store owners! And for several of these kids, they don't have their own glue stick at home, so this was a fun activity.

Okay, now for Magic Trash.

This is my absolute favorite teaching trick. Okay, close second is the magic number cards, but this one still tops it. At the end of the day, I tell the students that I have selected a magic piece of trash on the floor. The person who finds it will get the lolly-pop in my hand. I won't check your collection of trash until all pencils, papers, etc are off the floor.

"Line up....quietly, please. Ah, good try. Nope. Nope. No----Wow! You found it! (Point to a student in need of positive reinforcement. Select something random from the trash they found.) Good job!"

This requires very little work on your part, and it is a fun way to encourage the students to clean up. Plus, last year, not even my fourth-graders got the hint that I really hadn't pre-selected the trash on the floor---just the kid.

Shhh... Don't tell any kids. If I lose that trick, I don't know how I'll teach school.

;-)

Spring Break and NJ/NYC

2010-04-17T08:02:00.000-07:00

For Spring Break this year, we went to the Baltimore Aquarium and then drove a few hours further north to visit the Johnsons in NJ!

Our second day there, Mom and we kids went to the City to try and get lottery tickets.

I don't think Trina was very happy to be waiting in line, even if it was for Wicked. Well, she was right--we waited to no avail. The other 200+ people in line were not so lucky either. Only 13 lucky pairs were selected. During our wait we kept trying to calculate the odds of getting a ticket. I don't know how, but we kept coming up with a 33 percent chance. Just shows...tired Cummings waiting in line can sing, can probably read books and write a few good essays, even list historical facts and scientific concepts, but none of us were in any kind of state to do high-level mathematics. (For that matter, I don't know if I could have wanted to solve the problem even if I were well-rested.)

We went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, navigated the subway, and then made it home for delicious bbq sandwiches with the Johnsons.

Dad joined us the next day, and we spent the day walking Times Square, seeing the Museum of Natural History, and we stopped by the Manhattan Temple and the American Folk Art Museum. Later that night, we tried for tickets again.

No luck with Wicked...but next door, Heather and I were lucky and got ourselves some tickets for The Miracle Worker, at the next-door theater "Circle in the Square."
The family went off to have dinner and see the Ferris Wheel in the ToysRUs, and Heather and I watched the well-acted and intense drama about Helen Keller and her Teacher.

We got home late that night, and went to sleep. (What is it about our vacations that make us more tired than rested? ;-) )

The next day, we had a nice breakfast and then went and picnicked in the beautiful weather. The Johnsons came along and went with us to Washington's Crossing.

We went to the visitor's center, watched a film about the important ten days that turned the tides of the Revolution, and had a great picnic lunch. Well-loved was the dessert, which was a huge Reese's PB Cup we got at Time's Square.

Thanks, Jenny, Nathan, Lily, and Isaac, for a great week! (And thanks, Heather, for that CUTE haircut!)

The White Envelope Came!

2010-04-17T07:27:00.001-07:00

On Friday, March 26th, I came home from work and saw this in the mailbox.

At 9pm, we conferenced with the Aaron and Katy, with the Utah kids, and with Nathan J.

The Wrides and Jenny+Kids were already here.

I have been called to serve in the Colorado Denver North Mission, Spanish Speaking!

I know...it's been forever!

2010-04-17T07:16:00.000-07:00

First things first. Heather cut my hair, and she did a great job!

Before

afterThanks, Heath!

Two delightful things

2010-03-20T19:25:00.001-07:00

Two things have made me very happy this last week.

First of all, the sun came out! I love winter, I love the snow, but it's hard to imagine a day more beautiful than what we had today. It was slightly breezy, 70s, and sunny-rific.

Second happiness? Easter candy is the best. I sent off my EBX10 package today, which means I don't have to worry about anymore. I just get to look forward to my own coming in the next few weeks!

That's one more thing to think about daily when the mail rolls around. I am still waiting for White Envelope Time.

On a more random note, those of you looking for fun Easter Candies, I found these in several stores. Oh, they are so wonderful...especially the holiday snickers. They are so fresh and delicious. And Chocolate, Hazelnut, Lindt? 'Nuff said.

Things are going smoothly...

2010-03-11T04:26:00.000-08:00

In the next three weeks or so, I will have one of these.

It's Official. I love RS.

2010-02-28T15:48:00.000-08:00

Source of image

"Charity is born of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and is an effect of His Atonement working in the hearts of the members. "

I was reading this excerpt from part of Elder Henry B. Eyring's talk this week. This sentence really moved me. That combined with some very focused sacrament meeting talks and a great lesson taught by my mom on how to teach with love (in last night's Stake RS Meeting) has gotten me thinking. Things are so beautiful in deep, moving ways. The Atonement is a transforming event. There is unity in my ward, and it is wrought in the hearts and testimonies of our Relief Society women.

Great! I just bit the proverbial dust again!

2010-02-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

For those of you who might not know, our family is lucky enough to see eldest brother Aaron a few days out of each week. Recently, seeing Aaron has been accompanied by being introduced to a new game.

For your pleasure and review, here are some games that we have recently played (and LOVED).

1. Pandemic:

The newest game Aaron brought home, Heather and I played tonight. It's all players against the diseases that are taking over the world. Heath and I played three times in a row, visiting cities and setting up research stations, and almost finding cures... and lost every time. (Thus the dust-biting title of this post.) Apparently the biologics are too much for two players. I think if we played with all four we might have more success. Still, we're getting better each time we play. It's like Tetris; you keep losing, but you know that if you just play one more time, then you'll win....

2. Small World:

This game helped us survive during the snowy recesses of the "one-two punch" storm all the newspapers keep talking about. It's a complicated strategy game where you try to take over land and strategically switch races throughout the game. It's neat because there are a lot of different combinations for how you can play each race, and unless you're playing against Joel, you might win. Maybe. Just hope the other guy doesn't get to be a flying halfling. Personally, I think the dragonmaster skeletons is a great combination. And yes, we took a sharpie and made one slight modestification on the Amazon warrior princess. Now she's as beautifully modest as the elf man.

3: Zeus on the Loose

Katy introduced us to this card game several years ago, and it continues to be a favorite. It's a game where you can practice and show off quick adding skills as you try to make the cards on "mount olympus" reach 100 while you are in possession of Zeus. There's some tricky cards in the deck, though...like a card that will invert a score (making 90 into 09). I won all four rounds (Each round you win spells Z-E-U-S) and won last time, so it's a great game in my book. Plus it lets you practice that tricky, "What's 37+6 again?"

4: The classic "Ticket to Ride" with a heritage-ly twist: Nordic Version

Makes you proud to be Norwegian, that's what. If you haven't played a version of TtoR, then this is a good one to start with--it's for 3 players and has pretty simple rules (no train stations, etc). But don't be deceived into thinking that you might win with the longest train, because those dern destination cards will get you every time!

5. Scotland Yard

Another in-law introduction (thank you, Nathan!), and I must say, I LOVE this game. The hat might be the best part of the game: when you are Mr. X, you get to wear it for strategical prowess. This is a game where it's all other players against the one Mr. X, chasing him around London. Dave Younce, have you played this one?

In fact, who has played any of these? I'd love to know those of you who've been able to enrich your lives with these great games.

Picture Post 7: not wicked.

2010-02-17T18:57:00.000-08:00

This is a picture I attached today to a series of papers that I am sending in. If you haven't heard, I am going to serve a mission this summer! The decision came only recently, but the excitement I feel is overwhelming. I can't wait. Availability date is June... and as of tonight, I'm just two interviews away from sending my papers to Salt Lake!

Hope you enjoyed the visual update (which is now in reverse order....)

Picture Post 6: Wicked!

2010-02-17T18:52:00.000-08:00

This will forever be a treasured memory of mine, Jen! For the record, I think that anyone who can should see this. It's by far the most significant theater experience I have had in working memory.

Picture Post 5: New Jersey. Love those Johnsons!

2010-02-17T18:50:00.001-08:00

Picture Post 4: Jamestown. "In the Beginning, All America was VIrginia." I agree.

2010-02-17T18:46:00.001-08:00

Picture Post 3: Christmas

2010-02-17T18:41:00.001-08:00

Picture Post 2: Second winter storm

2010-02-17T18:35:00.000-08:00

Here's our second huge storm...partway through. (Back porch)

Shoveling the driveway--if you can even tell! There's the yard stick in the distance

The 15-Passenger Van

I forgot to take the measurement a few hours later....when you wouldn't have been able to read the 33-38 regions on a measurement device.

This is what it feels like to shovel our driveway with three and a half feet of snow on it. Without the kind aide of our neighbors and their snowblowers, I think we would still be shoveling, a week later....

Picture Posts! From the first snow storm of our winter.

2010-02-17T18:32:00.001-08:00

Snow Spurs Strange Sightings

2010-02-16T12:50:00.000-08:00

Today, while driving alongside a shopping square and a neighborhood I saw a woman jogging....

in this:

this:

and these:
No shoes.

Another Openin', [and my first Pickwick] Show!

2010-02-03T16:16:00.000-08:00

Some of you already know that my family has been pretty involved with local theater organization, The Pickwick Players. They are a fun, family-oriented theater organization that has been around for several years. My sisters were in their production of High School Musical, Dan was Prof. Bhaer in Little Women, everyone was in Crazy for You, and most recently, Joseph and the ATD.

Now, it's my turn!

So kiss me, Kate! Darling, Devil devine, for now thou shalt ever be mine!

I can't wait to make some memories with the wonderful organization of Pickwick! My mom's even directing the music for this show.

Stay tuned. If you want to come to a performance, check the website for details.

Where's Celeste?

2010-01-18T10:38:00.000-08:00

England? Scotland? Ireland? France?

Nope.

New Jersey.

Quite close to Princeton University, to be exact. We saw the campus on Saturday night.

WOW.

I'm visiting Nathan and Jenny this week, and I have been here two days. It is so fun to be around this fun family! Isaac and Lily and my buds, and Nathan and Jenny keep me feeling spoiled and hilariously entertained. I love them.

Big news is what I am going to see with Jenny on Wednesday night.

Try not to be jealous. I've only been waiting 6 years.

Like British films? Quite. Quite.

2010-01-10T12:45:00.000-08:00

My mom is hilarious. Really, she is. I'll tell you why in a second.

Did you know we've recently become obsessed with BBC films? Even more specifically, BBC period dramas. (I blame a predisposition to being infatuated with Pride and Prejudice, even if technically that version is done by A&E).

Christmas brought Cranford, and after Christmas came the desire to see Persuasion. Now, I must say, this is certainly my favorite Jane Austen piece, and when my friend recommended the new BBC version, I was---okay, hesitant, but I have loved BBC for so long, I thought I'd give their new one a try.

Enter hilarious matron.

One character in the film constantly says, "Capital. Capital." When agreeing on something, or when he doesn't know what else to say (my opinion, but it seems valid). Heather, Mom, Sarah, and I started laughing during one scene where his sentence fillers were excessive, and we joked about how we should start using the phrase as well. "This meal is capital." "What a capital bowl of ice cream." "We're watching a movie. Capital, capital."

Then mom says, "Oh, and if we're disappointed, we can just say, "lower case, lower case!" (In her british accent).

I'm still laughing.

Capital mother I have.

Speaking of which, the new version of Persuasion is definitely lower case, in my opinion.

This one, with its superior acting, soundtrack, and ability to hold the camera still, is most certainly CAPITAL.

Briefly, a Pelican

2010-01-07T09:32:00.001-08:00

I've been searching for the last hour, and this is the closest picture to the bird that I saw in my neighborhood this morning. I was just driving through a little part of the neighborhood where a creek runs under the road, when a large, gray bird swooped across the road and landed in the marsh-like stream.

I don't live in an area that is extremely rural. I think it must be hard for---whatever water bird I found-- for it to have to find food in Leesburg.

Poor guy. I hope he finds a frog or two.

Feeling like I've lost my marbles

2010-01-05T16:16:00.000-08:00

For two reasons.

1. I had an eye exam today. Pupil dilation. 'Nough said.

2. TRNA Charlene.

Let me explain.

Trina found a jar of marbles...yesterday. Since then, I have yet to see her without them. Truly, she has been playing with them non-stop. Mom says that yesterday it interfered with schoolwork, I've already seen it delaying her chore duty, but it is almost hard to be mad because she is COMPLETELY happy when playing with those 161 glass balls.

Oh, how did I know there are 161? Because she's told me three times since dinner.

Well, having lost my marbles, I did a little search, and in searching I found hope. Play this little minute of film, and I dare you not to smile.

Carpe Diem indeed!

I Got on My Snuggie!

2009-12-26T07:49:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-12-20T13:16:00.000-08:00

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?

2009-12-12T14:16:00.000-08:00

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

2009-12-05T11:46:00.000-08:00

It's Christmastime!

2009-12-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

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:

2009-11-22T15:48:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-13T21:27:00.000-08:00

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

2009-11-05T14:13:00.000-08:00

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!

2009-10-29T07:20:00.000-07:00

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

Nathan, Nathan!

2009-10-23T06:14:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-21T10:14:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-16T06:22:00.000-07:00

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

2009-10-12T07:40:00.001-07:00

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

2009-10-05T09:16:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-09-30T17:00:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-09-14T13:00:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-09T07:57:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-09T07:45:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-09T07:32:00.001-07:00

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

2009-09-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

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

2009-09-05T18:00:00.000-07:00

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?

2009-08-31T19:31:00.001-07:00

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...

2009-08-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-24T14:21:00.000-07:00

My Week End

2009-08-24T14:06:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-08-11T07:36:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-07T10:44:00.000-07:00

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

2009-08-01T12:56:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-24T08:02:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

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

2009-07-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-07-01T13:57:00.001-07:00

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!

2009-06-24T14:08:00.000-07:00

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

2009-06-14T17:26:00.001-07:00

We love you, Kristan.

Ode to Kristan

2009-06-11T08:04:00.000-07:00

Kristan
Warm, glowing
fire within

family and heart
rich in light
treasured cousin

forever loved.

Trina Speaks

2009-06-09T08:22:00.000-07:00

What's another word for Volcano?

ASHLEY!!!!

I love Water

2009-06-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-06-02T22:16:00.000-07:00

In approximately 20 days. Yes!

Teacher's tip

2009-05-28T21:58:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-24T21:19:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-23T13:15:00.000-07:00

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

2009-05-21T20:34:00.000-07:00

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)

Happy Norwegian Independence Day!

2009-05-17T08:18:00.000-07:00

Enjoy this video with some norwegian scenery. I'll be playing Grieg tonight while I make some Julekaka!

Ode to Michelle

2009-05-16T09:05:00.000-07:00

Soft passion
giggle sister
singing, swinging
what's your sugar?
patient. with a capital P.

Ode to Trina

2009-05-16T09:01:00.000-07:00

Too awesome
Ridiculously intelligent
...Interesting...
Nice vibrato
Adorable

Ode to Melinda.

2009-05-13T16:43:00.000-07:00

Melinda,
music, sleep, laughter
oh, father!
Steals baby's penguins
gentle as a goose.

Lovely as lilacs
and fairies.

Ode to Heather Jean

2009-05-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

Middle of a legacy,
honoring the Jean.
Gentle, graceful, lovely
soft voice and hands
rehtaeh.

Ahaaaahaaaahaaa

2009-05-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

Ode to Sarah Janeen

Sarah,
Writer of comments
includes
aha ha ha ha ha
he hee he hee he
like we all used to do

love that.

Love you.