What a day, what a day, what a very fine day...

Yesterday was, perhaps, one of the longest, yet fulfilling days.

It started with a phone call at 10:05 a.m. from the executive secretary wondering why I wasn't at ward council yet... I thought it started at 11. I jumped in the shower and raced down to the church. I got there by 10:20. Not pretty. From there I raced home to make dinner and help H write a talk for Primary. I was back to the church by 12:15. Right after church we went to the stake center for the dedication of the Draper Temple. It was a wonderful experience... I kept reflecting on my first temple dedication, the Jordan River Temple. I loved being able to take H and M to their first. I have been to three in my lifetime--Jordan River, Orlando and Nauvoo. That's a pretty good record, considering how many people don't get that many opportunities. I hope it is something H and M will remember all their lives. We'll get another opportunity this fall when the Oquirrh Hills Temple is dedicated.

Right after the dedication, I had to be back to the Stake Center for the Hosanna practice. BNLFan was too sick to come (she and N had to miss church and the dedication because of some bad bug they're fighting). I am so glad I went... Lex de Azevedo was there accompanying us and it made it all worth it. He's fabulous... I was amazed by his improvising and musicianship. It was so...I'm at a loss for words...exciting? to hear his vision for this music, his motivation... Does that make sense? Wow. It is amazing and powerful. it is simply scripture from the last week of Christ's life, set to de Azevedo signature music (I can hear a lot of the same chords and runs as Saturday's Warriors in it). I have two tickets to it, either on Friday the 10th or Saturday the 11th of April, if anyone wants them. I can't get Dilbert to come--it's not his thing--but I would love to give our comp tickets to someone rather than not use them at all. Anyone??? It is in SLC at the 1st Presbyterian Church. George Dyer is the featured soloist. He came and sang for us last week and he has an amazing voice.

When I got home at 9, I realized I had been sitting for almost 11 hours and I was beat. I got home to great news, though. Dilbert was supposed to go to San Diego today, for a week. Then it was changed to LA for three days and then, late last night, it was canceled. That's great news because it is N's 13th birthday tomorrow.

Ma, Where's my stuff?

Dilbert and I went to our first Ma and Pa training for trek this morning. It is going to be FUN and hard. I'm already scared for the physical challenges it will present.

But already I have an idea for a devotional that will ROCK--literally. But we will need more. So... All you experienced seminary teachers, YW leaders, and creative-types... What devotionals have you done in the past that have been successful?

Personal Space

Scout cut this out of the newspaper today...

BNLFan's latest photo assignment

BNLFan has been taking a Photography class this year. She was assigned to take some portraits "in the style" of some examples she was given. Here's two of them...


Seussical the Musical

I'm sure y'all remember that H and M are in Seussical? Well, it is time for the performances. I have to say it isn't my favorite musical, but they've done a fabulous job staging it and the kids are just adorable. It's truly grown on me.

With that glowing recommendation, if you would like to come see them, here's the 411 from the Farmington City website... H and M would be thrilled to see you there!

Seussical Jr.

Farmington City Youth Theater is proud to present "Seussical Jr." come see all of your favorite characters like The Cat in the Hat, Horton and all the Who's from Whoville.
Dates: March 25th, 26th, 27th and 28th (matinee on the 28th at 1:00pm)
Time: 7:00pm
Cost: $5.00 in advance $6.00 at the door
Location: Community Arts Center 120 S. Main
To purchase tickets call 451-0953 or click here

BNLFan's Solo and Ensemble

BNLFan participated in the district solo and ensemble festival yesterday. She was so ready and then when we got before the judge, she choked. She's so bummed. She was playing The Swan by Saint-Saens which is extremely difficult and high for the cello. If she'd nailed it, it would have been awesome. As it was, she got a 2. Not that it was a complete loss... At least she's going to state with her duet and her string choir.

The accompaniment was difficult because it is quite modern (read dissonant) and sounded wrong even when I was playing it right. And it hurt my hand to play it, the reaches were awkward and large. It wasn't my finest hour, either.

On the good side, we ran into elle_cossette and dArt and Paul, having just finished his performance. I would have LOVED to listen to Paul!!! Elle and Paul were kind enough to sit in on BNLFan's performance. I love my big sis!

Frank's Letter March 11, 2009

Frank's latest letter...

Another crock pot recipe

At the grocery store on Monday I came across a good deal... 40 lbs of boneless skinless chicken for $55. And they weren't frozen... Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Regardless, I bought the box and brought it home. I spent the next 3 hours trimming all the fat and ying yangs off and packaging them into neat food saver bags. I got 10 meals worth of chicken done... Yippee! Did I mention that I really don't like chicken? ewwwww.

So, in honor of all that chicken, here's what I do with frozen chicken (usually).

Crock Pot Chicken
7 frozen chicken breasts put in the crock pot on low for 6 hours.

Yup. That's it. If I want to make it "Mexican", I add a few palmfuls of taco seasoning. After it is cooked, I shred it with a fork and serve it in tacos, enchiladas or on a tossed green salad. Other times I add a can of cream of chicken soup and make Hawaiian Haystacks or put it over mashed potatoes. Easy peasy, cheap and foolproof.

Whatever shall I do?

I love my laptop.
Love.
It.

There is only one problem. I have used the S, E, T and N off of the keyboard (yeah, it was a used laptop and they were wearing off when I got it). It isn't a problem when I am just typing along at my lightning fast speeds, but it becomes an issue when I am entering random letters and have to watch my hands. I am sitting here with my favorite purple sharpie contemplating the worst... Should I DRAW IN MY MISSING LETTERS?

Is it better to have random missing letters on the keyboard or purple handwritten letter? Oh the dilemma!

French Dip Sandwiches

I just was reading a friend's blog and she was telling how she had designated this week as crock pot week but it hadn't turned out as good as she'd hoped. That got me thinking about all the crock pot failures I have had over the years. Fortunately my family is pretty good about eating whatever goop I put before them and they have learned no matter what it is, DON'T COMPLAIN.

Fortunately I have found a few recipes that were keepers. So, in honor of TooManyToCount, here's one of the good ones. It's foolproof, quick, easy, and reasonably healthy.

French Dip Sandwiches
(from cooks.com)

1 lean beef roast (3 to 4 lbs.) (I buy the cheapest, toughest cut for this)
1/2 c soy sauce
1 beef bouillon cube
1 bay leaf
1 tsp. crushed dried rosemary
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. garlic powder
Hard rolls

Place beef in slow cooker or dutch oven. Combine soy sauce, bouillon and spices and pour over roast. Add enough water to almost cover and cook on low 10-12 hours. Remove meat and reserve broth. Shred meat with fork and serve on hard rolls (because I use a tough cut, we slice it with an electric knife and it holds together pretty well). Serve with reserved broth.

Note: sometimes I slice onions thinly and throw them in with the roast.

Enjoy!!!

Do I have "Sucker" written on my face?

It is inevitable. I always end up in bookstores or Costco when there is a book signing. The author looks at me all expectantly, like my purchase will insure the success of a half-rate paperback.

Well, it happened to me again today. I innocently went into Costco for a jar of artichoke hearts and $148 later, I have a signed copy of a book called Lightland. I hope my contribution makes a difference. Anywho, it should be an awesome read, as he assured me it would be. He said it was a fascinating premise for a novel. but of course he would say that, right?

So, anyone want to borrow it when I'm done?

I apologize for the adult content of this blog entry

I have a friend with a very amusing 5 year-old. She is always sharing with me stories of his latest antics. Here's his latest story... So they were talking about healthy foods in Bridger's preschool today and made a "vegetable man" out of paper carrots, tomatoes, radishes, etc.

Here's a lesson on the importance of following instructions when it comes to placement of the left foot. Don't say I didn't warn you. Veggie Porn

Confucious says

Time flies like an arrow.
Fruit flies like a banana.

Suessical et al

H and M are Whos in Farmington City's youth production of Seussical. I have to admit I am not a huge fan of the show. But after sitting through 4 hours of it volunteering there today, I am a bit more converted. Everything is coming together sweetly. And, if nothing else, the little ones sure look cute. I spent the day taking pictures for the program. I like that volunteering job.

H has been asking me who we are related to in the cast and I kept telling her my cousin Elizabeth's kids are in the play but she couldn't put the cousin thing with their faces. So when I went today I was amused that she is sitting NEXT TO one of Elizabeth's kids. Ha! Small world on that little speck of dust. So here's the Whos without their costumes... H is center front sitting on the steps and M is far left with pigtails and green shirt.

Meanwhile, while I was at Seussical, Scout and N were at Mock Trial. They were competing in Salt Lake City at the Matheson Court House, a very cool place to get to play lawyer. Dilbert took his folks and went to watch. N, being a seventh grader, was an alternate this trial. M did the opening statement and crossed the key prosecution witness. They won the case but lost by a few points. They're pretty disappointed. M was pretty jazzed that she was named best defense witness by the head judge.

Lastly, while all this other stuff was happening, BNLFan_1 was at orchestra rehersal for LHS's production of Showboat. She's playing the cello in the pit, a big honor because they don't usually let students play in the pit. Why? you ask? I can't figure it out. They HIRE professionals instead of letting the kids LEARN how to do it. Hmmm... why are my education dollars being spent on professional musicians and stage hands? How long before they start hiring ACTORS to do the shows, too? Mmmmm.....

Frank's Letter March 4th 2009

Here's the latest from Frank

I Love my Dilbert!

I had a pretty freaky time last night. I talked to Dilbert at 6 and he told me he would be working late last night--a few hours, he said.

At 9:30 I went to bed and immediately fell asleep, watching TV. At midnight I woke up with a start... Dilbert still wasn't home and hadn't called. I tried his cell, his work number and his work cell but he didn't answer. I started to freak out. I've never not been able to get him on at least ONE of those phones. I emailed him, too, but he didn't reply.

By then it was 12:25 and I was really freaking out. I was trying NOT to call the Highway Patrol and hospitals, but I was pretty worried. All sorts of horrible things started going through my mind. Fortunately he e-mailed me at 12:30. He was in the lab and couldn't call but just saw my email. I was so relieved!

I never want to feel like that again... I love my Dilbert and need him around. By the time he got home, it was 1:45 a.m. and he was exhausted. Poor guy. I so appreciate the sacrifices he makes to take care of us.

Grandma Z's Carrot Cookies

Carrot Cookies (aka Orange Cookies)

3/4 C shortening
3/4 C sugar
1 egg
2 C flour
1/2 t salt
1 t vanilla
2 t baking powder
1 C coconut
1 C shrededed cooked carrots, cooled

Cream shortening and sugar. Add egg, vanilla and carrots. Stir in dry ingredients and coconut. Spoon onto baking sheet and bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Frost with orange flavored frosting. Makes about 2 1/2 dozen.

I make them with lemon flavored frosting, using the juice of one lemon and some of the lemon zest to give it a real kick. If I remember, I used about 1 stick of butter, 1 lemon's juice and zest, 4 cups of powdered sugar and one teaspoon of vanilla. My mom used to frost the bottom of the cookies and stick two together but I like them better with the frosting on the top. Then there is more to eat :)

Now... Your assignment for today is to go make these and report back!

Grandma Z's 90th birthday

We had a nice family visit with Grandma Z for her 90th birthday. I can't believe she's 90! She's just as lovely as ever. Here we are with her. She's holding a plate of carrot cookies I made for her. I'll post the recipe so you can try them too. Don't be afraid of the idea of a carrot cookie. They're delicious AND healthy. I mean--heck! look at her!


Grandma still has a bit of spunk in her. She decided she's hated her name, Verle, all her life she she goes by Verla now. Yup. You go, Grandma! At least she didn't pick Kaitlynn or Brittney. That wouldn't befit a 90 year-old.


My early memories of Grandma Z were from when we would visit her in Utah or she would come to Washington. I remember once when they came, they went fishing with Aunt Hazel and Uncle John--it must have been to the coast--and they brought back these wickedly sharp shells. I was fascinated by them. And once Grandma brought a bunch of sand from the Great Salt Lake and my mom dried flowers in it.

Whenever we visited, either in Washington or in Utah, we always had KFC, only back then we weren't afraid of frying and actually called it Kentucy Fried Chicken. It was probably more of a Grandpa thing than a Grandma thing, but that's okay. Anyway, she always put makeup on me. Her bathroom was a woman's fantasy. It was all mirrored with excellent lighting, but mostly it was filled with sweet smelling perfumes and makeups... Oh man! Oh yeah, she had a fuzzy cover on the potty seat--so decadnet.

Grandma had this awesome coffie table that was round and spun. I think every kid learned to walk and then run, holding on to that table as it spun. Eventually it would go faster than their little legs could carry them and they would fall... Good times. I wonder where that table went when Grandma moved into Barton Creek (her assisted living center).

Grandma drank Tab and saved the pull tabs and made them into a necklace for me. That was such an honor. She also paid me 5 cents per crossword puzzle I cut out of the newspaper and sent her. That was back in the days when we didn't call long distance and got all family updates by letter. How archaic!

One year I made a cross stitch sampler of George and Martha Washington. My brother Mike tried to help but he kept sewing the George to his pants as he stitched. I guess it is a good thing sewing isn't a requirement for being an awesome lawyer nowadays. Anyway, she hung them by her kitchen phone, a source of great pride for a kid like me.

Oh--Grandma had a push-button phone WAY before we did. No, we had this silly rotary phone. Why can I remember 547-0412, our phone number in Washington, when I can't remember my phone number now? Grandma's phone was fun to play songs on.

Grandma gave me the gift of the love of reading. She always gave me books for my birthday--something I loved. She gave me my treasured copies of Little Women, Strawberry Girl and Girl of the Limberlost. And when I got older, she gave me my mom's copies of So Big (oh--my first romantic novel) and Gone with the Wind. Sigh... I still have them and can be persuaded to show them to you but I wont let you touch them.

Happy Birthday, Grandma! I love you!

I have to admit I am not surprised, just sad.

Barenaked Ladies frontman Steven Page leaves band

Posted: February 25, 2009, 12:24 AM by Ron Nurwisah

by Ron Nurwisah, National Post

Steven Page, the lead singer of Canadian pop group the Barenaked Ladies, has announced that he is leaving the group.

"Yes, it's official. I am no longer a Barenaked Lady. After twenty years (plus a few months), I'm heading out on my own," Page wrote in a post on his official blog.

Page adds that he'll be pursuing solo projects, including a turn as composer for a production of English renaissance play "Bartholomew Fair" at the Stratford Festival later this summer. He's also recently also performed with the Art of Time Ensemble and recorded a children's album with his former band.

The other members of the Barenaked Ladies will continue to perform, according to a statement on the band's official site.

"These guys are my brothers. We've grown up together over the past twenty years. I love them and wish them all the best in the future," Page writes on the band's site.

Page drew negative publicity when he was arrested in upstate New York on felony drug possession charges last July. The charges were later reduced by a judge to a misdemeanor and Page avoided jail time.

The Barenaked Ladies were founded by Page and Ed Robertson in 1988 in Scarborough, Ont. The group broke out with their 1992 album Gordon. The group would go on to sell more than 10-million records worldwide and pen a number of hits including "One Week" and "If I had a $1,000,000."

Photo: Steven Page (John Kenney/Canwest News Service)

I have loved these guys and have watched Steve self-destruct over the last two years... It makes me so sad. Especially because it has been a 20 year gig for them. I'm glad the rest of the guys will still be around but it just wont be the same.

H is a History Fair Winner!

One thing our elementary school does which I love, is we have an annual history/science/i-search fair. The younger grades all prepare I-Search projects on anything they want. They can present it in any way they want. The 4th graders do history fair,the 5th graders do science and the 6th graders get to choose between science and history. Everyone participates. Then they have a night when parents can come and see everyone's project.

M did her project on growing crystals. She and Dilbert had a great time growing things on the kitchen counter. Here's some of her growths...

H did Philo T. Farnsworth, the inventor of the television (from Beaver, Utah). She won a superior and advanced to the district. Here she is the day of district...


Philo was pretty amazing for a Beaver UT boy. When he was about 14 he came up with the idea for television, based on what he read other researchers were doing. He showed his idea to his high school science teacher. Years later RCA sent a spy to his lab to see what he was working on. After showing the guy around for a few days, the spy went back to RCA and duplicated his work. When RCA filed for a patent on the idea, Philo was able to prove he came up with the idea first because his teacher was able to show the drawing Philo showed him when he was 14. H and Dilbert had a great time. Dilbert whacked apart an old computer monitor to get the cathode tube out and showed her how it works. She was amazing... she showed how it worked and which parts were which on the tube during her presentation. WOW.

Anyway, H got an excellent at District, something I am very proud of her for. Being only in 4th grade, whe was competing against kids in 5th, 6th and 7th and she did very well.

After the fair I went for a drive to the bird refuge in Farmnington. It was an overcast day, but the sun was shining on the Oquirrh Mountains. Nice.