My, How Time Flies

It seems like yesterday when Blake put on his original Cub Scout uniform. He was so excited to finally be able to be a Wolf in the Cub Scouts. He proudly wore the navy blue Cub Scout shirt, neckerchief, slide, belt and hat. He looked so grown up that day as he walked into the church in his full Cub Scout uniform with Wolf book in hand.

Today, on his 11th birthday, 'The Best Boy in the World' moved up from the Cub Scout program to the Boy Scout Program. He is an official member of the Longhorn Council, Pack 536, 11 year-old Boy Scout Troop. Tonight was his last official Pack meeting as a Cub Scout. He earned his Webelos badge, his Arrow of Light, which is one of the few badges you can wear on your scout uniform the rest of your life. He also earned his religious square knot, plus a whole lot of other little belt loops and badges. It was a super-fun Pack meeting. After that, he and his dad went to their 11 year-old Scout meeting. Did I happen to mention that my Handsome Husband is now and Assistant 11 year-old Scout Master? (They are going to have so much fun together!)

We couldn't finish the night without having a birthday cake. "Make a wish, Blake" May the next eleven years bring you as much joy as you've brought me these past eleven years . You truly are, 'The Best Boy in the World!"

Love, Mom

Yes. His new Boy Scout shirt is a little big. But he'll grow.

Blake - Getting ready to receive all his awards.

When a boy crosses over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts, they literally cross a bridge. Awaiting them on the other side is every Eagle Scout in the room. They were happy to welcome Blake into the Boy Scouts.

Brother Ludlow telling Blake about all the great things he's going to experience in Boy Scouts.

It's just not your birthday if you don't eat cake.

Happy Birthday, Blake!!

Which Is Better?

Which is better? An unexpected day off of school? Or your birthday? Today 'The Best Boy in the World' got both!! School was canceled everywhere in North Texas because of an ice storm last night that left 1/4 inch of ice outside on every flat surface. Although the sun was shining, we spent most of the day in the low to mid thirties. Beautiful, but cold. Blake slept in. He wanted French toast for breakfast, which was fast and easy to do. Then he spent the next hour or so trying not to 'wipe out' on the ice with his new scooter. We spent a fun afternoon at Harkins Theater seeing 'Inkheart' with Brendon Frasier. It was pretty good. The best part was just having an unexpected afternoon to spend with my most favorite people on earth, my kids. Thanks Mother Nature, for providing us with a wonderful surprise day off!

Only in Texas do they cancel school on a day like today!

Check out our ice.

'The Best Boy in the World' on his 11th birthday.
This is much better than a classroom on your birthday!

We love the movies!

Grateful Sundays

"This is a wonderful time to be living here on earth. Our opportunities are limitless. While there are some things wrong in the world today, there are many things right, such as teachers who teach, ministers who minister, marriages that make it, parents who sacrifice, and friends who help."

"We can lift ourselves, and others as well, when we refuse to remain in the realm of negative thought and cultivate within our hearts an attitude of gratitude. If ingratitude be numbered among the serious sins, then gratitude takes its place among the noblest of virtues."

- Thomas S. Monson -

Another week has come and gone. Here's a few things I'm grateful for.

* Primary Music. Did you know that you can 'sing the gospel?' Every gospel truth can be taught through any simple Primary song. Today, I had the great pleasure of attending four, yes, four Primaries. In each ward, the children were learning the gospel through word and song. They were learning simple gospels truths like, "I Feel My Savior's Love." "When Jesus Christ was Baptized..." "I Think the World is Glorious..." "I'll Seek the Lord Early While In My Youth..." ...Families Can Be Together Forever..." and "I Am a Child of God." I am grateful for the simple truths taught through Primary music that stay with us the rest of our lives. Thank you.

* Report Cards. I am thankful for Report Cards. It's a wonderful way for my kids to get recognition for their hard work and study habits. It's also a gentle reminder that we can always improve. Every day is a new beginning. Thank you.

* Gray Days. I am thankful for the kind of gray, drizzly days that make you want to put a pot of soup on the stove, a fresh loaf of bread in the oven and settle down with a good book. Yesterday, was just that kind of gray day. I cleaned out both of my pantries from top to bottom. It took all day. That's okay. As I open each pantry and take a deep breath, I see the reward of a hard days work. Maybe the next gray day, I'll make that pot of soup and loaf of bread and settle down with my newest favorite book. Thanks for the gray day.

* Presidents. On Tuesday, I watched TV all day. I witnessed what reporters were calling one of the greatest things to be witnessed in our day, the peaceful transfer of power from one president to another. I have to say, I was slightly emotional as I watched President George W. Bush end his stewardship as the Leader of our Nation. As he waved to the people one last time before boarding the former Airforce One, a single tear slipped down my cheek as I silently thanked him for keeping me and my family safe for the last 7 1/2 years. We will never know the immensity that sits upon the shoulders of the President of the United States. But, I am grateful for the former President's character, values, optimism and unending service to our nation. Thank you, Mr. President.

* A Weekend with my Handsome Husband and the Kids. Nothing special. It was just great to have everyone home together this last weekend. Kellie had a friend sleep over. Sydnie did some babysitting. Mikenzie did a few hours of geneology at Sister Williams. Blake rode scooters nearly all weekend. And me? Well, besides my pantries, I enjoyed doing mostly nothing. Just enjoyed the 'noise' that a happy family makes. Thank you.

And Five of Them Were Wise...

"Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh." (Matthew 25:1-13)

Last night was the first Relief Society Home, Family and Personal Enrichment night of the year. The theme that our Relief Society presidency has chosen for 2009 is, "And Five of Them Were Wise" from the parable of the ten virgins, found in the New Testament. Christine and her presidency, Stacey, Jackie and Jill (how funny... Jackie and Jill...) did a fantastic job of planning this great event. It was a wonderful evening. The food was delicious. Beautiful fresh fruit and vegetables, delicious savory dips and crackers, wonderful meatballs, chewey chocolate chip cookies, and a spectacular chocolate fountain, complete with everything you ever thought you'd like to dip in chocolate!

Stacey and Merlaine introduced the different activity groups that will be available for us all to join. Service; serving together at the Bishop's Storehouse, Union Gospel Mission, Keller Community Storehouse or anywhere we can be of service to others in our community. Literacy; learning tips on writing our own personal or family histories, poetry, etc. Food; getting together to enjoy a new restaurant, or learning how to cook something yummy and delicious at someone's home. And, 'Let's See DFW'; going together to visit a museum, great shopping, or anywhere really interesting in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. They all sound like fun! It's always great getting together with other sisters in our ward to experience new and exciting things.

After everyone had a bite to eat, Christine introduced the theme of the year and invited me to sing a song, entitled, "When He Comes for Me." I've been working on this song for a little over a week, trying to polish it up so it would be ready. I think I've listened to the CD at least a hundred times, singing along with the vocals. Everytime I got in car alone in the last week, I'd sing along to the performance track and try to get the words down. The lyrics are beautiful. Here they are:

We are all invited to the feast.
Each of us is welcome from the greatest to the least.
We hold the invitation in our hands.
It's written in each crevice of our own lamp.
I promise I'll prepare to be there on that day.
Dancing in the glory as we celebrate.

(Chorus)
Like a lamp - the Master planned each of us with His grand design.
The oil is the light I will burn through the night as I wait for Him to come again.
There will always be enough if I run to Him to fill it up.
Drop by drop by drop. 'Til I know him perfectly, when He comes to me.

Humble hearts are waiting for the day.
Faithfully preparing for the chance to light His way.
Guardians of the vessels that will burn,
Watching for the Master to return.
Maker of the gift that only He can fill,
Keeper of the precious oil is waiting still.

And I will kiss the hands that made my lamp.
When He comes again, I will honor Him.

I'll be worthy of my King, when He comes for me.

Christine did a wonderful job of sharing her thoughts and testimony of why her presidency chose this theme this year. With hopes that we each would feel a sense of urgency to be prepared, both physically and spiritually for any challenges that might come our way. With hopes that we might be found as the wise virgins were, with enough oil to sustain us in the darkness. That we each might be found ready, when He comes again.

Christine shared with us another scripture, "Organize yourselves; prepare every needful thing; and establish a house, even a house of prayer, a house of fasting, a house of faith, a house of learning, a house of glory, a house of order, a house of God." (D&C 88:119) Her admonition to us, was to not feel overwhelmed at the thought of doing everything immediately. Just as we wouldn't suggest to our children to cram for a test, neither should we cram to be prepared. Just take one step at a time, having the desire in our heart to movie in a posative direction and then take action.

I love these women. I count myself extremely blessed to have them not only as my leaders, but also as my closest friends. I love being around them. I want to be more like them. Their laughter is contagious and the spirit around them is intoxicating. They make me want to be better and do better. They bring out the best in me. I am a better person for having them in my life. I can only hope that in some small way, I can add something to their lives because they have added so much to mine.

With the perfect 'Stacey Touch'

Death By Chocolate!


What a wonderful group of sisters.
(Fantastic Turn Out!!!)

Food, food and more food.

Getting ready to hear from our Presidency.

(Notice the tiny lamp on the box on the table.

You better have you're own oil. There truly wouldn't

be enough to share, even if we wanted to.)

Thanks for a memorable evening!!

Culinary School of Fort Worth - Week 2 - Mise en Place and Stocks

Another fun day at the Culinary School in Fort Worth...

What is mise en place, you ask? It's French for, "everything in it's place." It's a routine of getting everything ready before you start your tasks. Ultra-organizing your kitchen workspace, preparing all the ingredients, gathering your necessary tools, readying your oven or stove; just about anything that will make the process of preparing a dish easy and efficient. A good lesson to be reminded of, not just in the kitchen but in every aspect of our lives.

Today we learned all about stocks. Amazing. You know that little box or can you grab when you want to cook a soup or make a flavorful rice dish? Well, that's not really stock. It'll do in a hurry, (which is most of the time), but if you've got a free afternoon and you're just folding laundry, make your own stock. I promise it'll be better than that boxed stuff any day!

There are two kinds of stock. (No, not chicken or beef.) White Stock, made with raw, uncooked bones and vegetables and Brown Stock, made with roasted bones and roasted or sauteed vegetables. Most stocks use a mix of vegetables called mire poix, which is a mixture of 50% chopped onions, 25% chopped celery and 25% chopped carrot. Also a bouquet garni is tossed in. Classically, it is a little package of thyme, parsley, bay leaves and peppercorn, wrapped in cheesecloth (or a coffee filter) and left in the stock to impart its flavor.

Here's how to make the perfect stock. First, place either cooked or raw bones in the bottom of a large stock pot. Cover with about 1 1/2 gallons of cold water. Bring to a simmer. (Not a rolling boil, then a simmer, just a simmer.) As the water simmers, skim all the 'crud' off the top. Continue doing this until there is no more 'crud' gathering at the top. (Approximatley an hour.) You want to make sure your stock is just at a simmer instead of a rolling boil because you want to keep the stock as clear as possible. A seasoned chef is never satisfied with anything but the clearest of stocks. A simmer insures that all the 'crud' in and around the bones that didn't rise to the top, stays undisturbed. When you can't skim off any more 'crud', add your fresh or roasted mire poix and bouquet garni. Then, simmer, simmer, simmer. You know how it goes; the longer the better. Ideally, a few hours later, take your stock off the stove, carefully remove the bones and vegetables. Carefully strain your stock into a large container. You may want to strain it twice. Place your carefully strained stock in the sink, surrounded by ice. Fill up the sink with ice and let it cool. When the stock is cool. Refrigerate.

Notice there was no salt added. This is on purpose. Let's suppose you season your stock perfectly. The next day you need demi-glace, which is stock reduced by half. If we had seasoned our stock, it would be over-salted when reduced. Reducing simply concentrates the flavors that already exist. Note to self; only salt the end product of whatever you're adding stock to. It'll be perfect.

White stock - simmering.

Brown stock - large roasted veal bones coming to a simmer.


Sauteing the mire poix to add to the Brown Stock

Straining the finished stock.

Our finished stocks cooling in the sink.

This was the delicious lunch they prepared for us. Gumbo and a savory cheesey pastry thing.
I wish I knew the name of it. It was all delicious.

BONUS: Clarified Butter

What is clarified butter and what is it used for? Clarified butter is butter that is slowly melted, thereby evaporating most of the water and separating the foam of milk solids on top from the yummy golden liquid that lies underneath. Because the milk solids have been removed, clarified butter has a higher smoke point and can take higher temperatures than regular butter. (It's won't burn near as fast as regular butter.)

Clarified butter and the milk solid foam that has been removed.

We tasted the milk solid foam. It tastes very much like warm sour cream. Sour? Yes, sour. (Funny, since it came from melted butter which is not sour at all.) Our instructor is experimenting with what to do with the milk solids. She added powdered sugar to it and whipped it. It tasted very close to cream cheese frosting. Yummy!

Our finished clarified butter.


ANOTHER BONUS: French Fries

While waiting for our stocks, we practiced our knife skills. I thought I'd share how much of a potato gets put aside (well, trashed) to make the perfect batonet (Bat-0-nay) sliced potatoes.

A whole Idaho Russet
(There's not a better potato on the planet!)

A perfect batoneted potato. 1/4" x 1/4" x 2".
Everything underneath my knife is 'trash'.

Now close your eyes and picture the most beautiful, crisp, tender and perfectly salted French fries that you've ever tasted. Yep. That's what we made! I wish you could have had some! All I needed was Arctic Circle's Fry Sauce.

Next week: Major Cooking Techniques

It's in His Blood

It's not every day you find yourself on the front page of the business section of the Star-Telegram. Today, my Handsome Husband got to show the rest of the world what he is so passionate about. Helicopters. He loves those machines more than anything else on this planet except his family. He is passionate about the work that they perform. They save lives. Either on the battlefield or any given critical emergency, those machines are built to carry, lift, and fly people to safety. They truly are the workhorse of the aviation world. Think of Hurricane Katrina or the Tsumani in Indonesia without helicopters. What about the forest fires each summer in the backwoods of our nation. The helicopter takes people in and out of those dangerous situations as well as sling-loads water from any source available to save people and property. I have actually riden a helicopter out 75 or 80 miles into the Gulf of Mexico to the oil rigs. Those helicopters act like a giant bus from the shore to the rig taking people to and from their jobs across the ocean. (By the way, after spending a day on an oil rig, I vowed to never, ever complain about the price of gas again. And that was when it was $3 a gallon!) If you've ever watched 'The Guardian' with Kevin Costner, you've seen one of those amazing machines in action. And think of the last time you heard about the V-22 Osprey helicopter that takes off like a helicopter yet flies like a plane? You haven't heard much about it lately, because it's doing such a fantastic job in Iraq. It isn't making the news. (And that's a good thing!!) These machines get up and go to work each day, saving the lives of people in and out of the battlefield and anywhere else they are needed.

My Handsome Husband starting flying helicopters for the Utah National Guard when he was just a 19 year-old kid. And what they say is true; once you fly, it's in your blood. He went on to become the youngest pilot that the State of Utah had ever sent to flight school and even graduated with honors. He couldn't believe he was actually being paid to fly OH-58 Scout observer helicopters and UH-1H, (Huey) helicopters. He majored in aeronautical engineering at Arizona State Univeristy and flew AH-1S Cobra and Apache gunships for the State of Arizona. He is proud to say that he has close to 3000 hours of accident free flying.

My Handsome Husband LOVES his job. He is passionate about the product that he once flew and now sells. He has been given the opportunity to meet many wonderful people around the world that share his passion. I am so grateful that every morning when he leaves our home, he goes to work in an industry that he loves. Thank you Bell Helicopter for providing my Handsome Husband with a job that he loves!

Grateful Sundays

Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all the others. (Cicero)

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven. (Johannas A. Gaertner)

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.... It turns problems into gifts, failures into success, the unexpected into perfect timing, and mistakes into important events. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow. (Melodie Beattie)

"And in nothing doth man offend God, or against none is his wrath kindled, save those who confess not his hand in all things.. (D&C 59:21)

This year I am trying to give thanks each day for the abundance that exists in my life. Each Sunday, I'll record a few of the many things that I am grateful for. Here goes.

I'm grateful for...

* Great Visiting Teachers. I love to visit with these two special sisters who have made time in their busy day for me. I'm thankful for the spiritual messages they leave each month that always give me 'food for thought' and lets me know they love me. Thank you.

*A Wonderful Sister. I love my sister, Danae. She's seven years younger than I, but oh, so much wiser. I value her wisdom on children, the gospel and life. She makes me want to be better and do better. She makes the most menial of household tasks (like folding laundry) pass by quickly and painlessly as I chat on the phone with her for what seems like hours. Thank you.

* Wonderful and healthy parents. My mom and dad are simply the best. Even though my dad is battling a very serious eye virus that has, hopefully, just temporarily taken the sight in one eye, I am grateful for both of my parent's overall health and vitality. They go, they do, and they find joy in the service of others, whether it's a widowed neighbor or a returned soldier. For their health, for their examples to me, I am grateful. Thank you.

* Beautiful cool weather. We have had a beautiful week. Bright, blue skies; a crispness to the air; days filled with beautiful sunshine. The kids have had a glorious week of playing outside, jumping on the trampoline and riding bikes and scooters. This weather reminds us that the darkest days of winter are (probably) behind us, and that hope for the wonderful days of new birth and spring are just around the corner.

* Kind police officers. On our way to church this morning, and yes, just a little bit late, a kind police officer gave me a warning instead of a ticket. A good lesson learned for the newest driver in our family. The moral of this story is, going a few extra miles over the posted speed limit doesn't get you to your destination any faster if you have to pull over and explain to the policeman why you are not obeying the law. Thank you, kind officer.

Friday Night Date - Doc Severinson

Who doesn't remember watching Johnny Carson after the news when they were a kid? I used to curl up on the couch with a big, tall glass of chocolate milk and watch Johnny, Ed, and Doc, the flamboyantly dressed trumped player who was also director of 'The Tonight Show Band'. Now we have Jay, Dave, Conan, and a few others, but nobody will ever replace Johnny.

Last night, my Handsome Husband took me to the Bass Hall to see Doc Severinsen and the quartet El Ritmo de la Vida (which means The Rhythm of Life), accompanied by the Fort Worth Symphony.

First, let me say, we were the 'youngsters' in the crowd. Many 'seasoned couples' came to enjoy this evening as well. Other than the gray hair on Doc's head, you'd think he hadn't aged a day since leaving Johnny's stage.

We enjoyed every note, from the first to the last. According to the Star Telegram this morning, "The program could be broadly called Latin jazz, made up of beguiling ventures into traditional Mexican music, Argentine tango, Spanish flamenco and gypso jazz." I couldn't believe the talent in these amazing musicians. The guitarist's fingers moved so quickly you literally couldn't even see them. The violinist didn't look at a note of music all evening. The bass player added the unbelievably beautiful bass tones that added the perfect finish. The percussionist was...unbelievable! And Doc, well, at 81 he is still probably one of the most accomplished trumpet players on the planet.

I love music. Really good music. "Music is what feelings sound like." "Music is love in search of a word." As I sat there last night listening to these Latin musicians, I was aware that music is a gift given to each of us, whether we play an instrument or not. It is a way that God has given us to understand one another, regardless of the language that we speak. With music, we bypass the spoken word and literally speak directly to one another's soul. I am thankful that last night I was able to understand every 'word'. Thanks to the Music.

The program.

Doc Severinson and his 'crazy' Latin outfit.

(He still looks good!)

Doc, the Band and the Orchestra receiving

a standing ovation.

I'm always grateful for an evening with my Handsome Husband.

Kellie's American Girl Mystery Party

What do you do when your American Girl asks to host an American Girl Mystery Party? You wait until the excitement of the holidays are over and then you say, "Kellie, that sounds like fun! Let's do it!" So, today, seven adorable little American Girls came over with their dolls and we hosted "Samantha's Mystery".

Each girl came dressed as the character assigned to them in their invitation. They each did such a great job reading their script and acting out their parts. It was so much fun to find out by way of clues, a secret code and a treasure hunt why Gertrude, the maid, was always so grumpy and bitter. And why Violet, who was an orphan, always wore a beautiful locket with a picture of the man she always thought was her father.

Who would have guessed that Violet was Gertrude's long, lost daughter, Pearl who she assumed had died in a shipwreck in 1896 that nearly took her own life. And that the man inside of Violet's locket was also Gertrude's dearly beloved (but deceased) husband. What a fun afternoon! These adorable little girls are absolutely the sweetest!

After solving the mystery, we enjoyed mini cupcakes, fancy punch and real ice cream sundaes complete with a cherry on top. The girls then had a grand time playing a simple game of BINGO.

This afternoon reminded me that what kids want most is simply our time. And sometimes, nothing can substitute for good old-fashioned fun. It was great feeling like a kid again.

The girls' American Girls.

"We're ready to solve the mystery!"


Solving the mystery in the 'drawing room'.


Back to the 'dining room' (The cookies are part of the mystery.)

We solved it! Now for some cupcakes and punch!

Kellie's ice cream sundae.

Time for BINGO. Maddie is the best BINGO caller.

" When, oh when will I get a BINGO?"

"We're all so close!"

"Thanks for coming to my party!" favors.

(American Girl Magazines for the American Girls)

Culinary School of Fort Worth - Week 1 - Knife Skills

What a fun day! Today was my first 'real' class at the Culinary School of Fort Worth. It was actually fun getting ready early this morning, dressing in my uniform, packing my book bag and driving unrushed into Fort Worth on a beautiful, crisp morning. There are seven other students in my class. I am looking forward to getting to know them better.

We spent the first part of the morning discussing sanitation and food safety. Did you know the danger zone for food is between 40 and 140 degrees? Or that food needs to be reheated to at least 165 to be safe? Most things not heated to at least 140 degrees might lead to a food bourne illness? Moral of the story: Be careful of cross-contamination, keep cold things cold and hot things hot. (Oh, and wash, Wash, WASH your hands!!)

The rest of the day was spent learning knife skills. We were each given a gorgeous set of Wusthof knives; a 3"paring, a 6" boning, an 8" chef and a 7" off-set handled bread knife. SHARP!!! (But, oh man, did they cut good!!!) We learned the correct way to hold a knife. You know how you point your index finger down the knife? Don't do that! All the fingers are wrapped around the handle of the knife. Your other hand is cupped like a claw and you use your knuckes as a guide. And just like there is follow-through in tennis, you follow-through with a cut on the board with a slight slide forward. We practiced our knife skills on a potato, carrot, celery and finally an onion. We learned how to julienne (1/8" x 1/8" x 2") , small dice (1/4" cube), battonet (1/4" x 1/4" x 2") and brunoise (1/8" cube) these vegetables.

I couldn't get over the waste that occurs in a professional kitchen. They kept reminding us that 50 pounds of potatoes only cost them $11, so it was okay to waste half the potato making a perfect rectangle. (Okay, if you say so...) My task this week is to buy 5 pounds of potatoes, carrots and onions and practice my knife skills? Can you say "Vegetable Soup"?

Next Week: Mise en Place and Stock

Our small diced potatoes, sliced celery, and julienned carrots

It was time to take a break and my classmate Brandon and I stayed and finished julienning our carrots because I didn't want them to go in the trash.

The White Board with the terms and dimensions.

My new friend and classmate, Monica, helping herself to the lunch they had prepared for us. It was fabulous French onion soup, melted Parmesan cheese on toasted baguette and fresh fruit. Yummy!

(Don't laugh at the hat!) My new friends, Robin, Bella and Monica.

2nd Annual Primary President's Breakfast

I am grateful for the opportunity to serve. It doesn't matter where. It doesn't matter when. I am thankful the Lord has enough faith in me, as imperfect as I am, to love me enough to give me opportunities to serve Him in various capacities throughout my life. I am honored to serve currently as the Colleyville, Texas Stake Primary President. Believe me, I am learning more from the wonderful sisters serving in the Primaries in the 12 wards throughout our stake than I am sure they are learning from me. The sisters with whom I serve and have served with are as wonderful as they come; Tracy, Laura, Alene and Christine. I have learned so much from each of them. They each have special qualities that I hope to develop more fully within myself. I love each of them and am thankful for their willingness to serve alongside of me.

On the 2nd Saturday of each new year, I host a breakfast for the 12 Primary presidents in my home. It is such a wonderful opportunity to visit intimately yet casually with each of these special women. It provides a chance for them to visit and share with one another. They are each unique and different in their own special ways, yet the task set before them is the same, to "Teach children the gospel of Jesus Christ and help them learn to live it." We learned, we shared, we felt the Spirit as we spoke of the sacred calling that is ours; to teach and love the special children of God entrusted to our care in this season of our lives.

I enjoyed preparing this occasion for these special sisters. Here's a look...

Names tags ready for the arriving guests.

A beautiful table.

Yummy vanilla yogurt parfaits.
A simple table favor entitled "Bloom Where You are Planted."

The first and last verse reads:
Our children are a gift from God
Trusted to our care;
We teach eternal gospel truths
And our testimonies share.

You are the gardner in their early season
A gift that's freely granted;
Primary is your garden home -
Blooom where you are planted.

(We enjoyed delicious croissant egg-custard cups, blueberry muffins, mini-cinnamon rolls, croissants, yummy fresh fruit and various juices.)

After viewing the video "Teach the Child" and sharing my testimony of this work, I presented these sisters with this picture of the Dallas, Texas temple and the 2009 Primary theme, My Eternal Family. It is our deepest desire that each and every Primary child be part of an Eternal Family.

It was a wonderful and successful morning. I loved it! I hope all of these special sisters did too!

Move Over Martha

Okay, I admit it. I am a closet "Foodie". I think the employees at Central Market know me by name. It's where I choose to 'kill time' or get an instant 'pick-me-up'. I love looking at the beautiful fruits and vegetables and wonder what I could make with them. I love to meander past the incredible fish and meat counters and anticipate the smell of crisp Applewood smoked bacon, or the taste of a perfectly grilled New York strip steak. And who would have thought that chicken could taste so different when it is organic and air-chilled? Their bakery is truly a carbohydrate addict's worst nightmare! The beautiful breads and pastries remind me of being in Paris, where you can make an unforgetable meal out of a simple, fresh baquette and beautiful hunk of cheese.

I cannot leave any grocery store without buying one of the latest cooking magazines. (Don't ask me why I just don't subscribe to them?) And I count down the days when a new cookbook is due out from one of my favorite TV chefs (Ina, Giada and yes, Martha just to name a few). I live vicariously through these talented chefs. I admire them for pursuing their personal passion and sharing it with all of us. They look like they are having fun doing what they love to do.

Here are a few quotes from one of my new favorite entertaining books - The Gathering of Friends: "When someone comes to your home and sits at your table and breaks bread with you, your relationship is forever changed." "To women everywhere who are part of this grand sisterhood, who derive great pleasure from hearth and home, there is something wonderful about carefully preparing and sharing a meal with another." "Food is a love language." I believe this. Think of the last time you shared a delicious, memorable Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner with your loved ones. You know that a beautiful homemade birthday cake always tastes better than a store bought one. Remember the last time a neighbor or your sweet Visiting Teachers came by with their special Raspberry Bars or Snickerdoodles? Or a faithful Home Teacher dropped by with his coveted homemade toffee because he was just thinking about you? Think about the feelings of gratitude that overwhelmed you when that first, delicious, homemade meal was delivered after the birth of your last baby? Or how honored you were to serve and share a special meal with the missionaries. You know there was a thankful mother somewhere in the world grateful for your willingness to feed her son while he is on the Lord's errand. Who can forget the intoxicating smell of your mother's freshly baked homemade bread as you walked into the house from a long day at school? Yes, food truly is a love language. It has the ability to help us make special memories. It also has a way of helping us recall fond memories from our past.

One of my personal goals is to become a really good cook and share this language of love with those whom I love and adore. I would also like to be a better entertainer and table-scaper (is that a word?) So instead of just wishing, I actually enrolled in a 14 week course at the Culinary Institute of Fort Worth. Tonight was our orientation. After doing some last minute paper work, we took a tour of the facility; the pantry, freezer, work areas, ovens, stoves, dish and utensil areas and dining rooms. We tried on our new uniform and received our textbooks. I am so excited! (and a little nervous). This is not just your average cooking class. This is FOR REAL! Homework, required labs (Sunday brunch, special events etc.), uniforms, knife kits - the works!

I want to thank my handsome husband for always supporting my dreams. I'm excited to share this Language of Love not only with him, but all of you!

A real chef's coat, chef pants, and textbooks.

The Culinary School of Fort Worth, located on Camp Bowie Boulevard above the La Madelaine restaurant. (I promise, they're not offiliated with the Papparotti's Wine Room.)

The door the culinary students enter. (Not the main entrance.)