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.)

Celine Dion

Last night Bob and I went to the Celine Dion concert with some of Bob's colleagues. Although I always love going to the American Airlines Center to see great talent, I was torn between enjoying the incredible voice of Celine or watching the first night of The Bachelor. (Doesn't Jason deserve to find true love? Deanna totally missed that boat!) I tilted toward a night in front of the 'tube' when Sydnie came down with a nasty stomach bug. But, after a little contemplating, I decided I couldn't miss out on this concert or a nice night out with my handsome husband. WOW, was I glad I didn't miss it! There are few voices in the world that you know are just raw, God given talent. Celine's is one of them. She didn't hold back one bit. She hit every high note. Her passion for her music is palpable. And to say she is drop-dead gorgeous would be an understatement. (Let's hear it for the forty-somethings!) This night reminded me how important it is to cultivate our talents. We are each given our own God given gifts and talents. It is our opportunity to discover them and then share them with others. Thanks, Celine for sharing your gift and talent with all of us.