Elton John, Billy Joel

So this weekend TY and I were able to go to the Elton John Billy Joel concert.  Two icons together on stage.  While I was a little disappointed to find our seats were the second to back row about a mile up, they were free so one can't complain.  It was a cool concert.  Well, I'm assuming it really was Elton John and Billy Joel down there and not some other random people, as I couldn't really tell.  I'll take their word for it.  Actually, Billy was funny and liked to chat a lot...memories of Salt Lake and wanting to "mess up" Marie Osmond back in the day as she was far too clean.  Elton had nothing to say.  TY noticed that they both looked very stiff.  They are getting up in years.  "Rocket Man" brought down the house.  Cool.

Longing

I am having longing feelings for farm life.  It might be because I watched Charlotte's Web with MissL.  I love my little spot where we are, but have been wondering if I don't need more room for chickens, a large garden, raspberry bushes and a greenhouse.  I also am feeling the need for cozy quilts strewn every where and maybe an old fashioned blue fridge.  TY would be so disappointed in me.  I may take on the project of designing a "modern farmhouse".  Something that would suit us both.  It could be interesting.  Or more realistically maybe I'll just pull out some of the grass in the back yard and put in more garden.  I have been saving that spot for playing catch and a little football.  However, my children seem to have an aversion to the back yard.  They are always out front.  I might as well use it.

Homemade Luge

We all are inspired by the Olympics, but actually this wasn't.  A few days  before the Olympics started, Gman and his friend came in, got paper and pens and started putting down a plan.  They designed a luge track.  Then, they shoveled.  For about 4 hours the first day.  Then about four hours the second day.  We have mountains of snow in our front yard, so there was a lot to work with.  One friend was overheard saying, "Everytime you add snow up top, we have to make adjustments down here." This was quite the undertaking.  I love when boys get constructive rather than destructive.  Love it!!! I am so frustrated I didn't get a picture though.  It's pretty much melted out now.  This is what remains of the luge.

New Beginnings

This little goodie is left over from our New Beginnings night in Young Womens.  Perfect timing for Valentines day no?  While on the subject, I listened to these girls sing "Be strong" which was so touching, Some of the lyrics:  "If in the noise that's all around, you can't hear the Spirit's voice, be strong, be strong.  And when you stand for something right and stand alone, remember someone else stands by you in our heavenly home.  Be strong and of good courage.  Be not afraid.  Stand firm."  and watched our General YW President's message to girls around the world.  Relating the young women to Queen Esther, "And who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"  It was stirring.  I am very grateful to be a woman, very grateful,  and to have the knowledge that I do about our Heavenly Father's plan for us.  I find these things so empowering.

Tricks

LittleC just out of the blue started doing yoga tricks. I laugh that he put his arms straight out like he's making a show of it. He was very proud and we were all impressed and entertained.

I'm Published!

Happy early Valentine's to me. TY was insistent that I get this blog in a book. I figured I wanted to do it eventually, but we all know what eventually means. He wanted it done up until the new year so we could have one per year (even though this includes a few months of 2008 as well). He downloaded the software for me, got me started formatting the photos and text so it all fit just right. I was very touched that he wanted it in print, as I often wonder if any one besides my mother and best friend even read my blog. But looking through these old posts reminds me of all the neat things we did as a family, gives a glimpse of what's really in my head with random thoughts and things that make me happy, and makes me feel so so grateful for a beautiful, family and a full life. It is a really good snap shot into our family history. So, thank you sweet heart for making this happen.

Emma and Mr Knightly

I LOVED LOVED LOVED Jane Austen's "Emma" when I read it a couple years ago. I have been meaning to watch the movie with Gwenyth Paltrow ever since. I just haven't. But my favorite, Masterpiece Classics, has recently played a new version with Romola Garai (you will recognize her from Amazing Grace) as Emma and Johnny Lee Miller as the dashing Mr Knightly. Sorry, it's over, but maybe you can order it online. So good! Now I will have to see how it compares to Gwenyth.

Carnival

MissC's French class had a "Carnival"/"Hundred Days" party. They have a hard time keeping the immersion during these parties because so few of the parents are French speakers. So I signed Grandpa Jim up. He drove up so he could help 28 First Graders fabrique les masques en Francais. It was so cute. I love that he would do that. It's not like he just lives down the road. And 1st grade is a lot different than high school, what he's used to. But he's an amazing grandpere. We are very lucky to have such great support, especially in this venture.

8 Grains

I am so excited about this. My friend recommended using her 8 grain flour combination for waffles, muffins, pancakes, cornbread, etc. I am still pretty much a "marshmallow" girl. Meaning I use white flour and refined sugar for all my baking. She and her family love the taste of this multigrain flour and I need not mention the added nutritional benefits I'm sure. So, I have been meaning to buy a grain mill for some time. I do have quite a bit of wheat stored that I have no hope of ever being able to use without one. So, yesterday I got a "Wondermill". It's the quietest, fastest, cleanest on the market. And, I was able to buy a refurbished one for quite a bit cheaper and still get the 6 year warranty as if I had bought it brand new. I also bought the grains and of course I needed containers. So a significant investment, but I was able to get all that for about the same price as I thought I would spend on the mill. I haven't tried it out yet, I'm still just enjoying how pretty they all look in their containers. Is that weird?

Thank You & Congratulations

Thanks to those who voted for Kenzie. Beth's fabulous photo won hands down. She deserved to. So happy day for her, she won a Modernica Rocker, and the satisfaction of "winning" something with your talent. Cool.

Finale!

Kenzie made it through to the finale which is today. You have until 10:00 tonight to vote. She totally deserves to win so let's give her the votes. Thanks everyone! Click HERE.